How to Find Help
What should I look for when selecting a mental health professional?
Finding a mental health professional is an important decision. The right match can make all the difference in the success of treatment. Consider both the practical aspects of obtaining care and the way you feel when you interact with the person.
Practical Matters
Make sure the therapist has experience helping people with problems similar to yours. One therapist may be more experienced in marriage and family therapy, while another may be skilled in treating substance abuse. While some therapists feel most comfortable working with adults, others may have more experience working with children or adolescents.
Find out more about a provider by searching online or calling the provider’s office.
What are the provider’s areas of specialty?
What is the primary focus of their practice? Do they work with children, teens or adults?
Do they offer a sliding-scale fee based on income?
Are they in-network with your health insurance?
Make sure to verify that your specific type of CHIP, Medicaid, or Medicare insurance plan is accepted by the provider before making an appointment.
What is the out-of-pocket cost? Will you need to pay in person or online? What forms of payment are accepted (credit cards, cash, checks)?
Credentials
What is their educational background?
Wondering what the letters mean at the end of the provider’s name? Ask them directly or check out the different types of mental health providers on our Education page.
Are they board-certified (for psychiatrists) or licensed (for therapists)?
How many years have they been in practice?
Personal Preference
Based on your life experience, certain traits might help you feel more comfortable with a mental health professional. If these traits matter, use those preferences to narrow your search. Think about whether you would prefer to see someone who:
is of a certain gender
is older or younger
shares your religious, racial, or cultural background
has a style that is more formal or more casual
Choose a professional based on their qualifications and skills, but also consider whether you would feel comfortable working together to achieve your goals. The professional’s personality and the connection you feel are important pieces of your treatment experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
+ I called a provider’s office that I think would be a good fit for me, but based on my situation they recommended that I make an appointment with one of their interns. Can an intern really help me?
Interns are trained individuals who have earned a master’s degree from college and are qualified to provide counseling services under the guidance of a fully licensed mental health professional. Most interns are required to meet with their supervisor a minimum of four hours per month to discuss cases, counseling techniques, and ensure they are providing quality care to their clients.
While interns may not have as many years of professional counseling experience under their belts, they are usually eager to help their clients and are great at collaborating with other staff members in regard to using the most current treatment options and techniques.
When considering your personal situation, an intern can be a great fit if:
- you are looking for a lower cost per session
- you are interested in a therapist who is open to new ideas and techniques, and who will implement feedback from their more experienced peers and supervisor
- they are a match for other personal preferences such as gender, racial/ethnic background, or language spoken.
+ My budget is tight and I’m not sure I can afford to pay a professional right now. Are there options for financial assistance or free services?
There are options available if you are looking for mental health services that are free or low cost.
If you work for a larger company that provides health benefits, check with your Human Resources representative to see if there is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available. EAPs are worksite-based programs. EAP benefits for employees (and usually their families) often include mental health-related services. Its common for EAP benefits to include four to six free counseling sessions.
Also, there are government programs that help individuals without insurance or financial resources to access needed mental health services, such as a psychiatrist for medication management or a therapist for counseling.
Additionally, the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line can offer provider options tailored to your specific needs and your budget.
+ I have insurance through my employer, but I’ve never used it for mental health services before. How can I find out what benefits are covered?
Your health insurance card should have a phone number listed on the back–it may be listed as member services, customer service, or behavioral health. When calling your insurance provider, let them know you are interested in making an appointment with a mental health provider but want to know what services are covered.
- Is there a co-pay for each appointment? If so, how much is it?
- Do you have a deductible you need to meet?
- Will prescriptions for mental health be covered?
+ I have insurance through my employer, but I’m afraid if I use my insurance for mental health services, my boss will find out. Do I have to use my insurance?
The simple answer is no. Most providers will allow you to pay for services without using insurance. It’s important to call and ask your provider’s office about fees and payment before scheduling an appointment.
We also understand that there is still stigma surrounding mental health conditions and individuals may be hesitant to seek care because they don’t want their employers to find out. There are federal privacy laws that protect your medical and mental health information. Just as your doctor or therapist cannot share any information about you without your consent, your insurance provider cannot share any information with your boss or employer about services you’ve received.
Thinking of reaching out to a mental health professional but still have some concerns? Call the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line and speak with a trained navigator who can answer your questions and make sure you have the information you need to make the best decisions. All our navigators have personal experience with mental health and addiction, so they know that taking the first step in your journey toward mental wellness is a brave one. Call us at 972-525-8181, Monday through Friday, 10am – 6pm. We are here to help.
