A Guide On How To Navigate Online Mental Health Resources

Most people struggle with mental health issues at some point in their lives. Periodic stress, sadness, and grief are normal. But if your mental health problems are severe, persistent or you need an in-depth guide …

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Most people struggle with mental health issues at some point in their lives. Periodic stress, sadness, and grief are normal. But if your mental health problems are severe, persistent or you need an in-depth guide on how to manage your anxiety, it’s time to seek assistance sooner rather than later.

What type of healthcare provider should you see?

Diagnoses and treatments for mental illness are provided by a variety of healthcare professionals. Make an appointment with your primary care physician or a nurse practitioner if you believe you may have a mental health illness or require mental health help. They can assist you in choosing the right type of healthcare professional. They frequently can also offer a referral. For instance, they might advise consulting one or more of the medical professionals listed below.

Medical Prescriptions

Therapist

A therapist can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. There are numerous varieties of therapists, such as: psychiatrists, psychologists, psychologists and professional counsellors. Therapists frequently focus on particular areas, including addiction or behavioural problems in children.Only specific therapist subtypes are allowed to write prescriptions. They must be a doctor or nurse practitioner in order to prescribe drugs. You might also visit a physician’s assistant or an osteopathic doctor in specific circumstances.

Psychiatrist

Your doctor might recommend a psychiatrist if they believe you have a mental health condition that necessitates medication. They frequently identify and deal with issues like: depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, bipolar illness, schizophrenia. They frequently use prescribing drugs as their main mode of treatment. Many psychiatrists don’t actually provide counselling services. Instead, a lot of people collaborate with a psychologist or another mental health expert who can offer counselling.

Nurses and Psychotherapists

Psychiatric disorders are typically diagnosed and treated by nurse psychotherapists. They might also take care of other illnesses. Nurse psychotherapists hold a doctoral degree in nursing. They received training to become nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. Most states do not allow clinical nurse specialists to write prescriptions for drugs. Nurse practitioners can, though. Patients are frequently treated with a mix of medication and counselling.

Psychologist

Your doctor might suggest that you see a psychologist if they believe that you could benefit from counselling. Psychologists are qualified to identify and address a wide range of mental health issues, including: depression, anxiety disorders, eating problems, learning difficulties, relationship difficulties, abuse of drugs. Additionally educated to administer psychological testing are psychologists. They might do a personality or IQ test, for instance. Through counselling or other types of therapy, such as through BetterHelp Promo Codes, a licenced psychologist may be able to assist you in learning how to control your symptoms. They are allowed to prescribe medications in some states (Illinois, Louisiana, and New Mexico). When they are unable to, however, psychologists can collaborate with other medical professionals who can write prescriptions for drugs.

Providers Who Cannot Prescribe Medicine

Family and marital therapist

Psychotherapy and family systems are two areas of training for marriage and family therapists. They frequently work with people who are dealing with marital issues or issues between parents and children. Family and marriage therapists are not allowed to write prescriptions for drugs. But they frequently collaborate with medical professionals who are authorised to write prescriptions.

Peer specialist

Peer specialists are people who have overcome their own mental health difficulties. They offer assistance to those who are experiencing similar things. For instance, they could aid in the recovery of those struggling with substance misuse, psychological trauma, or other mental health issues. These specialists serve as mentors and sources of encouragement. To inspire others and offer advice, they share their own stories of healing. They can also aid those seeking recovery in developing goals and plans of action. Some peer specialists are salaried employees of organisations. Some people donate their services. Because they are not clinical practitioners, peer specialists are unable to prescribe drugs.

Professional counsellor with a licence

Individual and group counselling can be provided by licenced professional counsellors (LPCs). Depending on the specific areas they specialise in, they may hold a variety of titles. For instance, some LPCs offer marriage and family counselling. LPCs are not authorised to prescribe medication, hence they are unable to do so.

That said, finding counselling and assistance might be challenging. Here are some pointers on how to acquire assistance, from comprehending insurance websites to managing your expenditures.

Be Wary Of Insurance Sites

Don’t take everything you read as gospel. Insurers and major practise groups frequently fail to update their data quickly enough to fulfil the needs of both patients and experts in the field of mental health. As a result, the notification that says “Not accepting New Patients” may be out of current. You’ll need to call around and conduct your own research. Many providers mention their availability, but when it comes to openings as part of a screening procedure, their schedules are empty. When unsure, phone the service provider and inquire.

Check Who Is Paying Your Bills

This could be the most crucial step after hiring someone, unless you want to receive hundreds of dollars’ worth of invoices. Verify that your specific insurance plan will cover it if you are using it. Blue Cross does not necessarily pay for the service just because it is shown on your credit card. There are frequently third-party companies engaged, and state-by-state variations exist in reimbursement policies, including how much they pay. Ask about your personal plan, not your insurance provider’s standard policy.

Be Up Front About Your Urgent Needs

Inform someone if you are in trouble. This is not the time to conduct in-depth research if you have stopped taking your medications or can’t stop sobbing. Call your primary care physician, who might propose a colleague on your behalf or point you in the direction of an organisation. Don’t put it off or wait until you “feel better.” Get assistance even if you don’t want to hurt yourself or anybody else. If the emergency room is your only choice, then so be it. Hospitals can at the very least take care of your meds and point you in the direction of counselling services as you search for your way.

Recognize the Business Nature of Private Healthcare

Although most of us already know this, it still has to be said. Smaller mental health clinics are being purchased and sold everywhere. Many people don’t even have insurance. In comparison to other types of providers, mental health providers receive far lower payment rates. However, they might give you a discounted pricing or a sliding scale payment option (pay what you can afford). Everything is dependent on the method. Please contact a manager as private businesses have their own regulations.

Above all else, be aware that it will likely include an elimination process. Finding competent, reasonably priced, and supportive mental health care requires real effort.

Mobile Applications

There are more and more smartphone apps available to aid people in coping with mental illness. Certain apps make it easier to communicate with therapists. Some people provide links to peer help. Others offer resources or educational material to support mental health.

You shouldn’t substitute mobile apps for the recommended course of treatment that your physician or therapist has prescribed. However, some apps could be a useful supplement to your overall treatment strategy.

Free Apps

  • An easily transportable stress-reduction tool is Breathe2Relax. It gives thorough details on the physiological effects of stress. Additionally, it teaches users the diaphragmatic breathing technique, which is a method for managing stress. It is freely accessible on iOS and Android devices.
  • People can use IntelliCare to treat their anxiety and despair. On Android devices, the IntelliCare Hub app and associated micro apps are gratis.
  • The goal of MindShift is to educate young people about anxiety disorders. It offers details on panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and generalised anxiety disorder. It also offers guidance on creating fundamental coping mechanisms.
  • For PTSD-afflicted veterans and active military personnel, PTSD Coach was developed. It offers details on PTSD, including management and treatment options.
  • Information on controlling anxiety is available at SAM: Self Help for Anxiety Management. It is freely accessible on iOS and Android devices.
  • TalkSpace aims to increase accessibility to treatment. Through the use of a chat platform, it links consumers to certified therapists. Additionally, it offers access to open forums for counselling. On iOS and Android devices, you may get it for free.
  • An effective meditation app is called Equanimity. It might assist you in starting a regular meditation routine to reduce stress. On iOS devices, you can get it for $4.99.

Get The Help You Need

It might be challenging to overcome problems with mental health. However, help can be provided in a variety of settings, and your treatment plan is particular to you and your experience with mental illness. It’s crucial that you are at ease with your treatment strategy and look for tools to speed up your recovery. The most crucial thing is to make the initial effort to get assistance and to continue working on your treatment regimen after that.