Mental Illness is very stigmatized. You may have heard people use a term such as "crazy" "off their rocker" "coo coo" "weird" or other terms to reference someone who may have a mental illness. Many people avoid the conversation about mental illness. The conversation is still very taboo in minority communities. NaKaisha is an African American Therapist who believes in educating individuals, families, and communities - to include religious/spiritual institutions about mental illness, the benefit of mental health services and the positive impact these services can have on one's life.
NaKaisha has been a Social Worker for over 22 years, and still believes that there is much work to be done in the field of mental health, to educate individuals on the power of advocating for and seeking treatment (if needed) for one's mental health or to offer support for a loved one.
No, reaching out for help isn't always the easiest task on the list, however, if left untreated, many additional symptoms and dysfunction within one's life can occur.
Here are some tips below when seeking out mental health services:
(Using an insurance plan)
1. If you have insurance, contact your insurance plan and ask for a list of providers within your area. (Note: this can be an area that is close to your work, home, or school).
2. From your list of mental health providers, identify 2-3 providers you want to learn more about and contact them directly. This may be by phone or via email. Ask questions such as: Are you currently accepting new patients? Do you accept my insurance plan? What are the hours in which you meet with patients? Do you offer virtual or in office sessions? I am seeking someone with experience in _________________ (issue/concern). Is this a specialty area of yours? The provider may also ask if you would like to schedule an appointment. You can determine what works best for you at that time.
3. If the provider is not accepting new patients, you may ask if they have any suggestions of other providers. If they do not, you may wish to contact your insurance plan again to locate other providers who may be a good fit.
4. If you connect with a provider, they can walk you through scheduling your first (initial) appointment, and complete any paperwork necessary to begin counseling services.
(Not using insurance; Fee for service)
5. If you will not use insurance, you can do an online search of providers in your area. (Note: this can be an area that is close to your work, home, or school).
6. From your list of mental health providers, identify 2-3 providers you want to learn more about and contact them directly. This may be by phone or via email. Ask questions such as: Are you currently accepting new patients? Do you accept fee for service? What are the hours in which you meet with patients? Do you offer virtual or in office sessions? I am seeking someone with experience in _________________ (issue/concern). Is this a specialty area of yours? The provider may ask some questions to obtain some additional information from you. The provider may also ask if you would like to schedule an appointment. You can determine what works best for you at that time.
7. Review your notes and determine which provider you feel most comfortable with, and contact them to schedule your initial session.
Congratulations! You have connected with a provider and are on your way to, what may hopefully be, an enlightening journey to better mental health and wellness.
NaKaisha has been a Social Worker for over 22 years, and still believes that there is much work to be done in the field of mental health, to educate individuals on the power of advocating for and seeking treatment (if needed) for one's mental health or to offer support for a loved one.
No, reaching out for help isn't always the easiest task on the list, however, if left untreated, many additional symptoms and dysfunction within one's life can occur.
Here are some tips below when seeking out mental health services:
(Using an insurance plan)
1. If you have insurance, contact your insurance plan and ask for a list of providers within your area. (Note: this can be an area that is close to your work, home, or school).
2. From your list of mental health providers, identify 2-3 providers you want to learn more about and contact them directly. This may be by phone or via email. Ask questions such as: Are you currently accepting new patients? Do you accept my insurance plan? What are the hours in which you meet with patients? Do you offer virtual or in office sessions? I am seeking someone with experience in _________________ (issue/concern). Is this a specialty area of yours? The provider may also ask if you would like to schedule an appointment. You can determine what works best for you at that time.
3. If the provider is not accepting new patients, you may ask if they have any suggestions of other providers. If they do not, you may wish to contact your insurance plan again to locate other providers who may be a good fit.
4. If you connect with a provider, they can walk you through scheduling your first (initial) appointment, and complete any paperwork necessary to begin counseling services.
(Not using insurance; Fee for service)
5. If you will not use insurance, you can do an online search of providers in your area. (Note: this can be an area that is close to your work, home, or school).
6. From your list of mental health providers, identify 2-3 providers you want to learn more about and contact them directly. This may be by phone or via email. Ask questions such as: Are you currently accepting new patients? Do you accept fee for service? What are the hours in which you meet with patients? Do you offer virtual or in office sessions? I am seeking someone with experience in _________________ (issue/concern). Is this a specialty area of yours? The provider may ask some questions to obtain some additional information from you. The provider may also ask if you would like to schedule an appointment. You can determine what works best for you at that time.
7. Review your notes and determine which provider you feel most comfortable with, and contact them to schedule your initial session.
Congratulations! You have connected with a provider and are on your way to, what may hopefully be, an enlightening journey to better mental health and wellness.
