Getting Started
It’s okay to need help to overcome a mental health issue, alcohol use or drug abuse. It’s also difficult to know where to start when you decide to seek out a behavioral health provider.
How do I know if I need to see a behavioral health provider?
If you are struggling with your mental or behavioral health and you feel that a behavioral health care provider could assist you, reaching out could be the first step. A person does not have to be “sick” or “crazy” to benefit from behavioral health care. Behavioral health providers can help you with a wide range of issues from everyday stress management, depression and anxiety to psychosis and everything in between.
What type of behavioral health provider do I need?
There are several types of behavioral health professionals. How do you know which type of provider you need? If you are seeking help for a mental health issue that you would like to work through with talk therapy, then a therapist, counselor, psychologist or clinical social worker may be who you need to seek. If you are experiencing issues that may need to be diagnosed or that may require medication to treat, you may need to seek the help of a psychiatrist or primary care physician who can approach the issue from a medical perspective. If you need help controlling issues with drinking or using other substances, any of these professionals can guide you to a substance abuse treatment center. You can also reach out to a center and enter on your own. Peer support professionals are also a great resource for those struggling with addiction and/or mental health struggles. Peer support specialists are individuals who have experienced addiction and/or mental health struggles and can answer questions, provide guidance and serve as mentors.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Provider
Your relationship with your mental health provider is like any other relationship: It needs a foundation of trust in order to succeed. Here are some questions to ask yourself when evaluating whether a provider is a good fit for you:
- Does this person make me feel heard?
- Do I feel like I can open up to them about my struggles without feeling judged?
- Does this person have experience and skills in the area where I need support?
Being in therapy means having a safe person to talk to about anything. A therapist’s job is not to tell you what to do, but to guide you in doing what you want to do. Being in therapy can be like sharing thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend. It is an environment where you will not be judged for anything you say or feel.
Other factors to consider when deciding if you want to pursue treatment with a provider include:
- What are the provider’s office hours, and do they work with your schedule?
- If you prefer virtual appointments, does this provider offer telehealth?
- If you prefer in-person appointments, does this provider’s availability work with your schedule?
- If you are using insurance to cover your therapy costs, does this provider take your insurance?
Below are answers to common questions concerning health insurance and behavioral health care.
Providers/Insurance FAQs
No. Providers will accept cash and many also have a sliding fee scale or other programs to help those with financial hardships afford behavioral health care.
Some providers’ websites will list accepted insurances. However, coverage frequently changes. Call the provider’s office and ask whether they accept your current insurance.
If your behavioral health care is covered by a health insurance plan, your health insurance plan may require you to be referred by your primary care provider for treatment. You can get a referral to see a behavioral health provider by reaching out to your primary care provider’s office and requesting it. If you are not using insurance to cover your behavioral health visits, you may not need a referral. Ask the provider you are seeking care from if a referral is required for you in this case.
Sliding fee scales are usually determined by income. To help cut the cost of health care services for people who meet certain income requirements, some providers offer a sliding fee scale. Please call the provider and ask if this is available and what the requirements are.
Some providers will indicate on their website if they are accepting new patients. However, it is suggested you call the provider’s office and ask.
Lack of health insurance should not prevent you from seeking behavioral health care. If your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and you are a Polk County resident, the Polk HealthCare Plan may be a solution. The Polk HealthCare Plan is not insurance, and members do not need a referral to see a behavioral health care provider.