By Wesley Gallagher

We’re often told it’s wise to get a second opinion for serious or complicated health issues. When it comes to your physical health, you want to ensure you’re making the best decisions possible. But what about mental health?

Despite the recent increased awareness surrounding mental health, this branch of health still tends to get relegated to the back seat in terms of priority. But you deserve the best mental healthcare you can get, and that includes getting second opinions when you’re making important decisions. Knowing exactly how to get a second medical opinion for your mental health diagnosis can be beneficial in more ways than you realize.

When to Get a Mental Health Second Opinion

So how do you know when it may a good idea to get a second opinion? Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Peter Rasmussen recommends second opinions for any complex health issue or major surgery, reports U.S. News & World Report. Even for seemingly simple diagnoses, there’s still a chance for diagnostic errors and out-of-date or incorrect recommendations.

When making decisions about your health, it’s vital to have all the information you need to make informed choices. And this is no less true for mental health than for physical health.

According to the Journal of Psychiatry Practice, two studies have shown that second opinions in psychiatric hospital settings for complex or treatment-resistant conditions resulted in improved outcomes for patients. Another study in the UK showed that an alternative diagnosis was offered in 31% of cases and a new treatment plan recommended in 68% of cases, leading to improved health in the patients.

Here are some reasons you might consider getting a mental health second opinion:

• You’re concerned about the cost of the care you’re receiving.
• Your diagnosis is rare or treatment is complicated.
• Current treatment isn’t working.
• You want to confirm the diagnosis you’ve received.
• You want a specialist or someone who has had success treating your condition.
• You lack trust in your provider.
• You’re not satisfied with the care your doctor is providing.
• Communication with your provider is unsatisfactory.

Your doctor might recommend a second opinion or send you to a specialist, but you can always seek a second opinion on your own.

The Benefits of Getting a Second Opinion

You might be wondering whether it’s worth the extra time, effort, and money to get a second opinion for a mental health diagnosis. There are several benefits of getting a mental health second opinion, whether you’re looking for confirmation of a diagnosis, a provider you like better, or new and different treatment options.

Benefits of a second opinion include:

• Increased confidence in your diagnosis or treatment plan
• Ownership over your healthcare decisions
• More options for treatment
• Potential for a better relationship with a different provider
• Possible decrease in cost of care

Don’t feel guilty for seeing more than one doctor for treatment options; any good provider will understand your desire to do your due diligence before moving forward.

How to Get a Second Opinion on a Mental Health Diagnosis

So now you’re probably wondering how to get a second opinion from a doctor. In many cases, your current provider will be happy to help you find a second opinion, so you could start by asking them. You don’t need to explain your reasoning, but it might be helpful to share what it is that you need to feel confident in moving forward with your treatment.

If you don’t feel comfortable asking your provider for recommendations, you can seek a second opinion on your own. Find someone who specializes in your specific condition, preferably with a proven track record. Word of mouth is still a great way to find a suitable provider, but the internet makes it easier than ever to find experts in specific mental health conditions or treatments.

As you look for a second opinion, be sure your insurance covers any new providers, and bring your medical records with you to the appointment. Be clear about why you are seeking their opinion and communicate your primary needs for the visit.

After the appointment, decide what your next steps will be. Will you go with the new provider, or take the new information back to your original provider? Now that you’re armed with the information you need, use it wisely.

If you don’t want to go in person to get a second medical opinion, companies like MORE Health make it quick and easy to get a virtual second opinion. MORE Health works with the top 1% of US physicians to offer expert medical opinions without an appointment or referral. Simply go on their website to start the process of getting your medical records reviewed within two to five days.

Don’t be afraid to take charge of your mental health. You deserve the best care you can get, and putting in a little extra work to find optimal care will pay dividends.

The Meadows Can Help

If you are dealing with a new or complicated mental health diagnosis or addiction, The Meadows has a proven track record of treating a range of disorders. Our highly-trained experts spend the time needed to diagnose and treat each individual who walks through our doors. We will help you get to the root cause of your diagnosis and create a plan tailored to your unique needs that will lead to deep, lasting healing. Reach out today to learn more.