Chapter 3 - Establishing a Relationship with a Mental Healthcare Provider

Summary

Establishing a treatment relationship with a mental healthcare provider can be difficult for myriad reasons. This chapter discusses the different types of mental healthcare providers, including prescribing clinicians, psychotherapists, and behavior analysts. All bring a unique and useful perspective to treatment. When deciding on the right provider, it is important to consider the symptoms and behaviors to be addressed. Providers can be found through recommendations of primary care physicians, PWS associations, professional organizations, state licensing boards, and recommendations of friends or family members. Finally, while ending a relationship with a provider can be difficult, there are times when it may be necessary in order to provide continuity or improve the quality of care you or your loved one is receiving. A collaborative relationship with your loved one’s treating clinician is based on trust and strengthened overtime. With careful cultivation, your relationship with a provider can prove to be long-lasting support to your loved one with PWS.