How to Find Help for Mental Health Problems
Jonathan Schwartz, M.D.
Most people wait until they have been experiencing psychological problems, whether it be depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, or other issues, until these problems have been robbing their daily lives of joy for way too long. There are many reasons for this, but I suspect the two most potent are: First, the stigma of psychological disorders (and admitting that there is a significant problem for this reason) slows people down. Second, finding the right person to help you with whatever the problem is can be challenging.
The issues of stigma and admitting that you have a problem are issues that we will leave for another time. Finding someone to help you is a task we can tackle here.
The best way to find a therapist, counselor, or prescriber is often through recommendations from people you trust. Firsthand experiences can offer insight beyond credentials or online profiles.
Not everyone has someone they feel comfortable asking. In those cases, many people turn to their primary care provider. While this can be a starting point, it isn’t always ideal. PCPs often make referrals based on availability rather than the quality or effectiveness of the provider.
Another option is to research mental health professionals online. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient reviews that can highlight communication style, professionalism, and overall satisfaction. A simple Google search of a provider’s name may also reveal helpful feedback.
If you already see a prescriber for medication and think counseling could help, ask for a therapist recommendation. Likewise, if you’re working with a therapist and considering medication, they can often suggest a trusted prescriber. Coordinated care between providers can lead to better outcomes.
Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com) has an extensive database of providers in each geographic area. Each entry includes information about the individual’s area of expertise and specialization, and often a photo of the person. This database is a valuable tool whether you are looking for a counselor/therapist or a prescriber.
It can be helpful to visit your insurance company’s website to find mental health professionals in your area who accept your plan. These databases are often outdated, so don’t be surprised if you call to make an appointment with someone you believe to be your insurance provider, only to find out this is not the case. If you contact a provider you are very much hoping to see and they explain that they are not accepting new clients/patients, ask them if they can recommend someone.
Most importantly, you often have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince. This applies to mental health professionals, especially psychotherapists, just as it is true when it comes to romance. Do not continue with someone you do not feel “gets” you or with whom you do not have good chemistry. You are investing significant time and psychic energy in your health – it is crucial to find someone you feel good about.
About Jonathan Schwartz, M.D.
Dr. Jonathan Schwartz, MD, was born in New Bedford and has been practicing adult and child psychiatry for more than 30 years. He graduated from McGill University Medical School in Montreal and trained at Massachusetts General Hospital (Adult Psychiatry) and Children’s Hospital (Child Psychiatry) in Boston. Dr. Schwartz specializes in the areas of Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Addictions, and ADHD. He served as the psychiatrist at U.Mass. Dartmouth from 1985 until 2016 and is currently the Medical Director at Steppingstone in Fall River, MA. Dr. Schwartz directs Concierge TMS.
