Updated August 04, 2006

Navigating Mental Health Care

by Joseph B. Nelson, M.A., L.P.

Understanding the demands of living with diabetes requires that you care for yourself in so many ways. This is a challenging undertaking when you’re feeling well, but when you’re stressed, depressed, or anxious, the tasks can seem huge. To manage your diabetes you need good mental health the same way you need a good diet. When you are feeling positive about yourself and the world, going through life with diabetes can be much smoother sailing.

Planning the trip
Once you decide it is time to seek mental health care, check the following outline as a reminder:

Get the weather report. Get to know your insurance policy and its limits. Call a service representative for details, if necessary.

Find out who might make up the crew. Get the names of possible therapists and their credentials.

Hire a trustworthy crew. Interview the therapist to find out about him and how he works, and to get a sense of how you connect.

Understand how and when the crew will be paid. Have no surprises. Once you choose a therapist, discuss his fee structure and make sure that you understand what, when, and how much you are going to pay.

Get your maps. Discuss and develop the plan for therapy, including frequency of visits.

Set sail. Do your part. Show up, participate, and do the homework.

Dock and unload. If appropriate, have a plan for when to end therapy.

Sail regularly, to keep shipshape. Get a regular mental health checkup (once a year or when it’s needed) to head off problems before they occur.

Joseph Nelson is a psychotherapist in private practice in Minnesota.

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