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Finding Mental Healthcare
Author: Dr. Vrolijk | Updated: August 23, 2025 | Disclaimer | Review Process | References
Just like other parts of the body, mental health has its own specialists. It can be hard to figure out where to start or who to see. That’s why this page breaks it down. You’ll find where to start, what each type of specialist does, and ways to deal with cost.
Need Help Right Now? Call 988 for suicide/crisis support or 911 for emergencies. Visit our Getting Help for a Mental Health Crisis page for more options and information.
Where to Start - Your Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider can be a great place to start. They can help you find the care you need. And they can treat some conditions like depression.
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How They Can Help
- Prescribe medicine for health conditions like anxiety or depression
- Connect you with mental health specialists
- Order tests to check for other health problems
- Create a care plan that works for you
✷ Some primary care offices have therapists who can see you for a a couple months
What Is Helpful to Share
- How long you’ve felt this way or experienced these symptoms
- How it affects your life (sleep, work, relationships, etc.)
- Any big life changes or stressors
- If you’ve tried anything that’s helped
Where to Find a Mental Health Provider
Where to Look
- Ask friends and family if you feel comfortable
- Look at your insurance company’s website for covered providers in your area
- Search online [your city] + “therapist,” “counselor,” or “mental health services”
- Telehealth platforms offer online therapy services that connect you with licensed providers
- Community mental health centers may provide services regardless of ability to pay
- University training clinics have supervised students who provide care at lower cost
- Contact a help line like the NAMI HelpLine
- Call 1-800-950-NAMI
- Text NAMI to 62640
Questions to Consider Asking
- Do you accept my insurance?
- Are you accepting new patients?
- What is your earliest available appointment?
- Do you offer in-person sessions, telehealth, or both?
✷ Don’t worry if someone isn’t able to see you. They may be able to recommend someone.
What Each Provider Does
Quick Comparison
For Medication:
Primary care provider
Psychiatrist
Psychiatric nurse practitioner
For Therapy:
Psychiatrist (Sometimes)
Psychologist
Licensed clinical social worker
Therapist or counselor
Psychiatric nurse practitioner (sometimes)
Primary Care Provider
What They Do
- Checks your symptoms for other causes
- Can give medicine for common mental health problems
- Can suggest other doctors who know more about mental health
Benefits
- Already know about your health history
- Often can see you sooner than specialists
- Can help with both mental and physical health
- Insurance often covers visits with lower costs
Limitations
- Usually have short appointment times
- Less training in mental health problems
- Don’t provide therapy
- Focus on prescribing medicine
Psychiatrist
Doctors (MD/DO) with mental health training. This means after undergrad they trained:
- Medical school: 4 years
- Residency: 4 years
- Some have completed fellowship: 1-2 years
What They Do
- Figure out what mental health problem you have
- Prescribe medicines and make sure they’re working
- Some provide therapy
Benefits
- Best at handling more than one medicine
- Understand how mental health medications affect you
- Medical training means they understand other health problems
Limitations
- May have longer wait times for appointments
- Some focus on medication rather than therapy
Psychologist
Mental health professionals who have trained (after undergrad)
- PsyD & PhD: 4-6 years
- MA: Usually 2 years
What They Do
- Provide therapy
- Cannot prescribe medication in most states
- Can do some tests to figure out what’s wrong
Benefits
- Lots of training in therapeutic techniques (if they have a PsyD or PhD. Less if they have a MA)
- Can provide psychological testing
Limitations
- Cannot prescribe medication (except in a few states)
- May cost more than master’s level therapists
- Might have longer wait times at first
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
What They Do
- Provide therapy
- Look at how your life situation affects your mental health
- Connect you with community resources and support
- Can help with advocacy
Benefits
- Take a “whole person” approach that looks at mental health and life situations
- Help you take active steps to solve problems, not just talk about them
- Can cost less than psychiatrists or psychologists
- Many accept insurance
Limitations
- Cannot prescribe medicine
- May focus more on practical help than deep psychological analysis
- Availability can vary depending on where you live
Therapist
Usually therapists/counselors have a masters degree (2 years). Training after the master’s degree is different depending on the state.
What They Do
- Provide therapy
- Help develop coping skills and strategies
- Cannot prescribe medication
Benefits
- Focus on real-life skills and emotional support
- Can cost less than psychiatrists or psychologists
- Many accept insurance
- May be easier to get an appointment
Limitations
- Cannot prescribe medicines
- May have less training for some mental health problems
- Different therapists may use different types of therapy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
There are many training paths to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Training can include being a nurse first or a direct entry program. Mental health training can be 1-4 years.
What They Do
- Diagnose mental health problems
- Can prescribe medication in most states
- Some provide therapy
Benefits
- Can have more time with patients than psychiatrists
- Can provide both medication management and therapy
- May be easier to get an appointment with than psychiatrists
Limitations
- Less training than psychiatrists
- Less knowledge about other health problems than doctors
- Rules about prescribing medicine is different depending on the state
Dealing with Cost
Cost is a common concern with getting mental healthcare. There are ways to find the care you need at a price you can afford. Be honest about your budget. Providers want to help and may have options you don’t know about.
Low Cost Options
- Sliding scale fees – some therapists offer reduced rates based on income
- Community mental health centers – federally funded centers offer affordable care
- University training clinics – graduate students provide supervised therapy at lower cost
- Group therapy – typically costs less than individual sessions
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) – many employers offer 3-8 free sessions
- Telehealth services – sometimes more affordable
Financial Assistance
- Patient assistance programs for medications
- Nonprofit organizations that offer free/low-cost care
- Hospital charity care programs
- Local and state mental health programs
- Call 211 to learn about resources in your area
Using Insurance
- Call the practitioner and ask what insurances they take
- Check your plan (either online or by phone):
- Which providers are “in-network”
- Number of sessions covered
- Your copay and deductible amount
Quick Answers
What if I don't like someone I see?
This happens to many people. It’s okay to try someone new. You’re not being rude.
Most mental health providers expect this. They can often help you find someone who might work better for you.
You can either tell them and ask for help finding someone new. Or you can just tell them you want to see someone new. And make an appointment with someone else.
How do I know what provider type to see?
You don’t need to figure this out alone. Start with whoever feels easiest to contact. This might be:
- Your regular doctor
- A therapist someone recommended
- A community health center
They can help you understand what’s happening and what kind of care might help.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
Wait times are different everywhere. The only way to know is to call and ask.
If wait times are too long:
- Ask them to recommend other places
- Put yourself on multiple wait lists
- Try your regular doctor first – they can often help you get started
Shorter wait times: Some private practice providers have shorter waits. They might not take insurance. But many offer lower rates based on what you can afford. It’s worth asking.”
What if I don't know what to say during my appointment?
Mental health providers know how to guide the conversation. You can tell them you’re not sure what to say. They’ll ask questions to help.
Even saying ‘I don’t know’ gives them helpful information.
Can I do therapy online?
Yes. Online therapy can work just as well as meeting in person. It can be easier and more comfortable for some people.
You need:
- Internet connection
- Private place to talk
- Device with camera
Things to know:
- Some people feel less connected to their therapist online
- Many providers offer both options
- You can try both to see what works better
- Your needs might change over time
How do I find a therapist who has experiences like me?
Not all mental health providers have training in working with people from all communities. You can ask about their experience. It’s reasonable to want someone who knows something about people like you. Asking can also help you learn about their knowledge of bias and barriers in medicine.
- Check their website: Many therapists have a website or their clinic has a website. You can look for keywords like LGBTQ, diversity, etc.
- Email/call them: You can say or write an email with something like: “Can you tell me about your experience working with patients who are [transgender/have chronic disease/are Muslim/are Black/etc.]?”
Some providers might not have experience but could still be a good fit. Usually, those providers are willing to learn and respect your perspective. But it’s okay if you want someone who has more experience. Most therapists will help you find someone else if they’re not the right fit.
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