Security Health Plan Cares (Summer 2007)
How to choose a mental health provider
We live in a complex world and face difficult problems. Finances, job stress, relationships, raising children, growing older—all of these situations can bring about feelings of sadness, anxiety and frustration, and can trigger psychiatric and emotional problems. At times, there is no clear reason.
Our emotional health affects our physical health, and our physical health affects our emotional health. One cannot be separated from the other.
Like most medical problems, emotional and mental illness is also treatable. In fact, there are many effective treatments for emotional and mental conditions that help improve symptoms, make people feel better and return them to more productive lives.
Once you have decided to get professional help, you will need to decide what type of mental health professional is best for you.
Here are some professionals to consider:
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors with advanced training in treating emotional and mental illnesses. They can prescribe medication and offer counseling services.
- Psychologists have a doctoral degree and can diagnose mental health disorders and administer psychological testing. They cannot prescribe medications.
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses have a master's degree and when certified in psychiatry, they can diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They are licensed to prescribe medication.
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers have a master's degree. They diagnose and treat mental health disorders, and often provide couples and family therapy.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists have a master's degree and are specially trained in couples and family therapy.
You may decide to start with your primary care provider who can rule out physical problems and refer you to a mental health professional.
Case managers are available to assist you with coordination of your care. If you wish to speak to a case manager, you can call Customer Service and request to speak with a case manager. Customer service can also assist you with your plan coverage for behavioral health services.
