When your behavioral health journey is just beginning, it can feel uncomfortable and challenging to find the right behavioral health professional or mental health provider for your needs. You probably have a lot of questions on your mind, and maybe you are not sure where to start. Those feelings are completely normal, and you are not alone. Our team at Triumph Behavioral Health is here to help.
Today, we are taking a closer look at some of the most frequently asked questions that our clients have about managing their mental health and wellness. We are touching on topics like insurance, finding the right provider, and even medication management. If you are looking for guidance about mental health care, check out the FAQs below.
How do I get a therapist?
To find a therapist, you can start by searching your local area. You might use search queries like “therapist near me” or “behavioral health care near me” when you conduct web searches. You could also consult your insurance provider’s user portal. Many insurance providers have databases where you can search for therapists or other behavioral health practitioners who accept your insurance. This method can also help alleviate the stress of wondering, Does my insurance cover therapy?
Once you have found a therapist who is located near you and/or can see clients online, reach out and book your first session. Often, therapists will allow you to conduct a sort of “trial session” to find out if the two of you are the right fit. You can also look for therapists who specialize in your specific needs. For instance, some therapists specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, eating disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, and other areas.
How do you know if you need therapy?
If you are often experiencing negative emotions or behaviors that impact your daily life, relationships, and work, it may be time to seek help from a licensed behavioral health professional. Other signs that it is time to work with a mental health provider include changes in your sleep, loss of appetite, experiencing a trauma, difficulty concentrating, changes in behavior, engaging in risky behavior, and more.
If you recognize these symptoms in your own life, seeking help through therapy or medication management can be the first step toward a position change.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy or other mental health care appointments typically depends on your insurance provider. Many insurance companies cover mental health care, and depending on your plan, you may or may not need to cover a copay. Healthline’s reporting on the costs of therapy discovered that the costs for online therapy can range from completely free to about $250. Often, that depends largely on your insurance plan. Some providers offer payments on a sliding scale according to your income.
Does my insurance cover therapy?
At many behavioral health practices, therapy and other services are covered (either in full or in part) by insurance. For example, at Triumph Behavioral Health, we accept many different insurance providers, including:
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Cigna
Johns Hopkins
Medicaid
Medicare
What drugs are prescribed for anxiety?
Several different types of medications are commonly prescribed for anxiety, including SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and benzodiazepines. If you are struggling with anxiety, medication management can be an effective solution, either coupled with talk therapy or on its own. Remember, not all mental health care providers can write prescriptions. Psychiatrists and PMHNPs (psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners) can write you a script for necessary mental health medications. However, psychologists cannot.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists and PMHNPs, or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners, can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. However, psychologists cannot write prescriptions and will usually need to refer patients to another medical provider. This is because psychiatrists and PMHNPs receive different training than psychologists, who are more focused on how the mind works. Psychiatrists and PMHNPs receive more education on how different medications can interact with the body, brain, and other prescriptions.
Who can diagnose mental illness?
There are many different types of mental health professionals, but almost all of them can diagnose mental illnesses. Psychiatrists, PMHNPs (psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners), and psychologists can all diagnose mental illnesses. However, only psychiatrists and PMHNPs can prescribe medication. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
Can mental illness be cured?
Generally, we do not talk about mental illness in the sense of being “cured.” Instead, the symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia can be treated through behavioral health interventions. These strategies are typically uniquely selected to meet each individual’s needs and might include methods like talk therapy or medication management. To work on treating the symptoms of a mental illness, you can start by working with a licensed behavioral health professional, such as a psychiatrist, PMHNP (psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner), or psychologist.
Where can I find mental health care near me?
The search for a mental health care professional often begins online, through searching the internet or consulting local guides. You might even look at Google reviews or a database of therapists provided by your health insurance company. If you are seeking help with mental or behavioral health in the greater Baltimore County area of Maryland, consider reaching out to us at Triumph Behavioral Health. We are a Maryland wellness center that is ready to support you as you work toward living your most fulfilling and rewarding life.
Get the Support You Need at Triumph
At Triumph Behavioral Health, we are a team of PMHNPs who are committed to caring for our clients with empathy, care, and skill. We work with people from all walks of life and with all kinds of different behavioral health concerns, building personalized treatment plans and supporting them with medication management and adherence. If you are ready to kickstart your journey to a better tomorrow, reach out to us today for a same week therapy appointment. At Triumph, we care.