Once you have the names of potential psychiatrists, you may want to talk to them or a staff member over the phone to choose the most appropriate one. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

What is your location and appointment availability?Do you specialize in a particular treatment or therapy?

Beware of any psychiatrist who or other therapist who espouses one brand of treatment as the only one that works. Psychiatrists have a multitude of ways to help you and will work with you to create a treatment program appropriate for you.What will psychiatric care cost?

Psychiatrists charge by the session, typically 45 or 50 minutes once a week. The cost and time vary from one part of the country to another--generally it's higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas. The initial evaluation, which may include psychological testing, costs extra.

A psychiatrist cannot tell you in a phone interview how many sessions will be necessary for treatment, but he or she should be willing to discuss with you his or her fee policies. Any who refuses to do so should be crossed off your list.Are you willing to accept payment directly from the insurance company instead of from me?

Many psychiatrists are willing to file the necessary paperwork if they are eligible to receive payment for their services directly from the insurer. Others expect payment in full from you for each session, and you can file the paperwork with the insurer to obtain reimbursement.

If you or your child is covered under certain kinds of managed care plans (such as a health maintenance organization or preferred provider organization) and the psychiatrist is a recognized provider in that plan, the plan will pay the therapist directly. You may be responsible for a copayment. Before seeing the psychiatrist for the first time, it's a good idea to check with your plan to be sure that the psychiatrist is a recognized provider.

What if I don't have insurance or mental health benefits under my health care plan?

If you don't have insurance and you can't afford the fees quoted to you, ask whether the psychiatrist is willing to adjust his or her fees based on family income or can refer you to someone with such a policy.

Also, you can check with your local government as well as your local medical or psychiatric societies about community mental health services for children or families. One drawback of community agencies, however, is that there is often a long wait because there are not enough mental health professionals to service all comers.

These telephone interviews should help you select which psychiatrist is best for you and your family. Chances are good that the person you select will work out, but if the first time you meet with him or her is disappointing, don't be discouraged. The first few appointments with any therapist are often upsetting, and it takes time to build up trust in someone with whom you are sharing highly personal information. If you continue to feel uneasy, however, you may need to try another therapist. Again, this is not uncommon. The more work you put into choosing a psychiatrist, the greater the probability that your choice will work out.