There is one thing you forgot with the mental health professional: There is often a waiting time, especially if you get public assistance. I understand, in a way, as it is a specialty field, but then again, you might not have the bravery and motivation for all that long, yet not really qualify for even a semi-emergency visit.
My first spouse was bipolar/schizo affective: We were lucky enough to get a doctor fairly quickly, unfortunately it took a suicide attempt to figure things out. If he had to cancel an appointment, however, sometimes the waiting time was at least a month unless he was having a difficult time. Then it might be a couple weeks: More difficult than that probably meant hospital time. Luckily either the insurance I carried was flexible or the hospital was really good at negotiating with them so that wasn't an issue.
On the other hand, my nephew has needed a psychiatrist and therapist for some time. My sister had trouble even getting one in network, a harder time finding one to work with children, and generally had a long waiting time. Difficulty all around.
My first spouse was bipolar/schizo affective: We were lucky enough to get a doctor fairly quickly, unfortunately it took a suicide attempt to figure things out. If he had to cancel an appointment, however, sometimes the waiting time was at least a month unless he was having a difficult time. Then it might be a couple weeks: More difficult than that probably meant hospital time. Luckily either the insurance I carried was flexible or the hospital was really good at negotiating with them so that wasn't an issue.
On the other hand, my nephew has needed a psychiatrist and therapist for some time. My sister had trouble even getting one in network, a harder time finding one to work with children, and generally had a long waiting time. Difficulty all around.