Whether people with mental disorders are better off in a mental institution has always been debated. Some people feel that they need to be kept away from the “real world” to protect themselves and others. However, research has shown that people with mental disorders are no more likely to be violent than people without mental disorders. People with mental illnesses are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators of violence.
So, if you or a loved one is struggling with a mental disorder, you may wonder what the best treatment course is. There is no easy answer, as each person is unique and will respond to different types of treatment in different ways. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when choosing a mental health provider.
Here are ten things you should know before choosing a mental health provider:
1. Make sure the provider is licensed and credentialed.
‘A licensed provider has the necessary training and education to provide mental health services. A professional organization has verified a credentialed provider as being qualified to provide mental health services. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people choose to see a provider who is not licensed or credentialed.
2. Make sure the provider is in-network with your insurance.
If you have health insurance, you want to ensure that your mental health provider is in-network with your insurance company. In-network providers have agreed to accept the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. This means that you will likely pay less out-of-pocket for services than you would with an out-of-network provider. You should also check their medical billing for mental health services to see if your insurance will cover the cost of treatment.
3. Make sure the provider offers the type of treatment you want.
There are many types of mental health treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and medication management. You want to make sure that the provider you choose offers the type of treatment you are looking for.
4. Make sure the provider is a good fit for you.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your mental health provider. You should be able to talk openly and honestly about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without feeling judged or misunderstood.
5. Make sure the provider is knowledgeable about the latest research.
Mental health treatment is constantly evolving as we learn more about how the brain works and the most effective treatments. You want to ensure that your provider is up-to-date on the latest research to be confident you are getting the best possible care.
6. Make sure the provider uses evidence-based treatments.
Evidence-based treatments are effective in scientific studies. You want to ensure that your provider uses evidence-based therapies to know you are getting the best possible care.
7. Make sure the provider is open to new ideas.
Even though treatment may be evidence-based, that doesn’t mean it’s the right treatment for you. You want to ensure that your provider is open to trying new things and is willing to tailor the treatment to meet your needs.
8. Make sure the provider is responsive to your concerns.
You should feel like your concerns are heard and respected. If you think your provider is dismissing your problems or not taking them seriously, that’s a red flag. It’s important to feel like you are being heard and that your provider is responsive to your needs.
9. Make sure the provider is accessible.
You want to ensure that your provider is easy to reach when you need them. This means they should return your calls or emails promptly and offer appointment times that are convenient for you.
10. Make sure the provider is someone you can trust.
This is perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a mental health provider. You want to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable with this person. This means they should be someone you can trust to respect your confidentiality and act in your best interests.
