The Crucial Role of Primary Care in Mental Health Support: A Guide to Seeking Help

When you’re feeling sick, your first call is to your primary care provider. Why should your mental health be any different? 

“Many people think the first thing they need to do is find a specialist, like a therapist,” said Anael Delice, Jr., D.O., Primary Care Physician at Inspira Medical Group. “But setting up a first-time appointment can take months, and establishing a relationship with someone new can be difficult, especially during vulnerable times.”

Your primary care provider can serve as a vital resource and first option for initiating and navigating your journey toward better mental health. Here's how you can engage with your provider, understand the support they can offer, and recognize when it's time to ask for more help.

The role of primary care in mental health

Your primary care provider, whether a general practitioner or family physician, isn’t just trained in treating your physical health—they can play a crucial role in addressing your mental health concerns as well. 

“Primary care providers work as a part of a larger team, alongside nurses, pharmacists, psychiatrists and other specialists, to support your holistic care, including your mental care,” said Dr. Delice. “They are trained to recognize common mental health issues, provide initial assessments and offer guidance on various treatment options. They can suggest lifestyle changes, therapy or medications based on your condition and preferences and monitor your progress.”

Your primary care provider can also refer you to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors or psychiatrists, who specialize in treating specific mental health conditions. 

Initiating the conversation: Talk to your doctor

Broaching the topic of mental health with your doctor can feel daunting, but it's an important step toward getting the support you need. “Remember, your mental health matters, and your doctor should always take your concerns seriously,” said Dr. Delice. “A good first step is talking to your provider so they can advise you on the best steps to take in your journey.”

Start by acknowledging your feelings and concerns. Be open and honest about your emotions, thoughts and any symptoms you're experiencing. Don't shy away from discussing anxiety, depression, stress or any other mental health issues impacting your life.

“Prepare for this conversation by noting your symptoms, their duration and how they affect your daily life,” said Dr. Delice. “Providing specific examples can help your provider understand your situation better. It might also be helpful to outline your goals for seeking mental health support.”

When to seek support from a specialist

While primary care providers are adept at handling many mental health concerns, there are instances where specialized care becomes necessary. If your symptoms are severe, persistent or significantly impact your daily functioning, ask your provider to refer you to a specialist.

Certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or severe personality disorders, require specialized care due to their complexity. “Consider consulting a psychiatrist for complex diagnoses, medication management or if your condition hasn't improved with initial treatments,” said Dr. Delice. “Psychologists or licensed therapists specialize in various therapeutic approaches and can provide focused, in-depth counseling tailored to your needs.”

Inspira offers comprehensive primary care throughout the South Jersey region. Find a primary care provider here. 

Inspira Health is a high reliability organization (HRO), which means safety is the top priority for patients and staff. To make an appointment, call 1-800-INSPIRA.