Mental Health Professional
How to Find the Right Mental Health Professional
One of many potential barriers that might prevent someone from seeking mental healthcare is not knowing what type of professional to consult for their symptoms. A discussion with your primary care provider can be a good start, but what if you don’t currently have a primary care physician or you want to find more immediate care? This page offers a closer look at the different types of mental health professionals, so you can make informed care decisions. It’s also important to remember that it can take time to find the right for your care. In addition, you may need to visit multiple providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
In general, you have a choice between visiting a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. While each practitioner is a specialist in the field of mental health, all have different training and offer a varying degree of services. Dr. Julia DiPierdomenico is a Tucson psychiatrist who can help you further develop your mental healthcare planning, so you receive the appropriate level of care for your needs.
What does a psychiatrist do?
What does a psychiatrist do?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed a four-year residency in the field of psychiatry. As MDs, they can prescribe medications. They may also provide therapy. However, some will refer patients to psychologists or therapists instead. Psychiatrists often diagnose mental disorders and take an active role in ongoing care management.
How is a psychiatrist different from other mental health providers?
Both psychologists and therapists are mental health specialists as well, but they are not licensed to prescribe medications. Still, psychologists can diagnose and treat mental disorders through other modalities, primarily talk therapy. Both psychologists and therapists must attain graduate level education of a master’s degree or higher. In addition, they must be licensed in the state(s) where they practice.
Can I see multiple providers?
It is not uncommon to see multiple mental healthcare providers. In fact, many patients will initially consult a psychiatrist for a diagnosis and medication management and seek talk therapy through another provider. However, you may find that you’re most comfortable visiting your psychiatrist for both therapy and medication management. Alternatively, you may not utilize medication at all to manage your symptoms. Care is highly customizable to patient needs, so you should not hesitate to seek the options that work best for you. Because of the highly personal nature of mental healthcare, it’s also important to see a provider that you feel comfortable with. If you feel like your therapist or your psychiatrist is not a good fit, it is okay to ask for referrals to other providers.
What will my insurance cover?
Most health insurance plans offer some level of mental health coverage. However, many providers choose to practice out of network. In other cases, they may simply not accept the insurance plan you have. There is some freedom to see providers outside of network or without any insurance. For example, some plans will allow you to submit a “superbill” for out of network services, for which you may be partially reimbursed.
If you aren’t sure where to start with managing your mental health, schedule a 90-minute initial consultation with Dr. Julia DiPierdomenico. Schedule online or call 520-261-6533. Tucson psychiatrist – mental health professional consulting patient in office.
