• Ask about their education, training, license(s), and specialty
• Find out your insurance coverage for the services being considered
• For mental health treatment ask about your privacy protections (especially if your insurance is through your work).

How do I find a counselor or therapist?

One good approach to finding a therapist is to ask your family doctor for a referral. Your doctor will know about your health status and can usually make an appropriate referral. It is a good idea to keep your doctor informed about your treatment anyway.

There are several kinds of therapists from PhD psychologists to licensed social workers and addiction counselors. They all have different educations and clinical training. Your insurance company may have a referral list or even a nurse advice line that can help you make an informed choice.

Our Therapist Directory can help you find a licensed therapist near you.

If you see a therapist and they feel medication would also help you, then they will refer you to a psychiatrist or back to your family doctor. A psychiatrist is an MD (Medical Doctor) who can prescribe the right medications for you.

Some questions to discuss with your doctor or therapist:

Some questions regarding medication:

You may wish to ask your pharmacist any of these questions about your medication that you didn‘t ask your doctor. You may also want to ask the following:

If your medication is too expensive for you to afford, ask if there is a generic version. If there is no generic, ask if there is a similar medication that would be less expensive.

Most drug companies have prescription assistance programs for people who cannot afford their medications. Ask the pharmacist or go to www.pparx.org for more information.

Current Medications

It's very important that your mental health professional be aware of all medications you are currently taking, even if they are for conditions other than a mental health condition.

Use the space below to list each medication, including over-the-counter medicines and vitamins or supplements, and the dose/frequency in which you are taking them.

NOTE: If you have questions or concerns about possible drug interactions be sure to ask your health care professional.

Other Questions/Comments

Enter additional questions or concerns you would like to add: