Finding Good Therapists
Depending on where you live, you may have to work to find the right health care for yourself or a loved one. Begin with recommendations from people you trust and respect. If that doesn't yield satisfactory results, consult online resources and your local library. Remember that a name turned up by referral or by research is still only a candidate for you. Keep trying until you find someone you are comfortable working with as a partner.
Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs)
There are hundreds of CMHCs across the country that provide outpatient services. These state and federally funded programs have services directed at helping people with severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia. The following contact information can help you locate one near you.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's Mental Health Information Center
P.O. Box 42557
Washington, DC 20015
(800) 789-2647
(240) 747-5470
nmhic-info@samhsa.hhs.gov
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases
You can also call SAMHSA's 24-hour toll-free telephone referral helpline: (800) 662-HELP (662-4357).
Essential
It is important for the patient to feel comfortable working with a particular therapist, but this doesn't always happen right away. It takes time to get to know a therapist. It is a good idea to attend several sessions before making the decision to quit and try another therapist.
A therapist should not become a friend, but good therapy does take two — that is, the patient and the therapist have to have a good rapport to develop trust and respect.
After getting several referrals from doctors, social workers, friends, or a professional organization, choose one you think you and the patient will feel comfortable with. Call the office and ask some questions. If you like the answers you receive, make an appointment.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Therapist
What do you charge? Do you accept my health insurance?
Do you accept payment based on income (a sliding-scale fee)?
Do you have experience working with people with schizophrenia?
How long have you been practicing? Where were you trained?
Will you coordinate the therapy you offer with my doctor or my other health care provider(s)?
Will the therapy you offer me be geared to my situation, or is your approach pretty much the same for everyone you treat?
Source: the National Mental Health Information Center
The ultimate goal of all therapies is to assist the patient and the family with all aspects of life affected by schizophrenia. It has been shown that the best results are obtained with an approach that integrates all of the therapies that address the patient's and family's needs. These cover four general areas.
There are clinical needs that focus on treating symptoms and helping the person come to terms with them. Rehabilitative needs can be met by improving socialization and job-training skills. There is also the need to assist with what is sometimes called humanitarian matters. These may involve quality of life issues and a patient's sense of well-being. Patients can also benefit from programs that address issues that help them understand and balance their individual rights with the welfare of the community.
