Finding an off-campus mental health provider
Even if you are not working with one of our counselors, we can help you find a qualified professional who is available in the community.
When searching for a mental health provider, it's important to consider:
- What type of treatment are you seeking? Different types of services may include individual therapy, group therapy, medications, long term, or short term care.
- Do you plan to use your insurance or pay out-of-pocket?
- What qualities are you seeking in a therapist? Many therapists will provide their counseling philosophy, background and training on their website.
- How often and how long do you want to be seen?
- What challenges may complicate your treatment experience? For example, prior negative counseling experiences, unreliable transportation, or other concerns.
To help streamline the process of finding a community mental health provider, GRCC partners with Thriving Campus, an online database of local providers.
Search Thriving Campus for mental health care providers near you
DISCLAIMER: This directory of community practitioners is provided for convenience and informational use only. All users are responsible for evaluating and selecting their own health care providers, as well as responsible for all costs associated with care. Please carefully review insurance benefits and confirm that the provider accepts your insurance plan before receiving care. The counselors listed on the Thriving Campus database are not directly affiliated with CCD.
Note: You can also search for providers on your insurance provider’s website. This information is likely available on the back of your health insurance card.
Contacting the provider
Once you identify a provider, please contact them via email or phone to find out if they are available.
When you leave them a message it is important you include some basic information:
- Name, contact information (phone and email) and the best time to contact you
- Insurance information
- The days and times you are available
- How you learned about the provider (for example, by website, CCD referral, or other?)
- The reason that you are seeking treatment (for example, depression, anxiety, grief, or other concerns?)
- The services that you are seeking (for example, individual therapy, couples therapy, group, or other)
Other Questions to Ask
- How soon can you see me? How often can you see me?
- How much do you charge per session? Do you accept my insurance? What is your cancellation or reschedule policy?
- How long have you been in practice? What is your success rate?
- What kind of interventions do you use? What kind of therapy do you provide?
Helpful Tips
Making the first phone call: You might not be able to reach the provider directly by phone on the first try. Leave a message clearly identifying yourself, saying who referred you, and stating your interest in scheduling an appointment. Make sure to clearly state your name and provide information about when and how you can be reached. You will usually hear back within a day or so, and the first phone conversation will probably be brief.
Verify that the provider accepts your health insurance and has availability for new clients. You can also ask questions about areas of specialty, clinical approach, and fees, etc. The provider will probably ask you a few things about yourself and what you are looking for. Most private practices accept out-of-pocket payments for services. Ask about fees for service, sliding scale fees, prepaid package discounts, and student or family rates. It’s important to be mindful of your budget and know what you can afford.
The First Appointment: If you feel comfortable with the phone conversation, you can set up an initial appointment to meet the clinician. You will likely be given some forms to fill out and sign.
Just like at CCD, the first meeting with any new mental health care provider often includes a general assessment of why you are seeking help, the nature of your concerns, developmental and family history, and questions to get to know you better and establish a foundation for treatment.
Getting Comfortable with your new provider: Sometimes it feels difficult to make the transition from one therapist to another. You will have to establish a level of comfort and it may feel like you have to tell your story over again. This may be true, but it can also be an opportunity to revisit your concerns and how you talk about them. Maybe you notice familiar themes recurring or perhaps what you emphasize or bring forward has changed slightly. In addition, different clinicians ask questions and respond in different ways, and this is often helpful in opening up new ways of understanding and addressing your concerns.