Counseling and Health Promotion - Psychiatrists/Psychologists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in medications for mental health issues. Psychologists, clinical social workers, and marriage & family counselors provide counseling for mental health issues, but do not prescribe medications.
Psychiatrists
Check your health insurance plan for a referral to a psychiatrist in your plan's network. Please be aware that it is not uncommon to have a long wait for an appointment with a psychiatrist for an initial, non-urgent appointment. If your need is urgent, you may need to meet initially with a physician in your plan, who can facilitate a referral to a psychiatrist; or your plan may provide support in connecting you to a psychiatrist who has a current opening (call your insurance customer service number, let them know you have an urgent need to see a psychiatrist). If you do not have insurance, see Smiley's Clinic below, and also read the information under "Hennepin County Crisis Intervention Center" below. Here are some psychiatric clinics located near Augsburg:
Fairview-University Medical Center Psychiatry Clinic 612-273-8700
Psychiatric Recovery (Midway/St.Paul) 651-645-3115
Acute Psychiatric Services 612-873-3161
In a psychiatric emergency, this center has psychiatrists on staff who can get you started on psychiatric medication. Open 24 hours. Insurance not necessary if Hennepin County resident but there may be a fee. (A payment schedule may be negotiated.)
If you do not have insurance*, general practitioners at the sliding fee scale community health clinics are able to prescribe medication for depression and anxiety, and will help you determine if a referral to a psychiatrist is necessary. Also, medication management is offered at several of the clinics listed in the Community Mental Health Clinics with Sliding Fee Scales for individuals who are meeting with one of their counselors.
*If you do not have insurance, you should check to see if you may be eligible for one of the federal, state, or county programs that provide medical support, such as Medical Assistance, Minnesota Care, or Assured Care (Health Care--Low Cost for details).
Licensed Psychologists/Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers
See your insurance plan for a referral to a psychologist or social worker covered by your insurance. If you do not have insurance, see the list of community counseling clinics with sliding fee scales available. Many psychologists in private practice will also provide services on a "sliding fee scale" basis that adjusts according to your income. Psychologists are listed in the yellow pages under "Psychologist--Licensed." Psychologists licensed by the Minnesota Board of Psychology have either master's or doctoral degrees in psychology or related fields, and have met minimum standards for education and training. They are obligated to subscribe to ethical standards as set forth by the Board of Psychology, including confidentiality standards. Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers typically have a master's degree in clinical social work and are licensed by the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
Mental Health Insurance Coverage: Questions to Ask
