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Dad Field Manual · Field card 61 · Dad Mental Health

Book your first counseling appointment

You know you could use someone to talk to, and it keeps sliding to next week. This is thirty minutes, in order, with the exact words for the phone, so that by the end an appointment is on the calendar.

Time
30 min
Cost
$0
Ages
Any age
Where
A quiet room with a phone

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If someone is in danger right now, call 911.

What you need

  • Your phone
  • Your insurance card (or your employer's benefits page)
  • Pen and paper or a notes app
  • Your calendar, with child care options in mind

Read this first

  • If you're thinking about hurting yourself or anyone else, call or text 988 now, or chat at 988lifeline.org. It's free, confidential and open 24/7. In an emergency, call 911.
  • Don't wait for an appointment if tonight is bad. The appointment is for the weeks ahead. 988 is for right now.
  • Alcohol or drug use that is harming you or others is a good reason to make this call. Say so when you do.

Steps

  1. Call your insurer first. Call the mental health number on your card. Ask about coverage, deductible, copay and session limits.
  2. Gather three names. Write down three names or clinics: from your insurer, your doctor, a friend or the APA locator.
  3. Leave a short message. Call all three. If voicemail: name, number, “looking for someone to talk to,” and “are you taking new patients?”
  4. Ask the practical questions. Ask: new patients? Take my insurance? Fees or sliding scale? Missed-appointment policy?
  5. Pick a time you can keep. Book a time with no rush before or after. If waitlisted, get on the list and keep calling.
  6. Put it on the calendar and tell one person. Add the appointment to your calendar and text one trusted person the date.

If it stalls

  • If you keep getting voicemail, that is normal. Psychologists are often with patients. Leave the same short message and move on to the next name.
  • If your nerve runs out before the call, do step one only. A phone call to your insurer still counts as progress.
Calls made
Signed off: can do this.Signed by Date