If you or a family member are getting support from a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional, consider taking the step to coordinate your care with your primary doctor.

Your mental, emotional and physical health are all part of your well-being. They're all connected. So, it's important the professionals who help you care for your well-being are connected, too. Think of any mental health professionals, doctors and clinicians you work with as your care team.

It's good for your care team to talk to each other about your symptoms, medications, lab work and health changes. When working together, they can:

Check for connected symptoms. Some medical conditions can cause mental health symptoms. And your mental health can affect how you feel physically.

Make sure your medication is safe. Some medications can affect each other or even be dangerous when taken together. It’s important your care team can share what medications they may prescribe.

Because your privacy is important, your care team needs your permission to share information. Your therapist may give you a confidential exchange of information form to fill out. But if they don't, you can bring them this one and get the care team conversation going.

When you get your mental and physical providers working together, they can better support your mental health and your whole self.

Sources

American Psychological Association (APA). Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. Updated March 16, 2022. Accessed January 20, 2023.

Helpguide. Finding a therapist who can help you heal. Updated December 30, 2022. Accessed January 20, 2023.

Coordinating your care team

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