- Finding the right mental health provider starts with knowing whether you need a psychiatrist (who can prescribe medication) or a therapist (who provides talk therapy; many patients see both. From there, look for a provider who specializes in your specific concern, check what your insurance covers (including telehealth), and consider your location.
- If you live in a rural area or face long commutes, telehealth lets you connect with licensed providers anywhere in your state.
- Most importantly, make sure it feels like the right fit; you can always switch providers if it’s not working. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 any time.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for treating mental health. Everyone’s experience is different, so treatment should be tailored to each patient’s needs.
That said, finding the right provider is just as important as the treatment itself. For example, if you’re experiencing PTSD, you want a provider with experience treating that trauma. The same goes for age; some providers are better with kids or adults.
Other factors, such as your insurance, location, availability, and the type of treatment you need, can also play an important role in finding the right provider.
What To Research
Picking a qualified professional will require a little homework on your part. Here are the key questions you’ll need to ask along the way:
- Do I need a psychiatrist, therapist, or both?
- Do I need my provider to have any practice area specializations?
- Does my insurance cover this provider?
- Where is this provider located, and do I have to go to their clinic for treatment or do they offer telehealth?
- Is the provider accepting new patients, and how long is the wait for an appointment?
- Do I feel a personal connection to this provider?
Do I Need a Psychiatrist or a Therapist?
We have a more detailed breakdown in the differences between psychiatrists and therapists here, but the short story is therapists can help you talk through your trauma, life issues, and grief.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medications if necessary, especially if your symptoms are disrupting your way of life.
You may not need to choose between a psychiatrist and a therapist. Depending on your needs, you may benefit from one, the other, or both.
Primary focus
Psychiatrist
Diagnosing and medically treating mental health conditions.
Therapist
Helping patients manage emotional, behavioral, relationship, and life challenges through psychotherapy
Education & credentials
Medical doctor (MD or DO)
Varies by profession and state; common credentials include LCSW, LPC/LMHC, and LMFT.
Can they prescribe medication?
Yes
Usually no
Provides talk therapy?
Sometimes
Yes
Common approaches
Medication management, diagnosis
Psychotherapy, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, trauma or grief focused therapy, and other approaches tailored to the patient
Best suited for
Concerns that may benefit from medication
Working through emotions, stress, or trauma
Licensing requirements and scope of practice vary by state, so a provider’s specific credentials and training are important.
Many patients see both providers: a psychiatrist for medication management and a therapist for ongoing talk therapy.
Do I need my provider to have any practice area specializations?
Look for a provider with a focus on what you need:
- Do they treat kids, adults, or specialize in geriatric care?
- Do they treat specific behavioral disorders, depression, anxiety, or focus more broadly on other types of mental health support?
You can also ask whether they have experience treating concerns similar to yours, such as PTSD, ADHD, grief, substance use, or other specific mental health concerns.
You don’t necessarily need a provider who specializes exclusively in your concern, but relevant experience can help you find someone whose training and approach fit your needs.
Does my insurance cover this provider?
If paying for treatment requires using health insurance, find the answers to these questions early on in your research:
- What kinds of mental health services are covered by your insurance?
- Ask your insurance provider what the copay is for mental health services?
- Is there a limit on how many appointments you can have in a year?
- What is the deductible?
- Does my insurance cover telehealth care as well or only in-office visits?
- Can you afford out-of-pocket costs if a particular therapist or psychiatrist isn’t covered by your insurance?
It can also be helpful to ask the provider’s office what insurance plans they accept. Because coverage can change, it’s a good idea to verify your benefits directly with your insurance company.
Where is this provider located, and do I have to go to their clinic for treatment?
Where a provider is located is really important.
Do you live in a rural setting that’s far from a clinic or are you held back by a bigger city with long commutes? If so, providers who offer telehealth appointments may be a good option for you. This technology allows you to meet with a provider wherever you’re able to find a stable internet connection and can access a smart device that allows for video calls.
If you’re from a small community, using telehealth also cuts down on the fear of someone seeing you walk into a therapy office and sharing that news with others.
Bonus question: When considering telepsychiatry, be sure to ask if the provider is licensed in the state where you live.
Do I feel a personal connection to this provider?
Whether you opt to see a psychiatrist or therapist, you’re more likely to stick to a treatment plan if you feel a connection or vibe well with your mental health provider.
- Are they really listening to you?
- Do they talk too much/too little?
- Do you feel respected?
You don’t have to feel an instant connection during your first appointment, but you should feel comfortable enough to be honest about what you’re experiencing and feel that your concerns are being taken seriously.
If you don’t have a connection, that’s okay. You can request a different provider.
Finding a different provider doesn’t mean you have failed at treatment. Sometimes it takes time to find the right therapeutic fit.
Questions to Ask During The First Appointment
In your first session, it is just as important for you to ask questions as it is the provider. Here’s some you can consider.
- How would you describe your therapy style?
- Are there different explanations for what I am experiencing?
- What experience do you have working with someone with concerns like mine?
- How do you decide which treatment approach to use?
- What are the pros and cons of treatments?
- How will we know if the treatment plan is working? or How do you measure whether therapy is helping?
- Is there anything I should track? Mood, sleep, anxiety, medications?
- What should I do if my symptoms suddenly get worse?
- How often will we meet?
Don’t let this homework hold you back from getting the mental health care you deserve. Finding the right provider for you is well worth the effort.
FAQ
Q: Is telehealth therapy as effective as in-person care?
A: For most concerns, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, research shows telehealth therapy is comparable to in-person care. Your provider will let you know if your specific situation would benefit from an in-person visit.
Q: What do I need to attend a telehealth appointment?
A: A private space, a stable internet connection, and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone. You don’t need any special software; most clinics use a simple video link you click to join.
Q: Can I see a provider who isn’t located in my town?
A: Yes, as long as they’re licensed in the state where you’re physically located during the appointment. This is one of the biggest advantages of telehealth for rural patients: you’re no longer limited to providers within driving distance.
Q: Is my information private during a telehealth session?
A: Yes. Telehealth platforms are required to meet the same privacy and security standards (HIPAA) as in-person care. Using headphones and a private room on your end adds an extra layer of privacy.
Q: What if I don’t have reliable internet at home?
A: Many patients complete appointments from a library, a trusted family member’s house, or their car using a phone’s data connection. However, mental health appointments often involve sensitive information, so it is important to consider whether the location provides enough privacy.
Rural Psychiatry Associates operates a network of physical clinics and has partnerships with other local clinics in the areas we serve to provide a dedicated, private space for patients to take their telehealth appointments.
Q: What happens during my first appointment?
A: Your provider will ask what brought you in, medical history, how your symptoms are affecting daily life, and may ask about your mood, sleep, and appetite. It’s mainly a conversation to understand your needs and start building a plan. You won’t be expected to have everything figured out.
Q: Can I switch providers if it’s not a good fit?
A: Yes. It’s common, and clinics (including Rural Psychiatry Associates) expect it. You can request a different psychiatrist or therapist at any time without it being awkward or offensive.
Q: What if my symptoms get worse between appointments?
A: Contact your provider’s office to ask about earlier scheduling. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. If you are experiencing an immediate danger or medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.