Different mental health conditions show up in different ways from person to person. Generally, it’s worth making an appointment with a primary care doctor if you’re experiencing:

A primary care doctor can ask you the right questions and take a closer look at your symptoms. They’ll help you start getting the care you need. In addition, we can help connect you with resources and specialists.

There are several care options for mental health concerns. One or more may be part of your treatment plan:

• Talk therapy – Also called psychotherapy (or just therapy), this involves confidential meetings with a professional therapist. Your therapist will be specially trained to ask questions that help them understand and figure out the best way to help you. Here, you’ll have a comfortable space to express your feelings and learn new ways to manage your symptoms.
• Medicines – Antidepressants, antianxiety medicines, mood stabilizers and stimulants can also help with your symptoms. Your doctor will talk with you to see which of these short- and long-term medicines might work for you.
• Lifestyle changes – Making changes to your daily routine can also help with your symptoms. For example, small shifts to your sleep schedule, meals or daily exercise can improve both your mental and physical health. Your care team will guide you to making better-for-you choices. They can also advise you about cutting back on behaviors or substances that may make your symptoms worse.

As a HealthPartners member, you may also have access to additional resources and activities to help with your emotional health and well-being:

• Mental Health Hub – Sign in to connect to information, tools and support for you and your family. You’ll also find resources to explore your plan benefits, get care and more.
• Living Well – Sign in to discover personalized activities for building healthier habits, reducing stress and improving your mood. You may need to complete a health assessment before these activities become available.
• myStrength – Sign in for goal-based activities, articles and videos to help you with stress, anxiety, depression and more. You may need to complete a health assessment before myStrength becomes available.

If you haven’t talked to a professional yet, we recommend starting with a primary care doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. These experts will learn more about your concerns and help determine what kind of treatment may be right for you. Our Behavioral Health Navigators can help you find in-network care when you call 888-638-8787, or you can sign in to search in-network care on your own.

If you’re looking for personalized support for chronic or complex mental or behavioral health concerns, we’re here to help. You can request a call or call us at 800-871-9243.

The following specialists provide mental health care and can help find the right treatment plan for you:

• Primary care doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat anxiety and depression. They also refer patients to specialists if needed.
• Psychologists focus on talk therapies and work with psychiatrists to prescribe medication when needed. Psychologists tend to focus on helping people with things like anxiety, learning challenges and behavioral disorders.
• Therapists are mental health specialists who work with patients to diagnose and relieve disorders, such as anxiety or compulsive behaviors, through a variety of psychological treatments. They vary by their type of educational degree or practicing license, such as marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors.
• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can provide a variety of treatment options for mental health conditions, including prescribing medications. They also usually see patients with more complex mental conditions like severe depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Here are some questions you might ask:

You should also ask yourself if you feel you can be open with your provider or therapist. While sometimes the questions they ask as part of your care might be challenging, it’s important that you feel like you can express yourself freely.

Your first appointment typically focuses on talking and helping you get some initial answers. Here are some questions your provider or therapist might ask:

• How long have you been feeling this way or had concerns?
• What medications do you currently take?
• Have you been seeing any other mental health specialists?
• Have there been any stressful changes in your environment or relationships?
• Have your eating and sleeping routines changed recently?

After learning more, your provider or therapist will recommend a treatment plan.

A variety of methods can be used to treat mental health concerns. The most common treatments include talk therapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Often a combination of all three is best for long-term improvement of symptoms. Your therapist or provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan you’re comfortable with.

Medication can be an effective treatment option, and it’s often recommended in combination with talk therapy. Some medicines are meant for short-term use, while others are prescribed for a longer period. Common medications include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, stimulants and others. Your therapist or provider will help you understand if medication is a good fit for you.