Crisis Numbers
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, here are numbers to call or text.
- 988 – Crisis lifeline. You can call or text.
- 1-866-488-7386 – The Trevor Project Crisis Phone Line
If you are not in crisis, the following information will help you understand the different types of mental health providers, how to find one, and questions to ask a provider.
Who to See
- There are several degree pathways for psychotherapists and psychologists:
- Psychologist: Has a doctoral degree (Psy.D., Ph.D., Ed.D.)
- Therapist/counselor/psychotherapist: Typically have a masters degree. Titles vary by state and may have a variety of degrees (L.P.C., M.S.W., L.C.S.W., among others)
- Psychiatrist/Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: A medical doctor or advanced practice nurse with specialty in mental health. They can prescribe medications and may also conduct psychotherapy/counseling.
No matter what the degree, any mental health provider you see should have a license to provide services (given by the state) or, if they are in training, be supervised by a provider with a license.
How to Find a Provider for Myself/My Child
Your Insurance Company
- Contact by phone and ask for a list of in-network mental health providers in your area.
- Use your insurance company’s website to find its list of in-network mental health providers.
Word of Mouth
- Ask your social network if they/their children have had any positive experiences with local mental health providers. If you are looking for services for your child, make sure they are comfortable with you sharing their concerns with family and friends.
Professional Resources
- Ask your primary care physician or your child’s pediatrician.
- Ask your child’s school counselor.
- If you are employed, see if you qualify for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAPs are confidential, often shorter term therapy benefits many companies have for their employees and employee’s family members. If you feel you/your child would benefit from sessions beyond your work with the EAP provider, they can help connect you with local resources.
Online Resources
- Psychology Today
- American Psychological Association Therapist Finder
- SAMSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Lower Cost Mental Health Options
Most counties in the United States have mental health services for their residents. Google your county and “mental health services” to find more details
Many universities that have psychology graduate programs have on-campus training clinics at which private citizens (not affiliated with the university) can receive services from graduate level trainees. These are often very high-quality services, and all trainees are supervised by a licensed provider. Consider searching any local universities to see if this is an option for you.
If your child attends a university and is looking for services, they can often receive on campus mental health services.
Questions To Ask My/My Child’s Potential Therapist
- Do you have experience treating my/my child’s specific concern?
- Do you take my insurance? What are the fees? How do I pay? Is there a charge for missed sessions?
- What hours do you see patients?
- Do you do virtual? In person? If both are an option, how is that decision made?
- How involved will I be in my child’s sessions?
- How often will I/my child see you?
- How will we measure progress? How often will we assess progress?
- What kind of therapy will we do?
- Will I do anything in-between session to reach my goals? (Therapy often involves “homework” that may include practicing new skills at home, tracking mood/behavior, etc.)
- If seeking therapy for your child – How do you handle confidentiality? What information will/won’t you share with me about my child’s session? (Therapy with children and especially adolescents often works best if your child knows they have some confidentiality with their therapist, outside of issues of mandated reporting such as safety concerns but also understands that there may be things that are not related to mandated reporting but that the therapist will need to share with a parent/guardian).
- What does a typical session look like?
A Word About Payment
Payment for mental services in the United States can take a variety of forms. Some providers may take your insurance. Others may have a sliding scale based on income (often in university/county clinics). Others may be “private pay”, where you pay out of pocket but then can submit to your insurance company for out of network reimbursement. If this is the direction you take, ask your provider if they will give you all the information you need to file this out of network claim yourself.
Remember, developing a trusting and comfortable connection with a therapist can take time. Please give therapy a few sessions before you decide if therapy and/or your therapist is or is not for you!