Whatever the reason, you realized that you need mental health treatment. Admitting the need for mental health treatment to yourself is the first step towards better mental health. It’s a difficult step to make, and now it’s time to seek mental health treatment. How do you go about that? Whether you’re seeking mental health treatment in Minnesota or any other city, here are some tips.
Ask Your Primary Care Doctor
Your primary care doctor, or someone in their practice, most likely knows a few of the mental health professionals in town. They may be able to give you a recommendation or referral for a specific practice or counselor. It’s also a good idea to keep them informed on any new medical treatment you’re seeking out.
Check Your Insurance
Mental health treatment is not cheap. Your insurance provider’s website should be able to list the practices in your area that accept your insurance. If you don’t have insurance or it doesn’t cover mental health, research any benefits you may have that cover appointments. You could also try contacting practices to ask about any special payment programs they may have.
Timing
If you have a specific practice in mind that is small, it might take a while to get an intake appointment. If you want to be seen sooner, ask around to find the practice that can get you in the soonest. If you have a condition that needs immediate treatment, such as suicidal thoughts, go to a hospital for immediate treatment.
Intake Consultation
Mental health providers typically schedule an intake appointment or consultation at which they can get to know you and your experiences with mental health. Be honest with your mental health history, including family history, and what you’re feeling now. See how you feel with the counselor at this first session. Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do you feel safe? Are they listening? If you don’t feel comfortable with your counselor, for whatever reason, you may need to schedule an appointment with a new one.
If you need mental health treatment in Minnesota, contact Options Family & Behavior Services, Inc. Find them online at www.optionsfamily.com.
