Choosing a Mental Health Provider

Author
Jun 12
2 min read

Updated: Jul 1

Choosing the right mental health provider is a big step — and the right fit can make a huge difference in your recovery, progress, and how supported you feel. Here's a clear guide to help you make a good decision:

✅ 1. Know What Kind of Help You Need

Different professionals focus on different things:

Type of Provider	What They Do
Psychiatrist (MD/DO)	Can prescribe medications and treat complex mental illness (depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc.)
Psychologist (PhD/PsyD)	Provides talk therapy, testing, and deep therapy work
Therapist/Counselor (LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, etc.)	Offers regular talk therapy, coping tools, and emotional support
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)	Can prescribe meds, do assessments, and provide therapy in some settings
Addiction Specialist	Focuses on recovery from substance use disorders; may offer MAT like Suboxone or therapy

🧠 2. Consider Your Main Concerns

Ask yourself:

Do I need therapy, medication, or both?
Am I dealing with addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, or something else?
Do I want faith-based, LGBTQ-affirming, trauma-informed, or culturally aware care?

Knowing this helps narrow your search to providers with the right expertise.

📝 3. Check These Key Things Before Choosing

✅ What to Check	Why It Matters
Credentials & Licensure	Ensure they're licensed (LCSW, LCPC, MD, etc.) in your state
Specialties	Look for experience with your issue (e.g. PTSD, addiction, mood disorders)
Insurance Accepted	Saves you major costs — ask if they take Medicaid or your private plan
Availability	Do they have openings? Do their hours match your schedule?
Treatment Approach	Some use CBT, trauma therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, etc. Ask if their style fits what you’re open to
Personality Fit	You may need to try 1–2 to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to — that’s normal!

📞 4. What to Ask When You Call

“Hi, I’m looking for a mental health provider. I’m struggling with [depression/anxiety/drug use, etc.]. Do you have experience working with that?”“Do you accept [my insurance] or offer sliding scale options?”“What does the first session look like?”“Do you provide telehealth or in-person sessions?”