How to Find a Provider That Fits Your Needs
How to Find a Provider That Fits Your Needs
What are your new year goals? Do you want to expand your mental health, grow emotionally, develop friendships and new hobbies, heal from past hurts, or even find a safe space to talk about recent stressors? A mental health therapist can help. But finding the right provider can be trying.
First, it is important to know the type of provider you need. Mental Health Therapists are professionals who diagnose and treat mental health disorders. This group includes Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC), both of whom hold master's degrees and are fully licensed. Additionally, providers under supervision with a master's degree include Certified Social Workers (CSW) and Licensed Professional Counselor Associates (LPCA). Psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., and their work involves conducting assessments through tests and evaluations, researching behavior, and providing mental health therapy. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, possess a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, enabling them to diagnose and treat mental health conditions with a primary focus on prescribing medication. Other medication providers include Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners both who have advanced education and specialized training in assessment ,diagnosing, treatment and management of patient care. However PMHNP's had a psychiatric focus in their education.
Begin by identifying your specific needs, such as the issues you are seeking assistance with, your preference for in-person or telehealth services, and your payment method—whether out-of-pocket or insurance-based. Several online platforms can assist you in making these determinations; for instance, Psychology Today enables users to filter providers according to selected criteria. You can also contact your insurance provider through member services to find in-network providers. Once you have compiled a list of suitable practitioners, it is advisable to contact the provider or their office to confirm relevant experience and areas of specialization. Additionally, verify that your insurance is accepted and request information regarding costs. Inquire about the type of therapy offered, including whether it is short-term or long-term, and which therapeutic approaches are utilized (e.g., CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, ART).
It is essential to recognize that identifying an appropriate therapeutic provider often requires time and consideration. While this process can be difficult, therapy requires trust and a sense of safety. Individuals are encouraged to ask pertinent questions, communicate their needs clearly, and inform providers if they believe another practitioner may be better suited to their requirements. Finally, it is important to approach therapy with diligence. The initial sessions are generally devoted to intake and assessment, allowing the clinician to gather information regarding your history, current symptoms, and counseling objectives in order to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Subsequent sessions focus on building rapport and provide valuable insights, ultimately leading to substantive therapeutic work.
If you are ready to begin your therapeutic journey or have questions about a provider that might be a good fit, call our office at 859.338.0466 to schedule an appointment to work with one of our providers. Our current offices are located in Lexington, Frankfort, and Richmond, KY. We have been trusted mental health professionals in Central Kentucky for nearly 25 years!
Supporting Articles:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/types-of-therapy
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/finding-good-therapist
https://ezracounseling.com/finding-the-right-fit-what-lpc-lcsw-lmft-and-psyd-mean-for-you/
https://studyfinds.org/finding-right-therapist-mental-health/
