Finding care
Why this matters: Many people do not know which professional to ask for, so they give up before the first call.
Who does what:
- Psychiatrist: a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication.
- Psychologist: trained in therapy and psychological testing. Most do not prescribe medication (US).
- Licensed therapist or counselor: a master's-level clinician who provides talk therapy. Titles vary by state (US examples: LCSW, LPC, LMFT).
- Peer support specialist: someone with lived experience of mental health challenges who offers support and practical help.
How to search:
- Ask your primary care doctor for a referral.
- Use a directory such as Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com), which lets you filter by insurance, issue, and language.
- If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US), or contact local emergency services.
Questions to ask on the first call:
- Are you accepting new clients?
- Do you work with my concern, such as anxiety, grief, or depression?
- What do sessions cost, and do you offer a sliding scale?
- Do you take my insurance?
Counterpoint: Not every therapist is a good fit, and it is normal to try one or two before you find the right one. Feeling worse for a few weeks at the start is not always a sign that treatment is failing.
Sources: SAMHSA's National Helpline (samhsa.gov), Psychology Today.
Next step: Write down three questions from the list above and ask them on your first call.