When you find a psychiatrist, check if your health insurance covers them to reduce appointment costs. Also, make sure that they offer telehealth, which can make it easier for your loved one to get treatment even when they are not at home or able to travel.

Having someone to talk to can help ease their symptoms and keep them safe from harmful behaviors. But finding a psychiatrist that you can trust can be challenging.

Find a Psychiatrist You Can Trust

If your loved one is diagnosed with a mental health issue, knowing how to help can be difficult. One way is to offer emotional support, but another is to encourage them to find a psychiatrist to provide treatment.

Ask family members or friends in the area if they can recommend a family psychiatrist near me. Their recommendations can be very helpful, but remember that doing background research on any psychiatrist you consider is always good. This includes learning more about their schooling, preparing spaces, and experience.

Another thing to do is help your loved ones with any practical concerns, like scheduling pill taking or how to take their medication. You can also offer to come to medical appointments with them, although it’s important to remember that “patients should have control over their care,” Lefley says. This means that even if you’re worried about their safety, you should allow them to make decisions about their care.

Ask Your Family and Friends

When you’re struggling with mental health, the people closest to you are often the first to notice. They are also likely the ones who will help you seek treatment. But they may have some reservations, like whether sharing your struggles with others is appropriate.

If your loved ones are reluctant to see a psychiatrist, you can help them overcome these barriers by offering to go to their appointments or research potential providers. You can also help them check insurance coverage, find a local therapist or support group, or ask their primary care doctor for a referral.

You might also want to encourage your loved ones to find a psychiatric provider who shares their gender or identity. This could be more comfortable for them and help them feel supported by a professional who understands their experience. Additionally, you can ask them how many patients with the condition the psychiatrist has treated and what their complication rates are.

Look for a Psychiatrist in Your Area

The first step is to find a psychiatrist in your area. You can ask your primary care physician for recommendations or search online. Many providers are listed on health insurance provider websites, and you can narrow your search by location and other important factors.

You should also consider the psychiatrist’s education and professional experience. Do they specialize in your condition? Do they have a lot of experience performing the procedure you need? You can also ask your friends and family about their experiences with a psychiatrist, though you should weigh these recommendations carefully.

Once you have a list of potential psychiatrists, you should meet them for a consultation. This is a chance to see how well you get along with the psychiatrist and how comfortable you feel sharing sensitive information. You can also ask the psychiatrist about their approach to treatment and how they’ve helped past patients.

Consider Your Budget

You can find a psychiatrist who meets your family’s needs while allowing you to pay for the services through your health insurance. Consider how many visits you can attend per month and if the psychiatrist offers telemedicine.

It would help to ask the psychiatrist how much experience they have in treating your mental health issue. Find out if they have any success stories with their patients, and inquire about any complication rates associated with the procedure you need.

You can also look into licensed mental health professionals who are not doctors. Some of these professionals include psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors. Psychiatrists, however, are the only ones who can prescribe medication. If you decide a psychiatrist isn’t the best fit, consider another type of therapist.