Finding a mental health provider

Finding a mental health provider takes some legwork. If it seems like more time and energy than you can muster — especially if you’re facing depression or another serious mental illness — consider enlisting help from your primary care doctor, family or friends.

Here are some ways to find mental health providers:

• Seek a referral or recommendation from your other health care providers, such as a family doctor, gynecologist or pediatrician.
• Ask trusted friends, family or clergy.
• Check phone book listings under such categories as community service numbers, counselors, physicians, psychologists or social services organizations.
• Ask your health insurance company for a list of providers.
• Ask your company’s employee assistance program for a referral.
• Contact a local or national mental health organization or medical society.
• Use a referral service from a national professional association for doctors or therapists.

Don’t discount your personal preferences

Your legwork doesn’t stop with the referral. Before scheduling your first appointment, think about whether you have preferences or needs regarding:

• Gender
• Age
• Religion
• Language
• Cultural background

Don’t feel bad about ruling out someone based on these criteria. Your comfort level is important since you may be establishing a long-term relationship. Even tone of voice or appearance may matter to you. Although you usually won’t know how a mental health provider looks ahead of time, some clinics, organizations or associations post pictures and biographies online.

Used by permission of Mayo Clinic website