Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Spring 1999)

Most people pick a mental health provider the same way they would a lottery ticket--they put their money down and hope for a good one. Yet choosing a mental health provider is both a major financial commitment and an important investment in your future. So don't leave it to luck; shop around for a counselor as if your were buying a car.

Marriage and family therapists specialize in working with couples and families, but usually also do individual work. Psychologists can often provide clinical services such as psychological testing and assessment. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are the only mental health providers able to prescribe medications such as antidepressants.

Most counselors are trained to work with a wide range of topics, but you may find it helpful to locate a provider who specializes in a particular issue.

Connections' Therapist Referral service provides consumers with a free and confidential way of finding therapists based on specialty. Available by phone and on the Internet, it offers detailed information on more than 200 local therapists, including education, experience, location, office hours and payment options.

Quality and Performance
There are several indicators of quality mental health services. Although counselors in Colorado are not required to be licensed, licensure does show the professional has passed a test of important clinical knowledge and has at least 2,000 hours of counseling experience. Unlicensed counselors should be under the supervision of a licensed professional.

The number of years of counseling experience can be one measure of ability. However, there may be benefits to choosing a new counselor or a supervised intern who is up-to-date on new techniques and may offer a large degree of enthusiasm at a reduced price.

Financing
Price is often important in determining whether or not to pursue mental health services. If you have health insurance that covers mental health services, review your plan for the following:

• Which services are covered? (Some plans cover individual but not couples counseling.)

• How many sessions are covered in a year, and what is your deductible and co-pay?

• Is there an approved provider list? How are providers approved for payment?

For those without health insurance, payment options become more limited, but there are still ways to make counseling affordable. Many providers offer lower fees based on income. Therapy groups are another option for reducing the cost of counseling as costs are spread over a number of participants.

Certain private providers accept Medicare, but consumers covered by Medicaid must go through the Larimer Center for Mental Health, which also provides some services for low-income, chronically mentally ill individuals without Medicaid. For consumers with low incomes, the Connections' Pro Bono Mental Health program offers relief, matching eligible consumers with volunteer therapists for fees ranging from $4 - $12 per session.

The Test Drive
Once you've done your research, it's time to take the prospective providers for a "test drive.” As strange as it sounds, this can be the most important step to ensuring a good match between client and therapist.

One technique is to call a number of providers to ask questions about their experience and approach with your specific issue(s). Some providers even offer free or reduced-cost initial sessions.

If during your first session – or at any time later in counseling – you do not feel there is a good match between you and your counselor, talk about your concerns.

Always remember that you have the right to shop around, question or even discontinue counseling services that don't meet your needs. Doing so will help guarantee that you are a confident and satisfied consumer of mental health services.