How to Find a Mental Health Provider

When you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, life can feel stressful. Having to navigate the mental health care system and figuring out how to find a mental health professional can make it even more challenging! Where do you start and what questions should you ask?

Where do I search for a mental health professional?

• Pediatrician’s office. Your pediatrician or other health care provider, such as your local children’s hospital, is a great place to start. They have insight into your child’s health and likely have recommendations for mental health professionals in your community. Some pediatricians may even have a mental health professional in their own office! 

• School. Similar to your pediatrician, schools tend to have connections with community mental health providers. School administration may have recommendations or may even be able to connect your child to mental health therapy within the school building.

• Your place of employment. Your company may have an employee assistance program (EAP). These programs sometimes include a certain number of free therapy sessions a year for you or a family member. Connecting with a therapist through your employment’s EAP should be confidential and often a great way to get connected quickly.

• Your insurance. You can try calling your insurance company for a list of mental health professionals in your area that they cover.

• National Organizations. There are many national organizations that keep a list of mental health services and support groups in various communities. Our national resources page lists some that can help get you started.

What should I ask?

• Type of treatment. Make sure that the professional you are considering has training in evidence-based treatments for your child’s mental health concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask during your initial call to make sure you’re connecting to the right professional. If you’re a family of diverse background, you may have some additional questions to ensure a good cultural fit.

• Payment options. Depending on your child’s health care coverage, different options will be available. Ask if they take your child’s insurance. If you don’t have insurance, some providers provide reduced costs or a sliding scale, so ask about payment options.

• Wait times. Unfortunately, there are long wait times around the country. Ask about the length of wait until your child is able to start treatment. This will help you compare options. While you’re waiting, we have some strategies and ideas you can try at home.

When possible, mental health services are best provided as close to a patient’s community as possible so that the treatment plan can include important resources from a child’s natural support system and other local supportive services.

If at any time you are concerned that your child’s situation is not safe, call your county’s crisis line. If you or your child need immediate help due to having suicidal thoughts, call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741. If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.