Over the past few years, mental health has become a mainstream topic. Everyone from celebrities to companies to social media influencers are spreading the word that taking care of your mental health should always be a priority. 
However, if you’ve never received mental health care or are unfamiliar with what it entails, you may not even know where to start – which is understandable!
Mental health care can range from building a healthy lifestyle to taking medication to boost serotonin. We’ve put together a short guide to get you started with connecting to the professionals who can help you determine your care needs.
Primary Care Physician (PCP) – Your PCP likely includes an anxiety screening during your annual visit, and they are a great starting point for developing your care plan. While your PCP will not treat your mental health, they can refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in your initial needs.
Mental Health Professionals – Speaking of mental health professionals, let’s take a look at the different types. If you are in search of a therapist, you could match with a licensed counselor, a psychologist, or a psychotherapist, depending on your needs. Licensed counselors focus more on short-term therapy to address your immediate needs while psychologists and psychotherapists are more likely to use talk therapy to help their patients’ with their overall mental health. Psychiatrists are another type of mental health professional, and they prescribe medication and treatment plans for mental health disorders.
Mental Health Coaches – Mental health, or behavioral, coaches help their clients build self-awareness, confidence and habits to overcome their challenges. Coaches are typically certified through an accredited coaching program and specialize in a focus area.
Community forums – Mental health communities can provide support and camaraderie for people who are navigating mental health challenges. While they should not be used for expert advice, the connection opportunities they afford are valuable.
Finding a mental health provider or plan may take some experimentation, but hopefully this guide helps point you in the right direction. Taking the first step is the most important part.
