Factors to Consider in Finding a Mental Health Provider

I thought it would be helpful to provide some insight into how to go about finding a mental health provider and some factors that you may want to consider. Please note that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but can be some helpful starting steps.

First, let's explore the types of providers.

-Psychiatrist: a medical doctor who can prescribe medications for mental health concerns, can assess and diagnose people for mental illnesses, and provides therapy services.

-Psychologist: doctorate level, can assess and diagnose people for mental illnesses, and provides therapy services.

-Social Worker: masters level, provides therapy services.

-Depending on your provinces regulations, there are also Masters Level Clinical Counsellors and Psychotherapists that provide therapy services.

Modalities: On top of these provider types, providers may engage in additional trainings and certifications outside of their university degrees. For example, I have taken my certification in EMDR therapy, which is something that I did outside of my masters degree. So I am a Masters level Social Worker that provides EMDR therapy (a specialized type of therapy that I have studied). There are lots of these specialized therapy types that we refer to as our modalities. Modalities may be shown to be effective with specific types of mental health presentations, this is something that your provider could give you more information on.

Note: you do not need a diagnosis in order to access therapy services. In some cases, it may be beneficial, and this would be something to discuss with your provider.

For example, if someone were working with a Social Worker and it was determined between the client and the Social Worker that a diagnosis to inform their work or medication would be beneficial, the Social Worker may encourage the client to access the appropriate provider while still providing therapy services, if appropriate. This, of course, varies on a case by case basis!

Next, What are some Factors to Consider?

-Licensed: this tells you that the provider is registered with their governing body (ie. the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC for psychiatrists in B.C., or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers for social workers in Ontario). The importance of this is that it helps us to know that the provider is adhering to their respective code of ethics, have the necessary schooling, etc. and that should you need to make a complaint there is a formal process.

-Experience: does the person have at least some experience with the type of concern that you are wanting to work on.

-Benefits Coverage: if you are using benefits to cover your therapy services, double check that your benefits cover the type of provider that you are going to see! Not all benefits plans cover all mental health providers, so make sure you double check yours!

-Consult: most providers offer a free consultation to meet, discuss your concerns and how they might be able to work with you, and to generally see if you are a good fit in working together. This is a great place to ask questions!

-Comfort: possibly the most important! Does this person make you feel comfortable enough and safe enough to talk about the hard stuff? Lots of studies have shown that the relationship between the provider and the client is really important for making positive progress in therapy!

Where to Search?

-PsychologyToday.com is my favourite! It is a list serve of therapist profiles that you can search by area, modality, specialty, client population, benefits covered, etc.

-Licensing bodies will all have a list of registered providers.

-Google search: lot's of therapists have their own websites that you can explore to learn more about them and their practice.

-Local government or community resources

-You doctor or other medical professionals may have a mental health provider that they refer their clients to.

I hope this information was helpful, please let me know what you would add to this list!