How to Access Behavioral Health Services

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If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, then it’s important to know how to access behavioral health services. Taking charge of your life and seeking help is the first step toward addressing these types of issues. And fortunately, there are plenty of options when it comes to different types of treatments.

Making the decision to get help isn’t an easy one. It can be difficult to know where to start or what types of services are available. But if you know how to access behavioral health services, then this can be the beginning of your path toward health and recovery.

However, there may be some situations where urgent help is needed. If you are someone you know is in a life-threatening situation or needs critical care, call 911. Once they are no longer a risk to themselves or others, they should proceed with long-term treatment.

What Are the Types of Behavioral Health Conditions?

The term “behavioral health” covers a wide spectrum of conditions. But in general, a behavioral health condition is something that impacts your emotional, psychological, or social well-being. It can occur at various points of your life, or it may be something you have experienced for as long as you can remember.

Here are a few examples of what may be considered a behavioral health condition:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Anxiety
Codependency
Depression
Eating Disorders
Personality Disorders
Postpartum Depression
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

How to Access Behavioral Health Services

Workaround Barriers

Unfortunately, accessing behavioral health services isn’t always easy for everyone. In fact, research demonstrates that some populations find it harder to get into psychiatry, counseling, or other behavioral health programs. Here are some of the most common barriers to getting professional help:

Finances – Behavioral health programs can be expensive! So, if you’re worried about affording your treatment, contact several providers and see if they offer sliding scale fees.
Transportation – The United States isn’t exactly the best when it comes to public transportation infrastructure. So, if you don’t have a car, you might find it harder to get behavioral health services. Look for treatment centers near bus, train, or subway stops.
Cultural considerations – When it comes to destigmatizing behavioral health programs, the United States definitely serves as one of the more open cultures. If you’re from a culture that doesn’t openly talk about mental and behavioral health, though, you might find yourself feeling ashamed to look for this type of help. Try to think of it this way: sometimes, people need to see a behavioral health provider just like they sometimes need to see a doctor.

Get an Initial Diagnosis

Some people have a clear idea of what is impacting their mental well-being. However, it’s perfectly normal to feel lost, confused, or even unsure of what you’re experiencing. If you fall into the second group, then you’ll want to speak with a professional about getting a mental health assessment.

Your primary care doctor or general practitioner can be a good first point of contact for getting a diagnosis. During this appointment, they’ll likely do a physical exam and ask questions about your emotional well-being. From there, they can give you a better idea of what you might have and possibly refer you to a counselor, therapist, or psychologist.

It’s important to share all your symptoms or concerns as truthfully as possible. It can be difficult to talk about some of these experiences, but it’s crucial for getting a definitive diagnosis.

Research Available Services in Your Area

With a diagnosis, you should have a clearer idea of what type of support you need. If your primary care doctor has given you a recommendation for the next steps, you can follow up with what they suggest. Otherwise, you may need to explore what type of behavioral health services are available in your area.

Do research on services that specialize in addressing your specific mental health problem in your area. There may be lots of treatment options available including:

Individual therapy and counseling
Group therapy and counseling
Substance abuse or recovery treatment programs
Crisis intervention services
Impatient hospitalization or treatment programs

Keep in mind that some treatments require in-person attendance, while others can be done online. However, the effectiveness of in-person vs. virtual treatments will also depend on what type of condition you have.

Consult Federal or National Organizations

If you’re still not sure where to go for help, you can always consult different federal or national organizations. These agencies are useful resources in finding a safe and reliable treatment center or behavioral health specialist.

Feel free to check out the following organizations:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS)
American Psychiatric Association
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Your insurance may include coverage for certain behavioral health services. Once you determine what type of treatment is best, consult your policy to see if this is included with your plan. For example, some insurance companies will have a list of in-network providers which will be cheaper than an out-of-network service. And don’t forget to read the fine print, as some treatments require pre-authorization before you can start.

Contact the Treatment Center or Specialist

By now, you should have narrowed down your list to one (or possibly even more) behavioral health services. It’s time to contact them to learn more about how they deal with treatment for your specific condition. Every practice or treatment center handles things differently, so it’s worth putting in the effort to see if they are a good fit for your needs.

Here are a couple of questions you may consider asking:

What is your particular approach to treatment?
What experience do you have with treating those with my condition?
How much will treatment cost? How does it work with my insurance provider?
How often should I be making appointments?
When will I start to feel better? How long do you think the entire treatment process will last?
What are the risks associated with my specific treatment?

In some cases, you’ll be able to ask these questions ahead of time. You might even be able to find the answers on their website or FAQ page. But in other situations, you’ll be required to book an initial appointment where you can learn more about their practice and ask your specific questions.

By now, you should have a better idea about how to access behavioral health services. Remember, seeking help for your condition is a sign of strength and empowerment. It can be difficult to make this first step, but we guarantee it’s worth all the time and effort.