April 2025

Most people face a mental health challenge at some point. Some challenges are sudden or temporary, such as job loss, a relationship breakup, or the death of a loved one. Other challenges are ongoing: One in five U.S. adults has a mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Whatever mental health struggles you face, a mental health professional can help. But you may not know where to start.

How to choose a mental health provider

1. Review your mental health goals
Before you schedule your first appointment, think about the kind of care you need. Consider:

• What triggered your mental health issue.
• Your mental health symptoms and how long you’ve had them.
• Your mental health goals.
• Whether you want a provider who can prescribe mental health medication. Only certain mental health professionals can do so.
• If you already have a diagnosis of a mental health disorder, look for a mental health professional who focuses on treating that condition.

2. Understand the different provider types
Different mental health professionals offer different areas of expertise and levels of care. Some specialize in particular age groups and mental health conditions. The different types of mental health providers include:

• Psychiatrists: These are doctors who go through medical training to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions. They hold a degree as either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with additional training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists prescribe mental health medications, such as antidepressants, as part of treatment. Some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy in combination with medication, but some may refer you to another mental health professional for talk therapy services
• Psychologists: These mental health professionals can diagnose mental health conditions and specialize in treating these conditions with various forms of psychotherapy. Degrees they can hold include Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Doctor of Education (EdD). Only a handful of states allow psychologists to prescribe medications.
• Nurses: Psychiatric-mental health advanced practice registered nurses (PMH-APRNs) can diagnose, treat, and manage mental health and substance use disorders. They may also prescribe mental health medications.
• Social workers: These providers attend graduate school in social work and have either a Master of Social Work (MSW) or a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) degree. They provide psychotherapy to individuals and groups and can also connect people with resources and support services within their communities. They cannot prescribe medication.
• Counselors: These providers earn a master’s degree in counseling. Licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPC) often provide long- term talk therapy and support as part of a mental health treatment plan. They cannot prescribe medication.
• Marriage and family therapists: MFTs receive graduate training in psychotherapy and family systems. They can diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within marriage, couple, and family systems. They cannot prescribe medication.

3. Research a list of potential providers
Start with your primary care doctor. Primary care physicians often have mental health professionals they work with closely. Also, check with friends, family, and others you trust for information regarding mental health professionals they have seen and recommend.

Online patient reviews can provide some insight but may not give the whole picture. You may have a different experience with that provider.

Search online at your local hospital and through your health insurance provider. You can also find mental health providers through these online tools:

• American Psychiatric Association’s Find a Psychiatrist (Psychiatrist Locator).
• American Psychological Association’s Psychologist Locator.
• PsychologyToday.com can help you find local and online therapists, psychologists, treatment centers, and support groups.
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists’ Therapist Locator.

4. Check with your health insurance provider
Call your insurance provider or visit your online insurance portal to confirm whether the mental health provider you find is in network. Check if you need a referral from your primary doctor to see them. You can also figure out your expected out-of-pocket costs and how many sessions will be covered.

5. Schedule an initial consultation
Many providers offer a short initial consultation or meeting over the phone or via video chat. This is when you can ask them specific questions about their practice.

More importantly, it’s a chance to see if they fit your needs, goals, and personal values. If something doesn’t feel right, that’s OK. Do an initial consultation with two or three providers on your list to compare costs and services and make sure you have found the best fit for you.

Ask questions about their years of experience, treatment methods, availability, fees, and insurance accepted.

6. Schedule and review your first appointment
During your first appointment with your top choice, assess the care you have received. If you feel positive about the experience, great. If something doesn’t feel right, contact the next person on your list. It can take some time to see results from mental health treatment. The sooner you choose the right fit, the faster you can feel better.

Commit to getting care

Mental health issues can impact your daily life and quality of life significantly if left untreated. Untreated mental health issues can lead to worsening symptoms or harmful coping strategies, such as substance abuse.

Remember, you’re not alone, and help is available. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call, text, or chat 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.