Locating a Mental Health Counselor or Treatment Facility

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Mental Health

In the past half-century, mental health has become a hotbed for scientific research and practice. Myths have been debunked, stigmas diminished, and knowledge continues to pour forth at an astonishing rate. Consider the Internet a mental health fitness center and this guide as your personal trainer. We'll explore a range of subjects including mental illness, finding treatment, support networks, and a whole lot more.

Mental Health Basics for Children, Adults, Veterans, and Seniors

If you have some basic questions about mental health but don't know where to start, the Internet ... read more »

Mental Illnesses and Mental Health Disorders

Scientific knowledge of the causes, composition, and treatments of mental illness has grown in ... read more »

Treatment Options for Mental Illnesses

A variety of mental illness treatments are available, and the appropriate therapy is based on ... read more »

Locating a Mental Health Counselor or Treatment Facility

The process of finding treatment shouldn't be complicated or stressful. However, because there are so many different kinds of providers with such varied credentials and specialties, the task might feel daunting. Fortunately, the Web is host to countless sites that will help you connect with a counselor or treatment facility that fits your needs.

Dulcinea's Insight

  • More important than simply getting help is getting the right kind of help. This includes finding a provider that is nearby, affordable, and has the specialties to meet your needs. This article by the Mayo Clinic offers advice on what issues to consider when choosing a mental health provider.
  • Your general practitioner may be able to recommend a therapist or treatment facility in your area that is suited to your needs.
  • For many, high costs can be a major deterrent to seeking treatment-it is seldom free and insurance plans often limit which providers and what forms of treatment they will cover. Therefore, if insurance coverage is possible, you might consider first searching for a treatment provider on your insurance company's Web site. Check out this guide by SAMHSA to learn more about getting coverage through your insurance plan.

Dulcinea's Picks

For an overview of providers and services ...
NAMI
has an article about the different kinds of providers and links to resources for locating treatment. This is a must for anyone unsure of what all of those letters mean (Ph.D., Psy.D., L.I.C.S.W., etc.).
go to site »
SAMHSA
offers a directory of state mental health resources that includes a general facility locater, services directory, suicide prevention programs index, substance abuse treatment facility locater, and more.
go to site »
To find a therapist ...
Therapist Locator
has a searchable directory of licensed family/marriage counselors. This free service does an especially good job with counselor profiles, which generally include address, phone number, practice description, gender, education, licensure, awards/publications, and health plan participation.
go to site »
1-800-THERAPIST
has an over-the-phone referral service that will do the leg-work in matching your needs with a therapist's experience and area of expertise. Take the time to read the article called "How NOT to Choose a Therapist" for advice on how to narrow your search. It's a bit of a plug for the site but offers some valuable advice nonetheless. This site also offers helpful information on insurance, intervention, and what to expect from therapy.
go to site »
To find a psychologist ...
The American Psychological Association
has a list of links to state and provincial psychological associations. These associations are governing bodies that offer online referrals to licensed/certified mental health practitioners.
go to site »
The National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
is an organization that credentials psychologists. Search for a qualified psychologist by location, name, theoretical orientation, expertise, and other criteria. This site also features recent news in psychology, information on how to choose a psychologist, and links to information on prominent issues in mental health.
go to site »
For psychiatric hospitals ...
The Agape Center has a state-by-state listing of psychiatric hospitals.
go to site »
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Advice and Support for Mental Illnesses

Sometimes the most effective support comes from others who understand exactly what you're going ... read more »

Mental Health Research

\Around the world at hospitals, universities, and institutes, researchers are making profound ... read more »

Alternative and Drug-Free Approaches to Mental Healthcare

A growing body of scientific evidence suggests alternative or complementary health care can ... read more »

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