Say What: Mental Health Edition

Say What: Mental Health Edition

A few tips for making a mental health appointment for the first time or with a new provider. 

Before you call… 
Have a list of places to contact. 
Your list might include recommendations from your friends, a referral from your doctor, or a list of offices that take your insurance. 

Check their website. 
Most places will have a website and you might be able to find out about free or low-cost services and if they are LGBTQ+ friendly. If you don’t feel comfortable talking on the phone, they may have an email address, message, or chat option you can use to contact them. 

Find out if you have health insurance. 
Ways to find out this information could include calling your doctor’s office or asking your parents. If you have health insurance, you can call the customer service number on the back of the card to find out what your insurance covers. If you have health insurance coverage for mental health care, have your insurance information ready when you contact the offices on your list. 

Have your schedule out. 
If they have appointments, you won’t have to call back to reschedule if you know what days and times work for you. 

Be prepared to answer a few questions. 
They might ask you a few questions about what you’re feeling or experiencing in order to take care of you. If you don’t feel comfortable answering a question it’s okay to say, “I don’t feel comfortable answering that.” 

Don’t know what to say? 
It’s hard to call/email/message someone you don’t know. It can be even harder if you’re not feeling good and you’re calling about your mental health. We’re proud of you for taking this first step! Here are some examples of what you could say during that conversation. 

In example one, the therapist is taking new patients, has experience with the issues the caller wants to discuss and has an appointment available within the desired time.
Caller: Hello, I’m looking for a therapist. Are you taking new patients?
Therapist Office: Yes, we are.
Caller: I want to talk to someone about x, y, or z. Do you have experience with that?
Therapist Office: Yes, I do/another therapist at our office does.
Caller: How soon could I get an appointment?
Therapist Office: We have an appointment in X weeks.
Caller: That works for me. I’d like to schedule an appointment.
The caller should schedule an appointment and ask any additional questions they have.

In example two, the therapist is taking new patients, has experience with the issues the caller wants to discuss, but does not have an appointment available soon enough.
Caller: Hello, I’m looking for a therapist. Are you taking new patients?
Therapist Office: Yes, we are.
Caller: I want to talk to someone about x, y, or z. Do you have experience with that?
Therapist Office: Yes, I do/another therapist at our office does.
Caller: How soon could I get an appointment?
Therapist Office: We have an appointment in X weeks.
Caller: I can’t wait that long. Thank you for your help. I’ll reach out to another office.

In example three, the therapist is taking new patients, but does not have experience with the issues the caller wants to discuss.
Caller: Hello, I’m looking for a therapist. Are you taking new patients?
Therapist Office: Yes, we are.
Caller: I want to talk to someone about x, y, or z. Do you have experience with that?
Therapist Office: No, I don’t/none of our therapists do.
Caller: Thank you for the information.
The caller should reach out to another office on their list.

In example four, the therapist is not taking new patients, but they have a waitlist.
Caller: Hello, I’m looking for a therapist. Are you taking new patients?
Therapist Office: No, I’m sorry, we’re not right now.
Caller: Do you have a waitlist?
Therapist Office: Yes, we do. Would you like me to add you?
Caller: Yes.
Note to caller – It can take a long time to get an appointment on a waitlist, if you get one. Call other offices on your list while you wait.

In example five, the therapist is not taking new patients and does not have a waitlist.
Caller: Hello, I’m looking for a therapist. Are you taking new patients?
Therapist Office: No, I’m sorry, we’re not right now.
Caller: Do you have a waitlist?
Therapist Office: No, We don’t.
Caller: Thank you for the information.
The caller should reach out to another office on their list.

Asking about LGBTQ+ Inclusivity‍

• Do you/does your office have experience with LGBTQ+ communities? 
• Are you/is your office LGBTQ+ inclusive/friendly/supportive/affirming? 
• Have you had any training about working with LGBTQ+ communities? 
• How do you show your support for LGBTQ+ communities? 
  

Asking about paying for Services

• I don’t have insurance. Are there any services you provide for free? 
• I don’t have insurance. Do you have low-cost or sliding scale options? 
• I can’t pay for that all at once. Do you have a payment plan? 
• I have [blank] insurance. Do you take that kind of insurance? 
  

Note to self: 

It takes a lot of strength to ask for help. You’re doing great! The first place you reach out to might not be taking new patients or be the right fit, but the next one could be! Don’t give up! 

It’s also okay to change therapists! Not every therapist will be a good fit. You’ve got to find what works for you. You deserve quality, affirming care and someone who is going to support you!