How To Find a Good Medical Mental Health Counselor

Introduction

Being in need of mental health services and unsure where to find help can be scary and frustrating. It is important to know that there is help available to you in your community. If you are unsure how to find a medical mental health counselor consider trying one of the steps below.

Step 1

Ask your Doctor: If you feel you could benefit from a medical mental health counselor, talk with your doctor and ask for a referral. You doctor may give you a mental health evaluation to determine if they feel you are in need of further professional health. Your doctor will then recommend a mental health counselor that he or she feels you can benefit the most from. Many medical mental health counselors will require a referral from a doctor before they will accept a new patient. If you doctor will not give you a referral, consider seeing a different doctor or visiting a local mental health clinic for more help.

Step 2

Check your local College: College offer medical mental health counselors to their students and faculty. If you attend college, check with your campus health department to make arrangements to see a medical mental counselor. Even if you do not attend college, the college may be able to assist you with your mental health needs. Some college offer low cost mental health services to members of the community. If you are near a school that offers medical health majors, they may offer to let a mental health student evaluate you for free or a discounted rate.

Step 3

Search your Phonebook: Search your phonebook for a medical mental health counselor in your area. If you do not have a preference or are desperate for help, begin by calling the medical mental health counselor offices in your area and ask any questions you may have. Some doctors offices may also provide mental health services and have counselors available, so it is important to contact them as well. When you talk with an office employee, be sure to discuss payments and the types of insurance accepted. Inform them of the types of mental health services you are in need of and let the employee know if you have a referral from a doctor. When you have found the medical mental health counselor you wish to talk with, make an appointment.

Step 4

Ask you Insurance Company: Your insurance company can provide you with a list of medical mental health counselor offices that are covered by your insurance company. You can contact each office or counselor on the list and ask any questions you may have about their available mental health services. When you are ready to make an appointment, do so by calling the office and choosing a the day and time that works best for you. Confirm that the office does accept your insurance before making your appointment.

Step 5

Contact your Local Board of Mental Health: If you have a mental health board in your community, contact a member or attend a meeting to get the most up-to-date and accurate information on the mental health services and medical mental health counselors in your area. If you are not comfortable asking questions in front of the board members, simply approach one and ask for information on the mental health facilities in your area.

Tips

Dont be afraid to ask questions.

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