Where to Start When You Are Not Sure

Deciding to get mental health help is a significant step. The next challenge is figuring out how. The mental health system is fragmented and can feel overwhelming to navigate — different types of providers, insurance questions, referral requirements, long waitlists. This guide cuts through the complexity and tells you exactly what to do.

Step 1: Identify What You Are Dealing With

Before you can find the right help, you need a rough sense of what you are experiencing. You do not need a diagnosis — that is what professionals are for — but understanding your general category of concern helps you find the right provider.

"I think I might have depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or OCD."

You want a psychiatric evaluation with a board-certified psychiatrist. This gives you a formal diagnosis and a treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, or both.

"I want to talk to someone about a difficult life situation, relationship, grief, or stress."

A therapist (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT) is likely the right starting point. Therapists provide talk-based treatment without medication.

"I have a diagnosis already but my treatment is not working."

If you need a medication change or a second opinion, see a psychiatrist. If your therapy needs adjustment, talk to your current therapist or find a new one.

"I am in crisis right now."

Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if you are in immediate danger.

Step 2: Understand Who Does What

The mental health system has several types of providers with different roles:

|----------|:---:|:---:|:---:|

| Psychiatrist (MD/DO) | ✓ | ✓ | Sometimes |

| Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |

| Therapist (LMHC/LCSW) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |

| Primary Care MD | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |

| Psychiatric NP (PMHNP) | ✓ | ✓ | Sometimes |

If you want medication: See a psychiatrist, primary care doctor, or psychiatric NP. If you want therapy: See a therapist or psychologist. If you want both: Work with a psychiatrist for medication and a separate therapist for talk therapy — this is the most common arrangement and produces the best outcomes.

Full guide: Psychiatrist vs. Therapist →

Step 3: Check Your Insurance

Before searching for providers, know what your insurance covers. Call the member services number on the back of your card and ask:

Is mental health/psychiatry covered under my plan?
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
What is my copay for outpatient mental health specialist visits?
Is telehealth covered at the same rate as in-person?

Most plans cover outpatient mental health under parity laws — at the same level as medical care. Telehealth is typically covered at the same rate as in-person visits under Florida's telehealth parity law.

We accept most major plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

Step 4: Find a Provider with Availability

This is often the hardest part. Many psychiatric practices in Orlando have long waitlists. Do not assume you must wait months.

Strategies for finding same-week availability:

Ask directly. When you call a practice, ask: "What is your earliest new patient availability?" Do not assume they are booked for months without asking.

Check telehealth first. Virtual appointments typically have better availability than in-person. If you are flexible about format, you will find appointments faster.

Call multiple practices. Availability varies widely. The third call may turn up a same-week appointment.

At Empathy Health Clinic, we maintain same-week availability for new patients — both in-person at our Winter Park location and via telehealth statewide.

Step 5: Prepare for Your First Appointment

A little preparation makes your first appointment more productive:

Write down your symptoms — what you are experiencing, when it started, how it affects your daily life. In the moment it can be hard to remember everything.

Compile your history — previous diagnoses, medications tried and how they worked, therapy history, relevant medical conditions.

Bring your medication list — every medication you currently take, including supplements.

Think about your goals — what do you want to be different after treatment? What does success look like?

Full guide: What to expect at your first psychiatric appointment →

Step 6: Follow Through on the Plan

The first appointment is the beginning, not the end. Mental health treatment works best with consistency — regular appointments, taking medications as prescribed, doing the between-session work that therapy involves.

Long-term psychiatric care is not a sign that treatment is failing — it is the norm for conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Ongoing care prevents relapse and helps you maintain the progress you work to achieve.

Mental Health Resources in Orlando

Empathy Health Clinic — Schedule → | Winter Park + Telehealth statewide | Accepting new patients

Crisis resources:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988
Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
NAMI Orlando — nami.org for local support groups and resources
Florida Crisis Support Line — 1-800-273-8255

Insurance help:

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Getting mental health help in Orlando is more accessible than it may seem. Schedule your first appointment at Empathy Health Clinic — same-week availability, most insurance accepted.*

How to Get Mental Health Help in Orlando: A Practical Guide