Second opinions in mental health care
Asking for another view is a normal part of good care. It is your health, and your questions count.
By the numbers
What research says about second looks and diagnostic mistakes.
A second look
Diagnosis is hard
What is a second opinion?
Another qualified professional looking at the same question.
A second opinion means asking another qualified professional to look at your situation, a diagnosis or a suggested plan. NIMH notes that you can get a second opinion from a different provider.
Read more
Sometimes a second opinion agrees with the first. That can make it easier to move forward with confidence.
Read more
In a study of patients sent to a specialist centre, two-thirds had their diagnosis refined or better defined after a closer look.
Read more
In the same study, about one in five patients ended up with a distinctly different diagnosis.
When people consider one
Common, reasonable reasons to ask for another view.
People often seek a second opinion when
- A big decision is coming up, like a more intensive kind of care
- Something doesn’t feel right, or doesn’t fit your experience
- The diagnosis doesn’t seem to explain what you’re going through
- They feel rushed, dismissed or not listened to
- Things haven’t improved after a fair try
- They want someone with more experience in a specific area
NIMH says there is no one-size-fits-all approach. People may need to see more than one provider, or try different kinds of care, before finding what works.
Is it rude to ask?
Why second opinions are a normal part of care.
Many people worry about offending their provider. But asking questions and seeking another view is part of being involved in your care, which NIMH encourages.
Read more
Medicare, for example, covers second opinions before non-emergency surgery, and a third opinion if the first two differ. That shows how normal it is to want another view on a big decision.
Read more
Many people get a second opinion and then continue with their usual provider, sharing what they learned. You decide what happens next.
Read more
If someone gets angry or dismissive when you ask about a second opinion, that tells you something about the fit. You still have the right to see someone else and to get your records.
How to ask
Words you can use, with your provider and with the new one.
Read more
Phrases to try
- “Before I decide, I’d like a second opinion. Could you suggest someone?”
- “I’d feel more confident if another specialist looked at this.”
- “Could you send my records to Dr. [name]?”
Read more
When you call
- “I was diagnosed with [condition] and I’d like a second opinion.”
- “Do you have experience with this?”
- “What records should I send before the visit?”
- “Are you in network with my insurance?”
Read more
Describe what you’ve noticed, when it started and how it affects your life, as NIMH suggests for any visit. Let the new provider form their own view before you share the first opinion in detail.
Finding someone and checking costs
Where to look, and what your plan may cover.
Where to look
- FindTreatment.gov, to search for services near you
- Your insurance company’s list of in-network providers
- Your primary care provider, for a referral
- Video visits, to reach specialists farther away
Read more
Medicare Part B covers second opinions before non-emergency surgery, and a third if the first two differ. For other kinds of care, check with your plan about what it covers.
Questions for your insurer
- “Do I need a referral or approval first?”
- “Is this provider in network?”
- “Will you cover a second opinion for this?”
- “What will I pay per visit?”
Read more
NIMH notes that assessment and diagnosis can be done by video, depending on your insurance and provider. Policies vary from state to state, so check first.
Gathering your records
Your right to your records, and what to bring.
Under HIPAA, you have the right to see and get a copy of your health record, even if you have unpaid bills, and to share it with anyone you choose.
How to get them
- Check your patient portal first. Some records may already be there.
- If not, contact the provider’s records or health information department.
- Ask for what the new provider needs, such as visit notes, test results and assessment reports.
- Ask about the cost up front. Electronic copies will likely be free.
- Allow time: providers can take up to 30 days, plus one extension of up to 30 days with a reason.
When opinions differ
How to make sense of two different answers.
Two professionals can reach different conclusions, especially when things are complex. That can feel confusing, but it also gives you more information to work with.
Steps that can help
- Ask each provider to explain their reasoning in plain words.
- Ask what would help tell the two apart, like more time, more information or a test.
- Share the second opinion with your first provider and ask what they think.
- Consider a third opinion for big decisions. Medicare, for example, covers a third surgical opinion when the first two differ.
- Choose the plan, and the provider, you understand and trust most.
Switching providers
When it may be time for a change, and how to do it smoothly.
Sometimes a second opinion leads to a change of provider. Feeling listened to and respected matters, and it’s OK to look for a better fit.
To make the change smoother
- Ask for your full record to be sent to your new provider
- Keep your own copy of key reports
- Let your old provider know, if you feel comfortable
- Try not to leave a gap in care. Book the new appointment before ending the old one
How to support someone
Helping a loved one seek another view without pushing.
Things that can help
- Go with them, or help them prepare their questions
- Help them request records or research providers
- Listen to their worries about the first opinion
- Respect their final choice, even if it isn’t yours
When and where to get help
Support while you wait, and in a crisis.
Waiting for a second opinion can take time. If you’re struggling in the meantime, keep in touch with your current provider and reach out for support.
Free, confidential support (U.S.)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, 24/7
- Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741, 24/7
- FindTreatment.gov: search for mental health services near you
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357, free and confidential, 24/7, in English and Spanish
Outside the U.S.: Find A Helpline (findahelpline.com) lists free, confidential helplines in more than 175 countries.
📝 Worksheets for this guide
Fill these in privately in the app. Your answers stay on your phone.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Tips for Talking With a Health Care Provider About Your Mental Health
- Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice (peer-reviewed, via PubMed) (2017). Extent of diagnostic agreement among medical referrals (Van Such, Lohr, Beckman & Naessens, Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice 23(4): 870–874)
- BMJ Quality & Safety (peer-reviewed) (2014). The frequency of diagnostic errors in outpatient care: estimations from three large observational studies involving US adult populations (Singh, Meyer & Thomas, BMJ Quality & Safety 23(9): 727–731)
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), PSNet. Diagnostic Errors (Patient Safety Primer)
- Medicare.gov (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). Second surgical opinions
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). What Is Telemental Health?
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (HealthIT.gov), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. How to Get Your Health Record
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (HealthIT.gov), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Get It: How to Get Your Health Record
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Help for Mental Illnesses
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (SAMHSA). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Crisis Text Line (Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series resource)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA’s National Helpline
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Caring for Your Mental Health (mental health resources)
- ThroughLine (Find A Helpline). Find A Helpline
- International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). Crisis centres and helplines
This guide is for education and self-care. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. Please talk to a counselor or clinical provider about your health. Reviewed October 2026.
