How to find mental health help and support

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Prioritizing mental health is important for overall good health

Mental health is closely linked to physical health and key to overall good health. If you neglect your mental health, you are at risk of increased physical health problems. For example, depression increases the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Since autistic people are more than likely to deal with a mental health condition it is especially important they prioritize seeking help.

Of course, it is not easy. It is difficult for anyone to admit needing help and takes courage to seek it. One good thing is, gone are the days when seeking help had a stigma attached to it. Today, therapy is widely accepted and has proven to not only be lifesaving in some situations but worthwhile for almost any autistic adult who is open to it.

But there are barriers autistic adults face in accessing mental health services. Costs, time and even transportation are among them. The most reported barrier though is therapists’ lack of knowledge of autism. 

How to find an autism-friendly therapist or other medical providers?

One way to find a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or similar mental health provider is to ask your current primary care physician. They have a vested interest in making sure you receive the proper care. Even if they do not have a name to provide right away, they may be able to use their connections to help you. Eventually they may even want to provide care in tandem with your therapist. 

Autism support groups and social groups are also another good source of recommendations. Check out Finding your community if you would like to connect and consult with your peers. 

You can also search Autism Speaks Resource Guide for therapists by your zip code, or use Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist tool, where you can search by location and then refine the search based on issues, insurance, type of therapy, and cost per session, among others.

If you are still unable to find a provider who also specializes in autism or treats autistic patients, you can reach out to others who match your other criteria (location, gender and insurance accepted, etc.) and ask them if they are open to seeing you.

“Even if they don’t have experience with autistic people, if they say they are open to it, that is a good sign,” says Matthew O’Brien, PhD, BCBA-D, Clinical Psychologist, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Center for Disabilities and Development. “It is an opportunity for you to learn together and for you to teach them more about autism.”

What if you have trouble connecting with a therapist?

Because there are many therapists and types of therapy, it may take time to find your perfect match. But it is worth it. If you don't connect with a therapist, it is okay to let them know. Good therapists will not be offended. They know they cannot help you if you are not comfortable. They may even be able to recommend you to someone else. It is worth asking. And it is worth it to keep searching for a fit.

What about telehealth or online therapy?

Virtual appointments, through telehealth and online therapy, like BetterHelp, have become much more popular and made therapy available to more people. Opting for this could help you avoid long wait lists, transportation issues or scheduling conflicts. Choosing a therapist who will conduct virtual visits could make it easier to find a therapist whose background is a good fit for your needs.

Learn more: Seeking Therapy: Options and Considerations for Autistic Adults