Mental Health Provider

It can be daunting to realize that it is in your best interest to seek help for the sake of your mental health. Under the circumstances, it can be especially frightening to think that you have gotten so out of control in your life that you need mental health services. There are a few questions that you can ask your mental health provider that may help you feel more at ease once you hear the answers.

Try not to feel that he or she is the only one who can ask questions. It is completely acceptable for you to take an active part in your treatment. People who do so have a higher rate of success than those who let the healthcare professionals make all the decisions, without ever asking for any explanations.

If it helps you to feel more comfortable when asking questions, you may want to have a family member with you. You may want him or her to ask some of the questions for you. If at any time your mental health provider acts as if you are not entitled to know the answers to your questions, it may be worth looking for someone else. (Depending on the services available, your choices may be limited. If necessary, you can request to speak to the director of the facility where you are being seen and lodge a formal complaint.)

Questions to Ask Your Provider

Here is a list of questions you should consider asking your mental health provider. He or she should be able to discuss each question with you comfortably, so that you are sure and confident in his or her abilities. What is this medicine for? What will the side effects be? How long will I need to take it? What can happen if I don't? Is it necessary? What are alternative types of treatment that are available to me? How can my family be involved in my treatment? How long will my therapy need to continue? When will we take a look at my progress and see if my treatment plan needs revising?