Mental Health Counseling

The Place to Start

For many people seeking help for a potential mental disorder, the best place to start is to make an appointment with a trusted family physician.  Frankly discuss the symptoms.  Tell the doctor of any physical or mental issues, even if they seem unrelated. Discuss any concerns.

The doctor will likely begin with tests, ruling out any physical problems that may contribute to the symptoms.  Sometimes, a perceived mental illness is actually a symptom a physical problem.  After the doctor rules out any biological culprits, he/she will probably have a list of specialists to recommend for further tests and possible treatment.

The Footwork

In truth, no one with a serious heart condition will agree to open heart surgery, if the doctor has only been in practice for a few weeks, has been sued for malpractice, or does not have a steady hand.  The same can be said of a mental health provider.

The potential patient has homework to do, in selecting the right mental health professional for his/her disorder.  For example, a person with OCD will want to talk with a doctor that has plenty of experience treating patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.  Going to a doctor that specializes in schizophrenia simply does not make any sense.

For the person seeking assistance for the journey back to mental health, there are several ways to find the right provider that is not only qualified to provide the needed care, but will instill a feeling of trust and safety in the patient. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following resources help patients or their family members find the right person for the proper care:

• Ask your health insurance company for a list of covered providers. This list may also be available on the Internet.
• Seek a referral or recommendation from your other health care providers, such as a family doctor or pediatrician.
• Ask trusted friends, family or clergy.
• Check phone book listings under such categories as community service numbers, counselors, physicians, psychologists or social services organizations.
• Search nonprofit, government or mental health organization websites that provide listings of providers in your area.
• Ask your company's employee assistance program (EAP) for a referral.
• Contact a local or national mental health organization or medical society.

What the Patient Wants

• A particular gender- generally, men prefer talking to men and women would rather talk to a lady.  Each gender approaches thought processes differently.  Sometimes, the commonality contributes to a comfort zone.
• A provider in a specific age group-sometimes, individuals feel more comfortable talking to a doctor from their generation.  In other cases, maybe a health care provider that is older and experienced life to a greater degree provides comfort and trust.
• Religion preference-foundational beliefs are a big deal.  An individual with a deep faith in God will likely not want to discuss mental health challenges with an atheist and visa versa.
• Speaks a particular language-An individual speaking English as a second language will probably be more comfortable conversing with a doctor speaking his/her first language fluently.  Then, the potential language barrier will not lead to any miscommunications.
• A similar cultural background- provides a common bond between doctor and patient.  Understanding where the patient came from and the journey that brought them together often helps in diagnosis and treatment of a mental disorder.