Learn which kind of mental health provider can help you, how to find the right therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist, and questions to ask the doctor or therapist before you say "yes."

How to find a therapist or psychiatrist who suits your needs

Seeking mental health treatment can be a big decision. But acknowledging your need for treatment is only the first step. You must also find a doctor or therapist to see.

If you've never consulted a mental health provider before, you may not know where to begin. Here's how to find a mental health provider, along with questions and issues to consider as you decide whether a particular provider suits your style and needs.

Which type of mental health provider is right for you?

You may not realize just how many types of mental health providers are available until you start looking for one. Should you see a family practice doctor? A psychiatrist? Psychologist? Social worker? Does it matter?

Several considerations can help guide your decision:

• The severity of your symptoms
• Your medication needs
• The provider's level of competence and expertise
• Your health insurance coverage

If your symptoms are severe and you may need medication to control them, you may want to first consult a psychiatrist, who can prescribe medications. Although your family doctor can also prescribe medications, a psychiatrist may be more familiar with the wide range of psychiatric medications, how to use them in combination, and how to manage their side effects.

If you're facing conflicts with your teenagers or your marriage is rocky, you may instead want to consult a marriage and family therapist. Or you may want to see both a psychologist to talk about your problems and a psychiatrist to manage your medications.

On the other hand, you may not have a choice. Your health insurance may dictate who you can visit. Your insurance company or Medicare or Medicaid can tell you what types of mental health providers it provides coverage for and what your benefit limits are, such as how many visits you're allowed. Some insurance plans, for instance, authorize more visits to a nurse, social worker or psychologist than to a psychiatrist, whose fees are usually higher.

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