Supporting a Loved One on a Waitlist for Mental Health Treatment

If your loved one has taken the brave step to seek help from a therapist, psychiatrist, or another professional, that is a significant accomplishment. But a long waitlist for services can sometimes make it harder for them to stay motivated. Supporting your loved one during the waiting period is a helpful and meaningful way to show them how much you care. Keep reading for tips on preparing and supporting your loved one while they wait for professional services.

The patient as the expert

Keep in mind that although providers bring valuable knowledge about mental health in general, they won’t know the specifics of your loved one’s situation until they begin working together. That’s why it’s important to remember: your loved one is the expert on themselves.

While waiting for professional help, encourage your loved one to think back about what coping strategies worked best for them in the past. What helps them feel safe? What skills or activities can they use when they are having a difficult time? Helping them reconnect with what worked in the past can empower them to get through the waiting period.

Preparing for the first therapy appointment while on the waitlist

Therapy can feel unfamiliar at first, but you can help your loved one learn what to expect.  The first few sessions focus on getting to know each other and understanding your loved one’s background. It’s not unusual if they do not dive into specific concerns right away during those first few sessions.

If they feel up to it while sitting on the waitlist, encourage them to use this time to think about what they hope to work on in therapy. Are they often feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed? Do they notice patterns like excessive worry about germs, or trouble speaking up at work or school? Writing down a few key concerns and questions can help you and your loved one feel more prepared for the first appointment.

But also, reassure them: it is perfectly okay, and common, for people to not know exactly what’s wrong or the kind of support they need. A good therapist will help guide the conversation, and they will figure it out together.

Preparing for the first psychiatry visit

While therapy may focus more on talking or learning skills to manage emotions and behaviors, psychiatry is primarily concerned with medical treatments or medications intended to help manage symptoms. Some psychiatrists may talk more during visits, while others keep their appointments brief, sometimes as short as ten minutes to check in. Both styles can be helpful, depending on your loved one’s needs.

Other professionals, like nurse practitioners (NPs) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), can also prescribe psychiatric medications. Using the waitlist time before the appointment, it helps to write down symptoms – both physical and mental – even if it’s just a short list. As a caregiver, you can offer to share your observations if your loved one is comfortable with that. More information helps the provider create a more comprehensive treatment plan.

Helping them stay motivated and safe while on a waitlist

Regardless of what type of help your loved one is seeking, simply being there matters. Let them know you are there to listen, sit quietly with them, or just offer support when they need it (always remember to make time for yourself, though). Waiting for treatment can be tough, especially if it is their first time reaching out for professional help. Remember that the first appointment is just the beginning. With time, the right provider(s), and a little patience, healing is possible.

And if your loved one is ever in crisis, immediate help is available. The American Psychological Association has a master list of crisis hotlines and other resources, including a starting point for finding a therapist

Looking for more practical skills to use while your loved one is on a waiting list? Watch our webinar, “Bridging the Gap: Supporting Loved Ones as They Wait for Mental Health Care.”

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Author

Cameron Bartlett is a volunteer blog copywriter for Families for Depression Awareness, a psychology major undergrad student at UMass Lowell, and works in direct care with patients in a behavioral health unit. Cameron first became fascinated with abnormal psychology and is now expanding into cognitive psychology, assisting a professor at UML in a research lab. In his free time, Cameron listens to music of all kinds, walks dogs, and spends lots of time with his family and friends.

Copy Editor

Nicole Tirone is a social worker turned adult learning expert with a passion for digital accessibility and plain language. She volunteers as an editor to help FFDA equip people with tools to support their loved ones. In her free time, Nicole enjoys podcasts, reading, painting, volunteering, and photography.