The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

Recently a close family member of mine, who lives in another state, experienced a challenging time accessing mental health services and finding a counselor. 

She was depressed and felt worthless, hopeless, and helpless to the point of becoming suicidal.  She and I talked, but because we are related and have a close relationship, I cannot be her counselor, but we did work together to get her help.  It turns out her insurance required not one, but THREE referrals from doctors approving her to seek mental health therapy (or behavioral counseling).  When she did that, she found that in her state there was a waiting list a mile long and she was left to her own devices for a month before she could be seen.  She gave me permission to share her story because she said if this can help someone else, it is worth sharing.

I must admit I’ve never heard of anyone having to obtain three referrals before, at least not in the state of Alabama, but it speaks to a bigger issue of accessing mental health services and that sometimes it may be harder than it needs to be.  Let’s face it, sometimes it’s hard enough to make that call or to even know where or how to find a counselor, especially one that can help with your particular issue or problem, and to find out you have to go through a lot just to get an appointment makes many folks give up. 

Once you decide to seek help, the next step is to figure out how to find a counselor.  I suggest asking close friends or family if they know of anyone they can recommend.  If that does not work, you have a couple of options.  You can Google counselors in your area, which will likely bring up Psychology Today and that is a great resource in finding a counselor.  You can read profiles, see pictures of counselors, get their contact information and find one that feels right to you.  Another option is to call the phone number on the back of your health insurance card to get a list of counselors in your area who accept your insurance (if you want to use your insurance).  Not all counselors take all insurances, just like doctors take some not all insurances, but if you want to use yours, it is possible to find one that accepts your insurance.  If you have health insurance, but would rather not use it, you have that option, as well.

I often hear from clients that they are not sure of the differences between different types of mental health professionals.  I’ve made a list below to help clarify the difference between the types of degrees and titles of professionals who work in the behavioral and mental health field.  I hope it helps makes sense of the different types.

Counselor- This refers to a person with a master’s degree or higher and a license, called an LPC, which stands for “Licensed Professional Counselor”.  LPC’s have been trained to work with individuals, couples, and families, although different counselor specialize in different populations.  They often work in mental health centers, substance abuse facilities, and private practice.  LPC’s have completed two years of supervision, completed the requisite number of experience hours and passed their National Board Exam. You might see the credentials of ALC, which is an “Associate Licensed Counselor”, meaning the counselor is in the process of working towards their full license and are practicing under the supervision of an approved and fully licensed LPC.

Social Worker- This refers to a person with a master’s degree in social work and if they work in private practice, should have a license called “Licensed Clinical Social Worker” or LCSW.  Social workers are trained in such things like social justice, case management and cultural implications and work in such places as children’s services agencies, mental health centers, and private practice.

Marriage and Family Therapist- A person practicing as a marriage and family therapist, or LMFT, has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and has a license.  They have been trained to think in terms of family systems rather than individual.  LMFT’s can work in mental health centers, substance abuse facilities, and in private practice.

Psychologist- This refers to a person usually with a PhD in psychology and in order to practice in a private office setting, must have a license.  Often times they do not do counseling, but offer testing for mental health issues, such as ADHD or autism spectrum.  Sometimes a psychologist has the designation of PsyD, which means they are more clinical and do therapy and not as much testing.

Psychiatrist- A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has been to medical school and prescribes medications, specifically medications for emotional and behavioral disorders.  Psychiatrists do not do counseling and refer their patients to counselors.

Most importantly, if you are suffering from a problem that is too difficult to manage on your own, such as loss of a loved one, relationship problems, depression, anxiety, OCD, or a myriad of other issues, please do reach out for help, jump through the hoops, ask someone to guide you, and get the appointment you need and deserve.  My family member mentioned above is doing better since she sought help and persevered and I know you can, too. Our team at The Balanced Life is here for you and available to schedule an appointment if you’d like to call us at (256) 258-7777.