By Karly Danos, LPC
This is a phrase I hear often, not only in my professional life, but especially in my personal life. So many of my clients, friends, and loved ones voice their frustrations in attaining “the right” mental health care provider. And we all (us providers included) have a right to feel that way. COVID brought an already struggling mental health care system into both the best and worst position it has been in. But why?
The mental health care system was already struggling to meet its demand. With a required master’s degree and on average, low pay, there are less incentives to join the field. Not to mention all the costs to maintain licensure and ethical practice. There was already a high need and demand for mental health services. Over time, mental health has become (and I hope will continue to become) less, and less, stigmatized. More people are reaching out for services as they hear successes and relief their friends and loved ones’ experience from their treatment. Therefore, demand prior to a global pandemic was already high, under supplied, and struggling to keep up. Then COVID hit.
More people than ever are reaching out for support; especially given the panic and negative social impact perpetuated by COVID. Waitlists have become extensively long and many providers are swamped, especially those who take insurance. Speaking of insurance, that can be another obstacle and source of frustration for those searching for best therapeutic fit.
As tiring as it can be to endure the challenges of our mental health care system, we cannot forget the importance and the growth experienced in doing so. Mental health, like many things in our world, is complex. And it is not something we easily understand or are taught colloquially how to handle, like we are some medical issues. Most of us know how to handle a common cold or an upset stomach, but what about my child’s difficulty with intrusive thoughts, or her frequent panic attacks? Not something that is very talked about, is it? Just like your medical check-ups, mental health care is a vital part of maintaining over-all health, wellness, and function. I hope that one day, ways to handle intrusive thoughts and panic attacks will become common knowledge; however, seeking the right treatment for these or other mental health symptoms is an imperative part of living and thriving. And of course, I am not advising that people should try to handle mental health care on their own- seek appropriate treatment. I simply hope that discussions about these topics and ways to treat them will become increasingly common.
I want to help navigate some of the common barriers to finding the right fit and available mental health care. So start here:
• Find an accountability buddy and ask them for support in the process.
The process can be scary, long, frustrating, and plain confusing at times to find a provider that can most effectively meet your needs. Having someone close who can do some research with you, or simply hold your hand while you make the call is very beneficial. I completely understand that some of you may feel very alone and isolated, and that may be the reason you are seeking treatment. That does not mean you cannot find or create support/accountability for yourself. If you do not have a best friend, partner, or a parent who you feel safe to include in the process, think about a co-worker, a pet, or even an idea. For example, I’ve had a client use the phrase “I have potential,” as a way to motivate her to seek treatment. This person, being, or idea, can help you remember that you matter, that there is some purpose in your life for seeking help in becoming the best version of yourself.
• Start with your insurance NOT a Google search.
This is a big one, specifically if you plan to use insurance or an EAP benefit, the provider you work with will need to be paneled with your insurance or benefit. So, start there. Usually, on your insurance company’s website, there is a “search for a provider” bar, wherein you can find providers based on zip code or location. Collect a list of names from this search. P.S. Use your Employee Assistance Program benefits- this is a benefit paid for by your employer that many people often do not take advantage of.
• Out of pocket is an option too.
There are many amazing providers out there who are solely “cash pay only,” otherwise known as out of pocket (because insurance paneling is costly and time consuming). If a provider does not take your insurance, they can also see you for an out-of-pocket rate. If you have a high deductible plan, the cost you pay for an out-of-pocket provider will start the same. In a high deductible plan, you pay the full cost until, through insurance, you meet your deductible. Thus, seeing an out-of-pocket provider, rather than using insurance, often costs the same for someone with a high deductible plan. There are often many options to submit this as an “out of network” claim with insurance; and at minimum you can also use FSA or HSA accounts to pay for treatment.
• THEN do the google search.
Once you have a list of providers, then do that google search, and check out their Psychology Today profile. There are also bios often posted on company websites too! Check out ours here: https://www.icounselingsolutions.org/staff
• Look for fit.
We therapists tend to fit into two categories, what is called directive or indirect, also known as person centered styles- although most therapists have some level of person-centered behavior; after all, we are providing a service to meet you where you are and to meet your therapeutic needs. Directive therapists are more verbal and didactic in style; whereas indirect therapists tend to sit back and listen more, reflecting insight verbalized by the client. Only you can determine what will work better for you. I also encourage you to research the theoretical orientations verbalized under a provider’s biography. See if their orientation would be a fit for you. And if you do not know what would be a good fit for you, ask your accountability buddy! They probably have an honest opinion on this. And although fit is important, maintain an openness to varying styles. It is good to go into a scheduling call with an awareness, but not a requirement to see only therapists with a particular theoretical orientation.
• Call and see if there are openings or a waitlist.
Stay with me here, this is where things can get frustrating. Remember what I explained earlier; the system is overloaded, and we the providers, are ready and eager to serve you under the constraints of this system. If there are no current openings, there might at least be a waitlist- put yourself on several. We will not get offended if someone else gets you in sooner; that is great for you!
• Leave a message, give it a week, call again
Do not stay discouraged if a provider or their office does not get back to you right away. Most likely they have your information and will give a call back as soon as possible. Do not just email; those emails can become easily lost amongst all the other administrative contacts, scheduling, etc. that must be handled. At Integrative Counseling Solutions, our administrative staff do an amazing job of returning phone calls and contacting clients. However, I know that unfortunately that is not often the same case with other providers. Call and speak to someone, and if no one returns your call, then continue to seek support from another source.
• Do NOT give up on yourself and your ability to heal.
To be human is to be innately valuable, all of our lives have worth; therefore, you are worthy of unconditional positive regard and a place to sort out all the complexities of life. Although this process can be wearing and require patience, you are worth finding the most effective mental health care provider for you; and we are so excited and blessed to be providing that service to you!