Many parents feel overwhelmed at the prospect of getting
help for their child who may be depressed. Regardless of your insurance status,
professional help is available for children with mental health issues. Here is
where to start:
If you have insurance: Check your provider booklet
under Behavioral Health, Psychiatry or Psychologists for the names of groups or
providers covered by your plan. It is often helpful to contact customer service to have mental health benefits explained prior to setting any appointments. Confirm if a referral is necessary, copay amounts and if there are any limitations for services.
If you do not have insurance: Many providers and
community mental health centers accept
payment on a sliding scale according to income or will arrange payment plans.
If you are unsure about how to access care, call your local Mental Health America, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill or your state or local Mental Health Services Board for help.
What is mental health treatment? Mental health treatment often includes medication, counseling or a combination of both. Consult with a licensed mental health professional for recommended individual treatment plan.
What problems can be addressed? Therapists and counselors can help with problems such as depression, anxiety, conflicts at home or work, ADHD, school problems, relationship conflicts, trauma, grief and loss, substance abuse, and other stressful problems, which affect individuals, couples, children or families in everyday life.
Who will be helping me? Specially trained and licensed professionals, who are experts in different areas of problems and in different forms of talk-therapy. These experts are social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
What do you mean by "treatment"? Treatment options include any combination of counseling, medication, lifestyle changes such as diet, sleep and exercise.
What is counseling/therapy? Counselors and therapists help look at the way you think about things and consider how your thoughts are affecting your mood or creating anxiety. They can help build skills around communication, stress management, etc. Therapy can mean looking at your behavior and life choices or lifestyle, for areas of change, which will improve how you function at home, school or work.
Is therapy confidential? Under the law, the conversations of a therapist with a client are private and confidential. The only exceptions are: if you are going to harm yourself, someone else or a child; these cannot be kept secret.