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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies for Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Panic, and Worry

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies for Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Panic, and Worry

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies for Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Panic, and Worry

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Amazon.com: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies for Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Panic, and Worry eBook : Gillihan PhD, Seth J: Kindle Store

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Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure, and Other Everyday Hurts

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Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure, and Other Everyday Hurts

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Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure, and Other Everyday Hurts

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Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure, and Other Everyday Hurts - Kindle edition by Winch, Guy. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection,…

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Feeling worried, sad, stressed or lonely? Need to talk to someone? Download 7 Cups now for FREE anonymous emotional support & counseling from trained active listeners. Easy to use text chat. Real listeners available for you 24/7 & that's not all:

- Chat 1-1 with a listener any time
- Calm yourself with 300 free mindfulness exercises
- Get personalized care with our free wellness test
- Boost your mood with simple activities
- Learn & grow from short videos
- Feel supported in chat rooms & community forums
- Access online message therapy with licensed therapists

We start you on a "growth path" that will encourage and support you as you take daily steps to become stronger.

Thousands of people use 7 Cups every week.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ON DEMAND:

Feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed? Having relationship problems? Sometimes you need to vent. Finding and scheduling a therapist can be time-consuming and expensive, and you can't always open up to friends, family, or coworkers.

Now you can get emotional support anytime, anywhere with 7 Cups. This app gives you the help you need, fast and free, in a way that fits your life.

* Connect anytime, anywhere with listeners who care
* Speak your mind without any fear of being judged
* All listeners trained in active listening

IN THE MEDIA:

Founded by a licensed psychologist, 7 Cups has been featured in LifeHacker ("Technology can help you find someone to chat with about your problems to, or even connect you with a professional that can offer lasting, long-term help"), Medical Daily ("Talking therapy for people on-the-go"), and TechCrunch ("One of the top 8 startups from Y Combinator's Summer '13 Demo Day").

100% CONFIDENTIAL:

Remain 100% anonymous. No one will ever know who you are-not even your listeners or therapists.

LISTENERS WHO CARE:

Our listeners are volunteers. They aren't getting paid; they're here because they want to help.

They care.

We have over 160,000 trained listeners and licensed therapists to choose from. Listeners provide support across 189 countries and in 140 languages. Each listener has a profile with reviews and a list of categories that they specialize in, ranging from panic attacks and bullying to eating disorders, surviving a breakup, and more.

When you find the listener you want, connect instantly via chat. Try a new listener each time, or pick one listener and develop a deeper ongoing relationship.

FAST & FREE:

The app is free to download, and all listeners are 100% free. After you download the app, you can start a conversation in less than 60 seconds.

UPGRADE PRICING & TERMS

7 Cups offers two auto-renewing subscription options:
$12.99/month
$94.99/year

Your 7 Cups upgrade will automatically renew at the end of each term and your credit card will be charged through your iTunes account. You can turn off auto-renew at any time from your iTunes account settings but refunds will not be provided for any unused portion of the term.

7 Cups also offers a Forever subscription paid for in a single non-renewing upfront payment of $399.99 granting unlimited access to 7 Cups Upgrade forever.

Read more about our terms and conditions here:

Read more about our terms of service and privacy policy here:
http://www.7cups.com/privacy.php

Download 7 Cups and start feeling better today!

If you love 7 Cups, please take 20 seconds to give us a nice review. It really helps! For other feedback, contact info@7cups.com. Thank you.

For users aged 13+.

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7 Cups: Anxiety & Stress Chat - Apps on Google Play

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Feeling worried, sad, stressed or lonely? Need to talk to someone? Download 7 Cups now for FREE anonymous emotional support & counseling from trained active listeners. Easy to use text chat.

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Top Mental Health Apps: An Effective Alternative for When You Can't Afford Therapy

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Our Mission

To develop and manage a continuum of mental health, addiction, and prevention services that have a positive impact on the community, are accessible, results oriented, and responsive to individual and family needs.

Access Mental Health Services

Mental Health Access Point (MHAP)

513-558-8888

Centralized mental health system access point connecting customers with the appropriate service provider(s).

Find Help Now

Access Addiction Services

Recovery Health Access Center (RHAC)

513-281-7422

Centralized 24-hour service center providing a full continuum of substance abuse services including information and referrals supporting individuals and families throughout the treatment process.

Find Help Now

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Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board

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To develop and manage a continuum of mental health, addiction, and prevention services that have a positive impact on the community, are accessible, results oriented, and responsive to individual and family needs. 513-558-8888 Centralized mental health system access point connecting customers with the appropriate service provider(s).

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Mental Health & Addiction Services | Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services

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Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services offers services to people with mental health and/or substance use disorders . We offer treatment and wrap-around services including employment and housing.

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Final Verdict

Talkspace lands at the top of our list as the best online therapy company for variety of services because of its overall appeal to online therapy users who rated it favorably in various categories like the quality of therapists and prescribers, ease of navigating the website, and ratio of needs met by its providers.

While Talkspace does offer psychiatric services, it has a heavy focus on talk therapy. So if you're interested in working with a psychiatrist, Talkiatry may be a better place to start due to its specialization in psychiatry. If you're seeking therapy for a younger age group, Little Otter specializes in providing mental health support to kids 0 to 14, making it a great option since Talkspace isn't available to anyone under the age of 18.

Guide to Choosing Online Therapy

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therap y, also known as teletherapy, e-therapy, or virtual therapy, is a way to receive mental health support from a licensed professional online versus in person. These services can be provided over the phone, or via video chat, email, or messaging. You can go about this in a number of ways, including scheduling virtual sessions with a therapist in private practice or by using an online therapy company or directory.

By opting to use an online therapy company or directory, you take a good chunk of the research that's required when choosing a therapist off of your plate. The main difference between online therapy companies and directories with therapists that provide virtual therapy is that with a directory, you always get to choose your own therapist. With some online therapy companies, there's a matching process involved where the company selects a therapist or a curated list of therapists for you based on the information you provide to them.

Who Is Online Therapy For?

"While individual preferences exist, most people can benefit from online therapy, with comparable outcomes to in-person sessions," says Amy Marschall, PsyD, a clinical psychologist. Whether you prefer conducting therapy sessions from home, you live in a rural area, or you can't find a provider you want to work with near you, online therapy can prove an excellent alternative to in-person care.

Keep in mind that while online therapy can help with many mental health concerns, it isn't the best course of treatment for all conditions. "If someone is in a major crisis and requires inpatient care, online therapy is not adequate to address that," says Dr. Marschall. "In addition, people with dissociative or psychotic symptoms that are interfering with their ability to distinguish reality need in-person care."

Is Online Therapy Effective?

Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Here's what research has shown:

A 2020 study published in Psychology Research found internet-delivered therapy may be a viable alternative to in-person therapy.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders showed that an internet-based intervention for depression is equally beneficial to attending in-person therapy.

A 2018 study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is acceptable, effective, and practical health care for anxiety disorders and depression.

A 2020 study found that higher education students view online therapy positively.

A 2019 study found that multimodal digital psychotherapy is a potentially effective treatment for adult depression.

What to Know Before Choosing Online Therapy

Given how many choices there are when choosing a therapist in the online space, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed. That being said, there are some things to consider before choosing online therapy:

Methods of communication:Common types of communication with online therapy include video chat, messaging (similar to text), email, live chat (typically in a private portal), or phone calls. You'll need to determine which way works for you. Messaging and email allow you to contact your therapist at the wee hours of the night or morning, but don't guarantee the immediate response live chat does. Phone calls and video chats create a similar atmosphere to what you'd experience in person, sans transportation time. But you'll need to schedule your sessions within whatever window your therapist has available. Some companies, like Talkspace and BetterHelp, offer a combination of communication channels for you to reach your therapist, depending on your subscription plan.

Availability:Online therapy may be more flexible than its in-person counterpart, but you'll still need to coordinate your schedule with your therapist's. Think 9-5, and don't forget to consider time zones. There are some companies, such as Thriveworks, that offer early morning and late evening sessions, which isn't easy to come by.

Payment structure:Online therapy companies generally offer one of two payment structures: subscription or pay-per-session. With companies that offer subscriptions, like Talkspace and ReGain, you pay the same amount every month. Some even accept insurance. These subscriptions include certain features, like a set number of live sessions and alternative ways to reach your therapist in between appointments. Other companies, however, offer a payment structure that's pay-per-session, which resembles the way traditional therapy is billed. Then, with online therapy directories such as GoodTherapy, the payment structure depends solely on the practitioner you choose to work with.

Insurance: Not every online therapy company works with or accepts insurance, but some do. The companies that don't accept insurance may offer some kind of financial support to offset your out-of-pocket costs, so be sure to check with the online therapy company you're interested in.

Type of therapy:One of the more important choices to make when you choose online therapy is the type of therapy you're searching for. Most offer individual therapy, but there are some that also offer couples or family therapy. Some also cater to certain age groups, mental health conditions, cultural backgrounds, and sexual identities. It's worth keeping these things in mind when you're choosing a company.

Therapist qualifications:It's crucial to choose a therapist that has a specialization in what you're seeking therapy for. Some companies have you fill out an intake questionnaire and use an algorithm to match you with a therapist. Others let you pick yourself, either from a curated list based on an intake questionnaire or from a directory of practitioners. Most companies provide therapist bios for you to dig into, though the level of detail varies. No matter the method, make sure to consider your therapy goals and personal comfort. This is someone you'll be spending a lot of time opening up to and connecting with, so you want to feel comfortable with them. Bonus points if you resonate with them on a personal level.

Medication management:Not everyone who seeks out therapy needs medication. There is a treatment plan out there for everyone. Some online therapy companies include medication management with their subscription plans. Unless you know you require medication, you might benefit from a subscription plan that includes only therapy sessions.

It's important to know that even the best online therapy has to offer isn't appropriate for everyone. For example, if you are in crisis, are suicidal, or have a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or a psychotic disorder, you might need a higher level of care than online therapy services can provide.

How Do I Know What Kind of Therapist I Need?

The key to knowing which type of therapist is right for you is having a good grip on what your goal is for therapy. Similar to in-person practices, the type of providers available depends on the online platform. Some offer only therapists, some only psychiatrists, and some a combination of providers, including counselors and social workers. Each type of provider is appropriate for a variety of therapeutic goals, needs, and treatments.

Here's what you need to know:

Psychiatrists have gone through 12 or so years of medical school and specialized training in mental health care. Psychiatrists may include therapy in their sessions, but prescribing medication is the focus. As MDs, they're one of the few mental health practitioners who can diagnose and evaluate their clients.

Psychologists have either a master's or doctoral degree and the training to practice psychotherapy. Clinical psychologists, those typically involved in talk therapy, can diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Having a master's degree is the minimum education qualification to provide counseling, but the level of experience or education doesn't necessarily mean you'll receive lower-quality treatment. Except in five U.S states, psychologists cannot prescribe medication, regardless of their level of education.

Licensed family and marriage therapists ( LMFTs) have either a master's or doctoral degree and at least two years of clinical practice under their belts. They're able to assess, diagnose, and treat a range of mental health conditions and psychological distress in family systems-this includes individual, couples, and family therapy.

Social workers have been trained to integrate psychotherapy and sociology to provide support and guidance to improve people's lives, sometimes referring clients to external resources and services to provide that wider net of care.

Masters-level licensed social workers (MSWs or LMSWs) have had training in psychology and may provide therapy in supervised settings.

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are MSWs that have received their clinical licensure, giving them the ability to provide therapy without supervision.

Licensed professional counselors (LCPs) have a master's degree in mental health counseling and 2,000 to 3,000 hours of required field training. While counselors are similar to LMFTs and social workers in their level of education, training, the populations they serve, and the problems they address, counselors differ in that they typically offer support with a specific set of issues, often in a short-term capacity.

Beyond the degrees they've earned, each therapist and counselor has their own unique combination of additional training and specializations.

Some focus primarily on treating individuals and/or groups of people with a wide range of mental health issues, using techniques such as:

Other providers have the credentials to treat patients with specific diagnoses like personality disorders, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD), selecting from approaches such as psychodynamic therapy, internal family systems ( IFS) therapy, and exposure therapy.

Some mental health care professionals pursue further education on mental health needs specific to children, teens, seniors, or families. Just a few examples of useful techniques for these groups may include play therapy, expressive arts therapy, occupational therapy, and family systems therapy.

Some use somatic (body-focused) techniques to guide clients through the physical sensations they're experiencing-for instance, through eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing ( EMDR), therapeutic massage, or dance therapy. Somatic therapy can be especially helpful for PTSD and trauma.

Therapists who specialize in relationship issues may incorporate a number of frameworks with the couples or individuals they see, but two of the most effective evidence-based approaches are emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT) and the Gottman method.

A growing number of mental health professionals are also pursuing training and/or certification in sex therapy, which is talk therapy aimed at improving intimate relationships.

Finally, many therapists, coaches, and counselors can help people with specific issues and stressors by providing:

If you're not sure what kind of therapist is best for you, some companies offer matching sessions with professionals who can help you find the right provider for you. Others have you fill out intake forms to help match you with a therapist who's a good fit.

Are There Free Online Therapy Options?

There are free options available, though it's important to note that you will not receive the same personalized care as you might with your own therapist.

That said, here are some of those options:

The CRISIS Text Line:This is a confidential text line available to you 24/7 if you ever need immediate assistance and prefer the comfort of a text (or WhatsApp) thread. If you text "HOME" to 741741, you'll be connected to a trained crisis counselor via live messaging. These crisis counselors are there to provide support, not medical advice. Sometimes this support takes the shape of a referral, and in cases of imminent risk, where the texter and crisis counselor can't come to an agreed-upon plan of safety, the supervisor may contact emergency services.

The Samaritans: This is a 24-hour, completely confidential hotline that's available to those in crisis and the people who are supporting someone in crisis. It doesn't use caller ID or call tracing so you can remain anonymous. You can call this hotline day or night at 212-673-3000. While there's no mention of nonconsensual active rescue, they do conduct a risk assessment at the beginning of every call to determine your mental state.

NYC Well: This is a free service local to the NYC area that's available 24/7. It lets you call, text, or chat to receive mental health support from a trained NYC Well counselor or peer-support specialist while remaining absolutely anonymous. There is also a relay service available for the hearing impaired (dial 711) and interpreters for over 200 languages. For support, text "WELL" to 65173, call 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355), or access an online chat service.

7 Cups:This company provides a 24/7 online chat room service at no charge. It also offers online therapy for $150 per month, but signing up for therapy isn't required to be a part of a chat room. You can enter a chat room and be connected to a trained "active listener" within seconds of setting up your username. That's right-it's an anonymous service.

The Therapy Fund at the Loveland Foundation: Established by Rachel Cargle, the Loveland Foundation provides the Black community with access to mental health resources. By partnering with a handful of online therapy companies and directories, Loveland offers vouchers to cover the cost of four to 12 therapy sessions. The Therapy Fund sign-up form opens quarterly. To sign up, visit its website.

Is Online Therapy Confidential?

As with anything else you do online, you will want to make sure you're taking your data and privacy into account with online therapy. Practitioners are required to follow licensing regulations, state laws, and HIPAA regulations (the federal law protecting personal health information) that ensure safety and confidentiality.

Online therapy strives to be as confidential as in-person therapy in that whatever is discussed in the client to therapist relationship stays within the relationship. There are, however, exceptions to confidentiality as outlined in the American Psychological Association (APA)'s Code of Ethics.

Some to note:

Psychologists may need to disclose confidential information for scientific or medical purposes.

Psychologists may need to disclose confidential information to protect the psychologist, the client, or others from harm.

Psychologists may need to disclose confidential information to obtain payment for services rendered to the client.

Should I Be Concerned About My Privacy When Using Online Therapy Services?

The rise of data as a commodity has left people wary of using online services, including online therapy. The best practice is to check the privacy policy of any online therapy company you're considering. Look for any mention of what it does and doesn't do with your data. It's even better when it explicitly states that it is HIPAA-compliant.

What If I'm Having Thoughts About Taking My Own Life?

Online therapy isn't for emergency mental health situations. Thoughts of suicide or self-harm warrant more immediate action.

Dial 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifelife, to speak with folks who are trained to provide support to anyone experiencing suicidality. No, the police are not called unless safety measures cannot be agreed on with the caller. The Suicide & Crisis Lifelife is aware that involving emergency contacts can lead to traumatic situations for some individuals, which is why it is the last resort.

For the hearing impaired, dial 711 before 988 or use your preferred relay service before dialing in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?

How Is Online Therapy Billed?

Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy?

Does Medicare Cover Online Therapy?

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Talkspace lands at the top of our list as the best online therapy company for variety of services because of its overall appeal to online therapy users who rated it favorably in various categories like the quality of therapists and prescribers, ease of navigating the website, and ratio of needs met by its providers.

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Skip to content

Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.

How does it work?

After your mental health test, you will see information, resources, and tools to help you understand and improve your mental health.
How can online mental health testing help me? What do my mental health test results mean?
Please note: Online screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or a therapist) can give you a full assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better.

This website is an informational resource. We are not a crisis support line. If you need immediate help, you can reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or using the chat box at 988lifeline.org/chat. You can also text "MHA" to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. Warmlines are an excellent place for non-crisis support.

For all other screening-related questions and non-emergency support, please use MHA's Contact Us form.

Mental Health America Inc., sponsors, partners, and advertisers disclaim any liability, loss, or risk incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of these screens.

MHA Screening is made possible through the generous contributions of individuals and organizations that share our vision of mental health for all. This program is supported, in part, through philanthropic contributions from Abbvie, Alkermes, The Anthem Foundation, Janssen, Neurocrine Biosciences, The NFL Foundation, Sage Therapeutics, Takeda Lundbeck Alliance, and Teva.

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Skip to content Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.

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Children's Mental Health - How to Get Help

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How to know if you need mental health help and where to get it | Your Morning

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When to Seek Mental Health Treatment | Mental Health in Children

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Learn how to know when to seek treatment for mental health disorders for children from experts at Cincinnati Children's.

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The signs and symptoms of mental health issues can vary widely in severity and frequency from person to person. That's why it's not always easy to determine if what you're feeling is something situational that may pass on its own, or whether it's something persistent that may require professional help.

It's important to know that mental health issues do not need to be "serious" in order for you to reach out for support. Whatever you're going through, your feelings and experiences are valid and you deserve support. But if you are starting to feel concerned about what you are noticing about your mood or behavior, there are warning signs to watch out for-and effective ways to seek help for whatever signs you're seeing.

How to Tell the Difference Between Mild and Serious Mental Health Challenges

Mental health professionals typically measure the seriousness of a mental health issue by what impact it has on a person's everyday life, and by the circumstances that led to the issue. Mild mental health challenges are often less persistent and less disruptive to a person's everyday life, while serious mental health challenges can be so severe that they negatively impact a person's relationships or performance at work or school.

For example, let's say you have an important exam coming up. Feeling some stress or anxiety before the exam is normal. But if your anxiety is so severe that you skip school to avoid taking the exam, that would be more concerning because it signals both a disruption to your everyday routine and can cause concrete negative consequences in your life or wellbeing. Anxiety so severe that it leads to physical symptoms or panic attacks would also be a reason to seek support.

It's also important to take into account the context around a mental health challenge. It's normal to feel sadness or grief after the death of a loved one, feel angry after a breakup, or anxious about starting a new job. In these situations, it can be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor about how you're feeling-but it may not be considered a serious or severe challenge unless it's negatively impacting your everyday life.

What are the Warning Signs of a Serious Mental Health Challenge?

There are many warning signs of serious mental health challenges to watch out for, including but not limited to:

Warning Signs: Mood Changes

Feeling sad or "down" for long periods of time without a specific reason for the feeling, like the loss of a loved one

Noticeable mood changes from very high, like euphoria, to very low, like deep sadness or depression

Constantly or excessively worrying about a stressful event or incident

Feeling empty or apathetic about aspects of life

Outbursts of anger, hostility, or violence

Having trouble relating to others thoughts and feelings, or feeling empathetic and understanding of others

Warning Signs: Behavioral Changes

Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Engaging in self-injury behaviors, like cutting

Feeling like you've "lost time" or have large gaps in memory

Withdrawing from friends, family members, or social activities that you once enjoyed

Experiencing delusions, or beliefs in things that aren't real

Experiencing hallucinations, or sensory experiences that feel real but are not. For example, hearing voices that no one else can hear or feeling things crawling on your skin.

Warning Signs: Physical Changes

Sudden sweating, nausea, increased heart rate, or troubled breathing along with intense worry or fear

Disturbed sleeping patterns, either sleeping too much or too little

Feeling fatigued regardless of how much sleep you get

Noticeable changes in sex drive or sexual activity, including engaging in risky sexual behavior

Noticeable changes in eating behaviors. For example restricting your eating or binge eating, feeling fearful of foods for no apparent reason, or having body image issues related to weight or eating.

If you or someone you love are struggling with one or more of the following symptoms for two weeks or more, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or engaging in suicidal behavior, seek help immediately by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text "START" to 741-741.

When to Seek Help for a Mental Health Challenge

If you notice any of these changes in your own (or others') moods or behaviors, there are questions you can ask to gauge how much these changes are affecting life:

Changes at Work or School

Am I missing school, avoiding certain classes, struggling in school, or missing out on extracurricular activities?

Am I constantly thinking or worrying about what's going on at school, even when I'm not there?

Am I missing work, avoiding certain tasks, or struggling to complete or understand a task?

Am I constantly thinking or worrying about what's going on at work, or my performance at work, even when I'm not there?

Changes in Relationships

Am I fighting with my parents or family members more often than usual?

Am I fighting with my friends or partners more than usual?

Am I forgetting important events or tasks, or do I feel like I've "lost time"?

Do I ever feel disconnected from reality, or hear, see, or feel things that others do not?

Do I ever feel like others are out to get me, or purposely hurt me?

Has a parent, friend, teacher, or other person checked in on me, asked about my mental health, or expressed concern about changes they've noticed in my behavior?

Self-Injury

Have I thought about harming myself as a way to cope with how I'm feeling?

Have I harmed myself by cutting, burning, deep scratching, or by other means?

Have I injured myself with the intention of causing myself harm, but not dying?

Have I injured myself with the intention of dying or ending up in the hospital?

Have I harmed myself, or expressed thoughts about harming myself, to get someone else's attention?

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Have I had passive suicidal thoughts, like thinking "I want to die," "I want to kill myself," or "My family would be better off if I died"?

Have I made a plan to attempt suicide?

Am I planning who will get my belongings, and how to say goodbye to loved ones?

Have I written a suicide note?

How to Seek Help for a Mental Health Challenge

If you notice these changes in your or a loved one's behaviors, especially if you've answered "yes" to some of the questions above, it's important to reach out for support as soon as possible. The longer someone goes without treatment, the more serious symptoms may become-and, in the case of symptoms like delusions or self-injury, untreated symptoms can have serious consequences to your health.

The first step in getting help is talking to an adult you trust, like a parent or caregiver, teacher, guidance counselor, or doctor. Especially if you're still in school, it's important to seek help from a trusted adult, because they can help you find the mental health resources you need, like a counselor or therapist. If you are ready for a conversation but don't know who to turn to,

Let your friends know what you've been experiencing, and ask for their support. While friends are not a substitute for help from a mental health professional, they can support you in other ways, like by creating a safe space for sharing your feelings, holding you accountable to your treatment goals, and comforting you when you get overwhelmed.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or engaging in suicidal behavior, seek help immediately by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

How to Help a Friend Find Mental Health Support

Friends can be a very important part of our mental health support network. Often our friends are the first to notice when something's wrong, because they know us so well. If you are concerned about changes in a friend's mood or behavior, here are some ways you can help:

Start the conversation. Tell them what you've noticed and express your concern. It's important to stay calm and non-judgmental. Use "I" statements, like "I've noticed you've been skipping class lately, is everything okay?" Or "I saw what you posted last night, do you want to talk about it?"

Encourage them to seek help from a parent or caregiver, therapist, doctor, or guidance counselor. If you're able to, offer to help them find a therapist or reach out on their behalf to a trusted adult.

If your friend is feeling suicidal or engaging in self-injury, do not keep it a secret. They may feel like they need to keep it a secret out of shame or fear-but that will prevent them from getting the help they need. If they tell you, let them know you need to tell a trusted adult for their own safety, even if they get mad at you for doing so. Encourage them to tell someone themselves.

Remember to take care of yourself. Sometimes taking care of others can take a toll on our own mental health. If your friend is struggling, offer to support them in the ways you feel able to, and remember to have your own mental health support in place-whether that's a therapist, self-care, or other healthy methods of coping.

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Mental Health Warning Signs and When to Ask for Help | JED

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The signs and symptoms of mental health issues can vary widely in severity and frequency from person to person. That's why it's not always easy to determine if what you're feeling is something situational that may pass on its own, or whether it's something persistent that may require professional help.

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How to Access Services and Supports | Michigan Children's Mental Health Services

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Figuring out how to access mental health services for your child can sometimes be a confusing process.

If you are concerned that your child may have a mental health problem talk your concerns over with your child's pediatrician or family doctor. If your child does not have a pediatrician or family physician, contact your local community mental health agency, your child's school or a local health care clinic and ask for a mental health assessment.

When you attend the appointment be prepared to share your concerns including any behaviors, situations, symptoms or emotional reactions that concern you. You will often want to share how long and how often these types of things have been happening and anything that seems to make your child feel worse or better.

You can find more detailed information about how to prepare for talking with someone about your concerns by clicking on the links on the right to learn more about what to ask or what to share when trying to access mental health services.

You may also want to explore the I am worried about my child's mental health , Who Can Help and What to Expect at Your First Appointment sections of this website.

After your child has been evaluated, your doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional will explain your child's condition to you and discuss your child's strengths and needs. They should also tell you the types of treatment, services or supports available to your child.

How you go about accessing treatment will depend on variety of things including your child's individual needs, the type of insurance your family has (public and/or private) and the severity of your child's condition.

Locations you may go to access services include your local community mental health, a private therapist's office, your child's school or other child and family service organizations.

The type of treatment your child receives will depend on your child's individual needs. To learn more about mental health treatment and supports here.

How your child's mental health services will be paid for will depend on your child's needs and your family's health care coverage. If your family does not have insurance coverage or if your insurance does not cover the type or level service your child needs, your child may qualify for additional services depending on your family's financial situation and eligibility for public funded programs. If you do not qualify (based on your income) for publicly funded health care programs, your child may still be eligible for additional services through community mental health if their condition is severe enough to require intensive home and community based services. To learn more about health care coverage and publicly funded programs click here.

For more information about accessing public mental health services click here.

For more information about using private insurance to access mental health services click here.

If you are still unable to find the information you need after exploring the website or if you have difficulty accessing the help your child needs, please feel free to call the ACMH office and speak with a Family Resource Specialist today.

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How to Access Services and Supports | Michigan Children's Mental Health Services | ACMH

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Figuring out how to access mental health services for your child can sometimes be a confusing process. If you are concerned that your child may have a mental health problem talk your concerns over with your child's pediatrician or family doctor.

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Who Can Help | Children's Mental Health Services 

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Who Can Help?

When you realize that your child may have a mental health disorder and need professional help, it is sometimes difficult to know what to do next or where to go for help.

Often a good place to start is to set up an appointment to discuss your concerns with your child's pediatrician or your family doctor. Pediatricians (doctors who specialize in treating children) know what is considered normal behavior for children at different ages. They can also determine if the problem is physical, rather than emotional. The doctor can decide if further medical tests are needed, and suggest additional steps to take.

If your doctor determines that the problem appears to be emotional rather than physical, they should refer your child to a mental health professional for an assessment. Social workers, psychiatrists, or psychologists can perform mental health assessments. Assessments can be provided through private practitioners, agencies or through your local community mental health service provider. More information about the different types of mental health service providers can be found by clicking here. The type of mental health professional you are referred to and where you go for the assessment will depend on a number of things including your child's needs, your type of insurance and income status.

If your child does not have a pediatrician or family doctor you can instead contact your local Community Mental Health by calling the ACCESS center for a mental health screening. The Access number for your county can be found by clicking here.

Another option would be to contact your local or intermediate school district and ask for an evaluation, especially if your child is struggling at school as well as at home. Schools have a legal obligation to find and evaluate children (including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, children and youth) who may have disabilities in their districts. You can call your local school about your concerns and request an evaluation. You will also want to follow up your requests for school evaluation in writing. Once the school receives your request they will ask you to sign a Consent to Evaluate form giving them your permission to evaluate your child. The Consent to Evaluate form should list the types of testing they expect to complete. Once the school receives your signed request to evaluate form the school district will conduct an evaluation and hold a meeting to discuss their findings with you and other school personnel within 30 school days. The school evaluation will also help to determine if your child is eligible for any special services and supports at school to help them manage their mental health challenges and be successful in the school setting. The evaluation is done at no cost to your family. More information about school evaluations and special education can be found by clicking here.

Before contacting the doctor, school or Community Mental Health it may be helpful to make a list of your concerns and try to capture what has been happening and for how long. This will help ensure that you don't forget any important details and that you have complete information ready to share so you are prepared to ask and answer questions. For more information about what to ask and what to share when trying to access mental health services for your child click here.

Keep in mind that it is important that you seek help for your child and family as soon as possible when you suspect that your child has a mental health problem. Sometimes your child's doctor, CMH or school may not recognize your child's difficulties as potential signs of a mental health problem and may dismiss your concerns. If this happens, don't give up! If after talking to the doctor, school or CMH you are still concerned about your child, it is important for you to trust your instincts. You are the expert on your child and know your child better than anyone, so if you are concerned that the potential problems are not being addressed, seek a second opinion and feel free to call our statewide toll free number if you need help deciding what to do next.

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Who Can Help | Children's Mental Health Services | Association for Children's Mental Health

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When you realize that your child may have a mental health disorder and need professional help, it is sometimes difficult to know what to do next or where to go for help. Often a good place to start is to set up an appointment to discuss your concerns with your child's pediatrician or your family doctor.

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Mental health is an undeniably important matter, yet most people don't have access to the resources they need when they need help. At Social Work License Map, we have compiled a comprehensive list of resources for anyone seeking information about and/or help for a range of mental health issues.

Our list spans diagnostic tools, research portals, government organizations, nonprofits, blogs, and phone hotlines devoted to addressing issues ranging from general mental illnesses and disorders such as autism, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse, to the specific needs of diverse populations, including LGBTQ youth, minorities, women, and veterans. Take a look at these resources, and we hope you find our list helpful!

Have suggestions for any important resource we may have missed? Email us at contactus@socialworklicensemap.com
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The National Association of Mental Illness is the largest nationwide mental health advocacy grassroots organization with hundreds of state organizations, affiliates and volunteers. It is a hub for support groups, free education, raising awareness and building community.
Mental Health Resources (MHR)
This nonprofit provides community-based mental health services to adults, especially those suffering medical, social or substance-related comorbidities.
American Psychiatry Association
The American Psychiatry Association is the largest professional membership organization of psychiatrists in the world. The APA website hosts "Let's Talk Facts" brochures on a range of illnesses, professional resources for psychiatrists, psychiatric residents and medical students. It publishes up-to-date news, research, government policies and developments in psychiatry.
MedlinePlus - Mental Health
This is the National Institutes of Health's collection of resources from the National Library of Medicine. It includes information about conditions, treatments, patients, families and friends, latest research, drugs and supplements, terminology and definitions, videos, illustrations and clinical trials.
World Health Organization (WHO) - Project Atlas
The World Health Organization's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse has a Project Atlas, which compiles resources and information about mental health and neurology policies, prevalence, statistics, medicines, professionals, information systems and publications. Topics covered include mental health in emergencies, maternal and child mental health, neurology and public health, disorders management and suicide prevention. Information can be searched by region, country or worldwide.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - Mental Health
This website, run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides government information about mental health taken from the Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, Medline Plus, FindYouthInfo.gov and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The information is for the general public, health care providers, policymakers, schools and communities.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - LGBTQ
The National Alliance on Mental Illness GLBT resources page contains articles, videos, publications, research and links to prominent organizations about GLBT mental health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - LGBT Youth
The Centers for Disease Control maintains a section about LGBT youth health issues.
LGBT National Help Center
The GLBT National Help Center provides an online peer-support chat as well as free, confidential counseling over the phone for the GLBT community.

The GLBT National Help Center runs this website, which contains more than 15,000 GLBT resources and offers tools for users to find local community centers, youth groups and support resources.

The creators of the Oscar-winning short film "Trevor" founded The Trevor Project. The organization provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13 and 24.
American Psychological Association - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The American Psychological Association's Help Center on Sexual Orientation's website provides research and information on mental health issues surrounding sexual orientation.
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Mental Health
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website hosts screening tools, a veterans crisis line and a guide to mental health conditions that often plague veterans.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Veterans and Active Duty
The National Association on Mental Illness has a Veterans & Military Resource Center, which is home to online discussion groups, information about veteran mental illnesses and treatments. It includes information about advocacy for active-duty members, returning veterans, veteran families, veterans in recovery, veterans looking for work, mental health providers, college faculty members and women veterans.
MindWise - Military and Family Screenings
Military Pathways is a site created by Screening for Mental Health and the Department of Defense that allows military members and their families to take free, anonymous mental health or alcohol self-assessments. Completion of the assessment directs users to referral information for Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs services.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - Office of Minority Health
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health website provides statistics, news and treatment information.
National Institute on Aging - Health Information
The National Institutes of Health provides this online index of information, videos and training tools about senior health, including mental health and wellness.
National Council on Aging - Behavioral Health
The National Council on Aging promotes programs that help seniors cope with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, addiction and more.
Office on Women's Health - Mental Health Resources
The Office on Women's Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides access to research, publications, Surgeon General Reports and general information for women's mental health issues. This includes problems related to pregnancy and conception, menstruation, menopause, women veterans, suicide prevention and mental illnesses.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Women and Mental Health
The National Institutes of Health's Women and Mental Health index contains information, research and publications about women's mental health.
World Health Organization (WHO) - Gender and Women's Mental Health
The World Health Organization website contains a section on global mental health as it relates to issues of gender and gender disparity.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - Mental Health in Adolescents
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Adolescent Health offers information about adolescent mental health across states, adolescent mental health disorders and access to care.

The Jed Foundation is an organization committed to the mental and emotional health of college students and preventing suicide among this population. The foundation runs several free online self-assessment and resource programs for students and campuses. It offers training tools for campus professionals to improve their mental health services for students.
U.S. Government - Youth Mental Health
This is a hub of government information about youth mental health issues, including substance abuse, LGBT issues, bullying and homelessness.

A project of the Jed Foundation that provides a free, confidential online resource about emotional health to more than 1,500 colleges and universities.

LawLifeline is a combined project of the Jed Foundation and Dave Nee Foundation. It is a free, anonymous and confidential online resource for law school students to seek out information about depression, anxiety, suicide, stress and self-harm.
UCLA - Center for Mental Health in Schools and Student Learning Support
The UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools created the School Mental Health Project, an online collection of tools, research, publications and resources for school practitioners and professionals.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) - Online Resources
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America raises public and professional awareness, promotes research advancement and provides referrals for children and adults with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorders and related disorders. The website provides information about these conditions, their treatment and resources for professionals.

This is the website of the nonprofit advocacy organization Freedom from Fear. It contains a wealth of research-based information and treatment referrals for anxiety and depression.

Autism Speaks is a prominent autism research and advocacy organization. The website contains links to apps, tool kits and a resource guide for families and individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

The Autism NOW Center is a resource for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. The Center's resources include fact sheets, webinars, a newsletter and a call center. It focuses on the topics of early detection, intervention, education, transition, aging, community inclusion, long-term care and health care reform.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is a national peer-led organization run by individuals with depression and bipolar disorder. It provides support groups, peer specialist training, wellness tools, research, podcasts, brochures, publications and information for clinicians.
National Eating Disorders Association
The National Eating Disorders Association is a nonprofit supporting people with eating disorders and their families. It provides an information and referral helpline, extensive information about eating disorder prevention, treatment and recovery, as well as handouts and toolkits for parents, coaches and educators, and forums for discussion and stories of recovery. The website is also available in Spanish.

An online community for teens that encourages healthy body image.
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awards grants to scientists conducting research on causes and treatments of mental disorders in children and adults. This includes schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, attention-deficit hyperactivity and autism.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency on behavioral health, runs several mental health campaigns and has information on health reform for providers, families and individuals. SAMHSA also has a helpful online behavioral treatment services locator.
American Psychiatric Association - DSM-5
The website of the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides complementary information to its print edition about the classification, assessment, symptoms and treatment of mental disorders.
Mayo Clinic - Mental Illness
The Mayo Clinic, the largest medical practice and research group in the world, provides reliable physician-backed information about mental illness definitions, causes, symptoms, prevention, treatment and support.
MindWise Mental Health Screenings
MindWise offers screenings for mental health concerns, providing military members and their families to take free, anonymous mental health or alcohol self-assessments.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Behavioral Health Treatment Locator
This is SAMHSA's behavioral treatment services locator.

Half of Us is a project by mtvU and the Jed Foundation that encourages public dialogue about youth mental health issues and refers high school and college students to resources where they can find help.
Psychology Today - Find a Therapist
The Find a Therapist service from Psychology Today helps users find mental health professionals in their area.
American Psychological Association - Psychology Help Center
The American Psychological Association's Help Center contains a Find a Psychologist directory and help resources in the areas of work and school, family and relationships, health and emotional wellness, disasters and terrorism, and managed care and health insurance.

Mental Health America is a community-based network with 240 nationwide affiliates that provide services such as counseling referrals, support and finding housing for the homeless.
National Council for Behavioral Health
The National Council for Behavioral Health is a collective of more than 2,000 member mental health and substance abuse treatment organizations. The National Council is known for creating Mental Health First Aid, a public education initiative consisting of an eight-hour course that provides participants with a crash course in understanding mental illness risk factors, impacts and treatments. It is aimed at increasing early detection and intervention.
UCLA - Center for Mental Health in Schools and Student Learning Support - Hotlines
UCLA's School Mental Health Project compiled a list of hotlines that are useful for school practitioners.

Sexual assault prevention and awareness organization Safe Horizon provides a hotline for domestic violence victims, sexual assault victims and crime victims to receive 24/7 free crisis counseling and safety planning.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
This is a confidential, toll-free, 24-hour suicide prevention hotline. Call 1-800-273-TALK to receive counseling and local referrals.

A list of hotlines for teens facing issues ranging from bullying and abuse to drugs and eating disorders.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 counseling and support to victims of domestic violence and abuse at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

The Veterans Crisis Line provides confidential help for veterans and their families at 1-800-273-8255.
PsychCentral - Resources
PsychCentral is an extensive annotated directory of mental health resources, including general information, as well as blogs, online communities, support groups, articles, quizzes and books.
American Psychological Association
This is the official website of the American Psychological Association, the largest professional psychology association in the country. It's made up of more than 130,000 clinicians, researchers, consultants, educators and students.
American Psychiatric Association
This is the official website of the American Psychiatric Association, the largest psychiatric organization in the world. It's made up of more than 35,000 member psychiatrists.
About - Mental Health Resources
About.com maintains a robust collection of articles about mental health topics.
U.S. Government - Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources
This is the mental health page of the U.S. government's web portal for federal resources and information.

This is the website of Psychology Today magazine. The magazine covers a range of topics in psychology authored by experts in the field.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Blogs
NAMI shares insight from mental health professionals on a wide array of topics. From mental illness in children to defeating stigmas, these blog posts offer education, suggestions, and real life stories on living with mental illness.
PsychCentral - Mental Health Blogs
PsychCentral maintains an extensive collection of mental health blogs. These are subject to community ratings.
Psychology Today - Blog Directory
Psychology Today offers a directory of blogs run by mental health professionals and experts in a range of specialty areas.

This list was last updated in January 2020. For the most up-to-date information for each resource, please refer to their website for more.
If you're interested in working in the field of mental health, consider a career in social work. Explore a full list of online MSW programs.

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Our list spans diagnostic tools, research portals, and blogs that address issues ranging from general mental health resources to serving diverse populations.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use problem, there are several resources available to find out more information or get connected with help. Check out some mental health resources below:
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or dial 911 in case of emergency. GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Mental Health America

Visit Mental Health America's site for information on mental health, getting help, and taking action.

National Council for Mental Wellbeing

To locate mental health and addictions treatment facilities in your community, use the "Find a Provider" feature on the National Council's website.

National Empowerment Center

The mission of the National Empowerment Center is to carry a message of recovery, empowerment, hope and healing to those diagnosed with a mental illness. The center provides information and advocacy resources.

National Institute of Mental Health (Mental Illness Among U.S. Adults)

The National Institute of Mental Health website provides prevalence statistics pertaining to mental illnesses, including data by age, gender and race.

President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health

This commission report was released in 2003 as part of an effort to eliminate inequality for Americans with disabilities. It was tasked to "promote successful community integration for adults with a serious mental illness and children with a serious emotional disturbance." The report describes problems and gaps in the U.S. mental health system and makes recommendations for improvements at the federal, state and local levels of government, as well as private and public health care providers.

World Health Organization (Disability from Mental Illness)

The World Health Organization website contains information on the global burden of disease in various parts of the world, including burden due to mental disorders.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of individuals with mental disorders and their families. Their website provides resources on mental disorders that are helpful for people who have experienced mental illness and their families, including support groups, education and training.
DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL INTENTIONS

American Association of Suicidology

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) promotes research, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. AAS also serves as a national clearinghouse for information on suicide.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides information about suicide, support for survivors, prevention, research and more.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation website provides information and downloadable fact sheets on depressive disorders.

Mental Health America

Visit Mental Health America's screening tools page for information on mental health, getting help and taking action.

Depression Screening

The Depression Screening website is sponsored by Mental Health America as part of the Campaign for America's Mental Health. The mission of this website is to educate people about clinical depression, offer a confidential way for people to get screened for symptoms of depression and guide people toward appropriate professional help if necessary.

MoodGYM

MoodGYM has been evaluated in a scientific trial and found to be effective in relieving depression symptoms if people work through it systematically. This website uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods to teach people to use ways of thinking that can help prevent depression.

Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International's (PSI) website includes resources for support, education and local providers focusing on the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum, including postpartum depression. PSI's toll-free help line is staffed by a team of trained responders who rapidly refer callers to appropriate local resources, including emergency services. 800-944-4PPD (4773)

Progressive Relaxation

Download two progressive relaxation tapes from the Hobart and William Smith Colleges website.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has fact sheets on suicide by state and by population characteristics, as well as on many other subjects.
NONSUICIDAL SELF-INJURY

Focus Adolescent Services

The Focus Adolescent Services website is designed for parents and covers a wide range of mental health problems, including a section on self-injury.

S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Self-Abuse Finally Ends)

S.A.F.E. Alternatives is a residential treatment program for people who engage in self-injury. The website includes information about self-injury and about starting treatment. S.A.F.E information line: 1-800-DONT CUT (366-8288)
ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

ADAA promotes the early diagnosis, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders.

Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine

The Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital has an online store offering CDs, DVDs and books on relaxation techniques.

E-couch

The E-couch website provides information about emotional problems (including depression and anxiety disorders) - what causes them, how to prevent them and how to treat them. It also provides a set of evidence-based online interventions designed to equip the user with strategies to improve mood and emotional state, along with a workbook to track progress and record experiences.

Freedom From Fear

The Freedom From Fear website provides information, screening tools and other resources on many types of anxiety disorders.

International OCD Foundation

The International OCD Foundation includes information about obsessive-compulsive disorder, including information about effective treatments, how to find a health professional who has experience treating the disorder and links to other helpful websites.
PSYCHOSIS AND PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation website provides downloadable fact sheets on psychotic disorders.

Pendulum

Pendulum is a nonprofit organization providing information on bipolar disorder. The website includes book review, discussion forums, articles and links to other resources.

Schizophrenia.com

Schizophrenia.com provides information, support and education to family members, caregivers and individuals whose lives have been affected by schizophrenia.
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Smokefree.gov)

Smokefree.gov, created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provides ideas about how to stop using tobacco. Includes downloadable resources and contacts for online and phone counseling.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence website features information on local resources for getting help for a substance use concern, fact sheets and further information for friends, family members, parents and youth on having a conversation about substance use.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is the lead agency for U.S. research on alcohol use disorders and health.

Start Your Recovery

Start Your Recovery works with leading experts in effectively treating substance use issues to offer people a single source of relatable, reliable information at any stage of their recovery journey.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

NIDA provides links to information for parents, teens, health professionals, teachers and others about various drug use problems.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA's website has information about substance use disorders of all kinds. It includes information for the public, including families, health professionals, schools and individuals. The website also includes a treatment finder to locate a substance use treatment provider in your area.

DrugScreening.org

DrugScreening.org is a drug use screening site with a questionnaire to help you determine if you or someone you know might have a drug use problem.

AlcoholScreening.org

AlcoholScreening.org is an alcohol use screening site developed by the Boston University School of Public Health. It includes an online test about your own, or someone else's, level of alcohol use, including advice about cutting down or getting professional treatment.
EATING DISORDERS

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)

ANAD includes information about eating disorders, how to seek treatment and support groups for people suffering from eating disorders and their families.

National Eating Disorders Association

National Eating Disorders Association has stories of recovery from eating disorders, information about seeking treatment and additional resources for school professionals and caregivers.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The NIMH website has links to more information about eating disorders.
HELP LINES

American Psychiatric Association Answer Center

1-888-35-PSYCH (77924)

Live operators available 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time, refer you to local board-certified psychiatrists.

American Psychological Association of Public Education Line

1-800-964-2000

Follow the automated instructions and press the number 1. Then, an operator will refer you to local board-certified psychologists.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

This hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are transferred to trained counselors in more than 130 sites nationwide. This service also has a new feature for veterans. When veterans, their families or friends call this number and press 1, they can talk to a trained, caring professional in a specialized veterans call center. Calls are free and confidential.

The Trevor Project

1-866-488-7386

This is a free and confidential suicide prevention help line for LGBTQ youth that offers hope and someone to talk to, 24 hours a day.

National Cancer Institute Smoking Quitline

1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848)

(English and Spanish)

Smoking Cessation Centers

1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)

(Available in 17 states; English and Spanish)
SUPPORT GROUPS

Al-Anon and Alateen

Al-Anon and Alateen provide information and support for the family members and friends of people with alcohol problems. The sites include lists of meetings in the United States and Canada.

American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse

American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse is a keyword-searchable database of 1,100 national, international, model and online self-help support groups. Also listed are self-help clearinghouses worldwide, research studies, information on starting face-to-face and online groups and a registry for persons interested in starting national or international self-help groups.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Use the "Find a Support Group Near You" tool on the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance website to find out if a support group is meeting in your area. These are peer-led support groups.

Eating Disorders Anonymous

Following the 12-step approach used by Alcoholics Anonymous, Eating Disorders Anonymous can help people struggling with eating disorders. The website lists meetings nationwide.

Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous include information on support groups for drug and alcohol addiction in your area.

Overeaters Anonymous

Following the 12-step approach used by Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous can help people struggling with compulsive eating and binge eating. The website lists Overeaters Anonymous meetings nationwide.

Recovery International

Recovery International, a self-help mental health organization, sponsors weekly group peer-led meetings in many communities, as well as telephone and Internet-based meetings. Click "Find a Meeting" to find the next Recovery International meeting in your area.

Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (Schizophrenics Anonymous)

Schizophrenics Anonymous is comprised of self-help groups established to support the recovery of people who experience schizophrenia. The website lists locations of self-help groups.

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Mental Health Resources - Mental Health First Aid

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If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use problem, there are several mental health resources that can help.

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Thank you for subscribing. To manage your subscriptions, click the Preference Center link on any of our emails. If you have questions please contact: Communications@TheNationalCouncil.org

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Thank you for subscribing. To manage your subscriptions, click the Preference Center link on any of our emails. If you have questions please contact: Communications@TheNationalCouncil.org

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By Mental Health First Aid USA on January 16, 2020
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
When you're trying to find mental health information and support, it can be overwhelming and hard to know where to start. A simple Google search of the term "mental health" alone will give you more than 1.9 million results.

Although sometimes it can be hard to find, trustworthy and reliable support is out there and can help you and your loved ones get the information you need.
These five mental health resources can #BeTheDifference when you need it most.

The National Suicide Prevention Line. This hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 to people in distress across the United States. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for support.

The SAMHSA Helpline. SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential information service that provides treatment and support referrals 24/7 to people facing mental illness and addictions. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for support.

Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential support via text message 24/7 to those in crisis situations. Text HOME to 741741 for support.

The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project provides free, confidential support 24/7 to LGBTQ youth via a helpline, text and online instant messaging system. Call 1-866-488-7386 for support.

The Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis line provides free, confidential support 24/7 to veterans, all service members and their family and friends in times of need. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255 for support.

For more mental health information and resources, visit the National Council for Behavioral Health's Find a Provider site.

You can also take a Mental Health First Aid course. Mental Health First Aid will teach you the common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges and how to respond to someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

We know it can be hard to find support when you're struggling. Use this list as a place to start and remember that it's OK to ask for help. These organizations and the people around you are here to help in any way they can.

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Five Mental Health Resources That Can #BeTheDifference

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If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). When you're trying to find mental health information and support, it can be overwhelming and hard to know where to

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Welcome to NorthKey Community Care!

We understand that everyone faces obstacles and challenges in their life. We are here to help. Our staff is experienced in helping in many areas of need, including:

Para una descripción de los servicios de urgencias las 24 horas de NorthKey en español, haga clic en este enlace

We have been providing quality mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities services in the eight county Northern Kentucky community since 1966. Our offices are located throughout the region to help make access to services convenient. Click here to find a location near you.

Our services are offered in a variety of approaches and levels of intensity, including:

Crisis screening and assessment

Outpatient individual, family and group therapy

Case management services

Short-term intensive outpatient services

Longer-term outpatient services

Prevention services, education and skills training

Specialized services related to housing supports and vocational rehabilitation training/support for individuals meeting appropriate criteria.

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NorthKey Community Care | Transforming Lives and Communities through excellence in mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability services.

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We understand that everyone faces obstacles and challenges in their life. We are here to help. Our staff is experienced in helping in many areas of need, including: Para una descripción de los servicios de urgencias las 24 horas de NorthKey en español, haga clic en este enlace We have been providing quality mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities services in the eight county Northern Kentucky community since 1966.

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Lighthouse Youth & Family Services is an agency dedicated to creating a community where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

A nationally recognized innovator in services for families in crisis, foster care and adoption, mothers and babies, homeless youth and young adults, delinquent youth, and youth learning to become self-sufficient.

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Lighthouse Youth & Family Services is an agency dedicated to creating a community where every young person has the opportunity to thrive. A nationally recognized innovator in services for families in crisis, foster care and adoption, mothers and babies, homeless youth and young adults, delinquent youth, and youth learning to become self-sufficient.

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Helping Children with Medical and Behavioral Health Concerns to Improve their Outcomes and Quality of Life

When children are diagnosed with a medical condition there is usually a period of adjustment: First to the diagnosis itself and then to the treatment recommended to treat or control symptoms. Many of the most effective treatments for medical conditions are those the child and family must work on together at home, including lifestyle changes to their diet, physical therapy exercises, and taking new (and sometimes numerous) medications.

Our expert teams of pediatric psychologists work to help children, teens and their families cope with the demands of a chronic or acute condition. We can use biofeedback and relaxation techniques to help reduce pain and other physical symptoms associated with these medical conditions. We can also help families figure out how to fit treatments and medication schedules into their busy lives.

Additionally, we have expert child clinical psychologists to help when children develop significant worries/anxiety, sadness, difficulties with parent-child interactions, or peer relationship problems. We provide state-of-the-art assessment and treatment services, working in close partnership with your family to achieve positive outcomes. Parents hope their child never has to face such challenges, but when he or she does, our expert teams of child psychologists stand ready to help.

Our researchers also study the medical and behavioral conditions affecting children to develop ever-improving therapies for generations to come.

Learn More

Learn More

Contact Us

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behavioral medicine and clinical psychology

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Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology

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When children are diagnosed with a medical condition there is usually a period of adjustment: First to the diagnosis itself and then to the treatment recommended to treat or control symptoms. Many of the most effective treatments for medical conditions are those the child and family must work on together at home, including lifestyle changes to their diet, physical therapy exercises, and taking new (and sometimes numerous) medications.

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Helping Children Find Their Way

Experts in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have extensive experience in helping young people manage their conditions so they can live their lives as fully as possible.

Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists, advanced practice registered nurses and social workers use evidence-based approaches - proven to be the most advanced and most effective - to treat the full spectrum of child and adolescent mental and behavioral health problems.

From depression, anxiety and trauma-related disorders to bipolar, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress, we are here to help you and your child find the way to a more balanced life.

For more information or to request an appointment, contact us.

Contact Us

We offer a wide range of pediatric and adolescent mental and behavioral health services.

Learn More

Our team of experts will be with you every step of the way. Learn more about our specialists.

Meet the Team

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Experts in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have extensive experience in helping young people manage their conditions so they can live their lives as fully as possible.

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Lindner Center of HOPE has brought hope and healing to thousands of people.

We can help you, too. 513-536-HOPE (4673)

Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio, is a comprehensive, not-for-profit mental health center providing nationally recognized, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. In partnership with UC Health and the UC College of Medicine, Lindner Center of HOPE offers a true, elevated system of mental health care in Greater Cincinnati.

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Lindner Center of HOPE | Mental Health & Addiction Center

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Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio, is a comprehensive, not-for-profit mental health center providing nationally recognized, patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. In partnership with UC Health and the UC College of Medicine, Lindner Center of HOPE offers a true, elevated system of mental health care in Greater Cincinnati.

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Same Day Appointments Available

Outpatient mental health and addiction treatment assessments for adolescents and adults are available on a walk-in and telehealth basis in Hamilton, Brown, Clinton and Warren Counties. No appointment is necessary during open access hours. Learn More

Talbert House is open for business but information is changing quickly about the coronavirus. Appointments will be confirmed as usual. If you are not feeling well, call and reschedule your appointment. In the meantime, wash your hands frequently and stay home if you are sick.

If you are in need of immediate assistance, our 24/7 hotline is available at 513-281-CARE(2273) or by texting "talbert" to 839863.

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Outpatient mental health and addiction treatment assessments for adolescents and adults are available on a walk-in and telehealth basis in Hamilton, Brown, Clinton and Warren Counties. No appointment is necessary during open access hours. Learn More Talbert House is open for business but information is changing quickly about the coronavirus.

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National Alliance on Mental Illness - Southwest Ohio

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Jul 10, 2020
KFF
https://www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/

The coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic downturn have taken a toll on mental health for many people, with over 30% of adults in the U.S. now reporting symptoms consistent with an anxiety and/or depressive disorder. KFF polling during the pandemic has consistently found large shares of the public saying that worry and stress related to the coronavirus have had a negative effect on their mental health. This is coming at a time when mental health resources were already strained,

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Jul 10, 2020 KFF https://www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/ The coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic downturn have taken a toll on mental health for many people, with over 30% of adults in the U.S. now reporting symptoms consistent with an anxiety and/or depressive disorder.

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If you have, or believe you may have, mental health problem, it can be helpful to talk about these issues with others. It can be scary to reach out for help, but it is often the first step to helping you heal, grow, and recover.

Having a good support system and engaging with trustworthy people are key elements to successfully talking about your own mental health.

Build Your Support System

Find someone-such as a parent, family member, teacher, faith leader, health care provider or other trusted individual, who:

Gives good advice when you want and ask for it; assists you in taking action that will help

Likes, respects, and trusts you and who you like, respect, and trust, too

Allows you the space to change, grow, make decisions, and even make mistakes

Listens to you and shares with you, both the good and bad times

Respects your need for confidentiality so you can tell him or her anything

Lets you freely express your feelings and emotions without judging, teasing, or criticizing

Works with you to figure out what to do the next time a difficult situation comes up

Has your best interest in mind

Find a Peer Group

Find a group of people with mental health problems similar to yours. Peer support relationships can positively affect individual recovery because:

People who have common life experiences have a unique ability to help each other based on a shared history and a deep understanding that may go beyond what exists in other relationships

People offer their experiences, strengths, and hopes to peers, which allows for natural evolution of personal growth, wellness promotion, and recovery

Peers can be very supportive since they have "been there" and serve as living examples that individuals can and do recover from mental health problems

Peers also serve as advocates and support others who may experience discrimination and prejudice

You may want to start or join a self-help or peer support group. National organizations across the country have peer support networks and peer advocates. Find an organization that can help you connect with peer groups and other peer support.

Participate in Your Treatment Decisions

It's also important for you to be educated, informed, and engaged about your own mental health.

Get involved in your treatment through shared decision making. Participate fully with your mental health provider and make informed treatment decisions together. Participating fully in shared decision making includes:

Recognizing a decision needs to be made

Identifying partners in the process as equals

Stating options as equal

Exploring understanding and expectations

Identifying preferences

Negotiating options/concordance

Sharing decisions

Arranging follow-up to evaluate decision-making outcomes

Learn more about shared decision making.

Develop a Recovery Plan

Recovery is a process of change where individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. Studies show that most people with mental health problems get better, and many recover completely.

You may want to develop a written recovery plan. Recovery plans:

Enable you to identify goals for achieving wellness

Specify what you can do to reach those goals

Can be daily activities as well as longer term goals

Track your mental health problem

Identify triggers or other stressful events that can make you feel worse, and help you learn how to manage them

You can develop these plans with family members and other supporters. Learn more about recovery.

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If you have, or believe you may have, mental health problem, it can be helpful to talk about these issues with others. It can be scary to reach out for help, but it is often the first step to helping you heal, grow, and recover.

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If you are feeling sad, anxious, or depressed, lift your mood with MoodTools! MoodTools is designed to help you combat depression and alleviate your negative moods, aiding you on your road to recovery.

MoodTools contains several different research-supported tools. They include:

Thought Diary - Improve your mood by analyzing your thoughts and identifying negative / distorted thinking patterns based on principles from Cognitive Therapy

Activities - Regain your energy by performing energizing activities and tracking your mood before and after, based on Behavioral Activation Therapy

Safety Plan - Develop a suicide safety plan to keep you safe and utilize emergency resources during a suicidal crisis

Information - Read information, self-help guidelines, and find help with internet resources

Test - Take the PHQ-9 depression questionnaire and track your symptom severity over time

Video - Discover helpful YouTube videos that can improve your mood and behavior, from guided meditations to enlightening TED talks

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MoodTools was designed in collaboration with multiple mental health professionals. Please send any requests, questions, or feedback via email to moodtools@moodtools.org.

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Disclaimer: This mental health application is not intended to be a replacement for treatment nor any sort of medical intervention. Treatment is, by far, the best way to overcome clinical depression or other mental illnesses. Therapy and antidepressants have been shown to effectively treat clinical depression and anxiety. This application will only aid you on your path to recovery from depression or anxiety. In addition, if you are not in treatment, talk to your doctor or therapist or use this app to find resources that can connect you to treatment.

While MoodTools is designed as a self-help mental health application to help people suffering from clinical depression, it can also assist people without mental illness or people suffering from other mental disorders / mental illnesses such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, dysthymia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or schizophrenia.

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Pro Mode Information:

All core features of this app are completely free to use. Pro Mode is an optional subscription that offers Export, Cloud Sync, and Passcode Protection features. Pro Mode is offered in two auto-renewing subscription options: $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year.

Pricing may vary depending on the country. Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. 24 hours before the end of the monthly subscription period, the renewal fee will be automatically charged and the subscription renewed unless auto-renew is turned off beforehand. Subscriptions may be managed and auto-renewal may be turned off in the Account Settings after purchase.

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Privacy Policy: https://medium.com/@moodtools/moodtools-ios-privacy-policy-b03a6c0f7a9f

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Terms Of Service: https://medium.com/@moodtools/moodtools-ios-terms-of-service-73e7f4c2cf64

Version 1.6.6

This update contains minor backend improvements and optimizations.

Very Helpful

Quick a s easy way to change the way I think about things.

Great and simple, but sometimes the content of my entries disappear

Not sure why, but I've noticed that I'll take a look into my journal and try to read some of my old entries but the content is gone :/

LOVE it

My Therapist told me me to get this app and it helps me a lot

The developer, Inquiry Health LLC, has not provided details about its privacy practices and handling of data to Apple. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

No Details Provided

The developer will be required to provide privacy details when they submit their next app update.

Information

Seller

Inquiry Health LLC

Compatibility

iPhone

Requires iOS 8.0 or later.

iPad

Requires iPadOS 8.0 or later.

iPod touch

Requires iOS 8.0 or later.

Mac

Requires macOS 11 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip.

Age Rating

12+ Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information

In-App Purchases

Pro Mode Monthly $4.99

Pro Mode Yearly $29.99

Donation $19.99
more

Family Sharing

With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.

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‎If you are feeling sad, anxious, or depressed, lift your mood with MoodTools! MoodTools is designed to help you combat depression and alleviate your negative moods, aiding you on your road to recovery. MoodTools contains several different research-supported tools. They include: Thought Diary - Imp...

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A little confused about the low ratings on this, as it helps me immensely, but I suppose everyone is different. The tools I use are under "self help for anxiety now". My favorite is picture peace, it can pull me out of an impending panic attack in 10 minutes or less. The calm breathing one works as well. I would LOVE if you could add some more photos to picture peace. My favorites are the really colorful ones that start black and white. I know you have the option to add your own but they aren't saved in the app and while im mid panic attack I'm not going to scroll through my camera roll to find the perfect photo, ya know?

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‎SAM is a friendly app that offers a range of self-help methods for people who are serious about learning to manage their anxiety. SAM has been developed by a university team of psychologists, computer scientists and student users. Established methods of self-help have been combined with high standa...

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What's Up? is a fantastic free app utilising some of the best CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) methods to help you cope with Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress and more! With a beautiful, modern design, simple heading and easy-to-follow methods, you can get to what helps you the most in seconds!

Top Features:
* 12 common negative thinking patterns and simple methods to overcome them
* 10 great metaphors to help you cope with negative feelings
* A comprehensive diary to keep your thoughts and feelings together in, including the ability to rate feelings on a scale out of 10
* A positive and negative habit tracker. Set goals to practice those good habits while ending the bad ones!
* A catastrophe scale. Put your problems into a better perspective when things are too much
* A grounding game containing over 100 fun questions to help keep you grounded and in the present when stress is taking over
* 3 simple breathing techniques for keeping calm and relaxed
* More than 70 positive quotes, with the ability to add your own and share them with the world!
* Protect your personal data with a passcode
* Sync your data between your devices and back up your data so you never lose it
* Themes, including over 20 different colors to choose from in customizing the app

It's a REAL tool not a list of inspirational quotes

I am giving a explanation because I think I'm not the only one that avoids mental health apps and want to reassure them that this app is nothing like any of the other apps. Also as a genuine thank you to the developer 🙏

Nothing is worse than thinking something can help you just to find out it is filled with "live love laugh", "you're special", "omg mercury in retrograde". That's all nice but it is shallow and unhelpful. Some apps with breathing exercises and cutesy quotes really make me feel invalidated and that feeling better is just as easy as namaste. That if you just say the word "positive" over and over nothing bad will ever happen. So when I found this app I was sooooo happy. I share it with anyone overwhelmed by their mental state and especially when they had little resources available.

I have severe anxiety attacks from PTSD and this app has saved my life. It is clear the developer is a professional and is focused on helping people get grounded and understand their emotions on a deeper level. Sometimes there is just no level of advice that takes the intensity of an emotion away. Sometimes you are just going to feel but this helped me through that in one piece and educated me on how to identify what I need.

My absolute favorite app for anxiety

Love love love it. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for years. Many mental health apps have come and gone but I've kept this one consistently (longer than almost any other) since it offers such quick, clear help. I use it mostly for anxiety for quick help, for my depression for more general help. When you're really freaking out (or just a bit!) this is the easiest one I've found to get quick help where I don't have to think too much about how to use the app itself in order to let it help me. Open the app, top choice is "Help Right Now" - so simple! Click it and the choice is equally clear "Stop!" Click that and it walks you through a short series of actions to calm you down and bring you back to reality. So many of the others are too wordy or too many bells and whistles; you can't find your way around or if I do find my way usually it's difficult to find the helpful parts again, esp. if I'm really in crisis. When I'm not in a crisis, the rest of the app is equally helpful and gives lots of clear good ideas of techniques for overall feeling better. Keep up the good work you guys and thank you so so so much for all many times of this app's support and calming me down and helping me back to reality.

This is exactly what I've been looking for!

I've only just started using this app, but let me tell you, I am already in love with it! I feel like anyone could benefit from using this. It is very user friendly and even has a wonderful orientation in the beginning that helps you get started. I think my favorite feature is the chat forum. I really like that you can post what you're feeling, ask for advice, etc. and people can reply to you. And everyone is always so nice! It's honestly a very positive app! If I could suggest anything to be added, it would be a private chat feature or something along those lines. The only reason I say that is because you will definitely find people you relate to and want to keep talking to, but the only way to do that is by replying to their post which is out in the open for everyone to see. Other than that this app is phenomenal! I highly recommend it to everyone!

The developer, Jackson Tempra, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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‎What's Up? is a fantastic free app utilising some of the best CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) methods to help you cope with Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress and more! With a beautiful, modern design, simple heading and easy-to-follow methods, you can get...

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By Mental Health First Aid USA on August 26, 2019
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
In the United States, almost half of adults will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Of the people who had a mental illness in the past year, only 41 percent received mental health services to address them.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, there are often "long delays - sometimes decades - between the first appearance of symptoms and when people get help." There can be several reasons, including access to resources, cost and the stigma associated with mental health problems.

Despite living in a time where people are more open about their thoughts and feelings, people are still often ashamed to discuss mental health concerns and might be hesitant to seek treatment and support because of what others will think. But treatment and support are still needed.

As a loved one or friend of someone who may be struggling, your role is to provide support and resources when possible. If they aren't ready to seek help in person, that's okay. You can share other resources and #BeTheDifference today.
These are just a few resources to reach out for mental health support anonymously.

Hotlines. There are hotlines that can help you with general mental health concerns and with specific problems, like abuse or suicide. The Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health provides a list of available hotlines. A few that are available 24/7 include:

The Crisis Call Center: 775-784-8090
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Apps. If you're not comfortable talking to someone on the phone about your concerns, you can get information, resources and support through an app. A few apps, available on Android and iPhone, that focus on improving mental health include:

Pacifica: Audio lessons and activities help you manage stress and depression, resources using methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and an online community for support.

7 Cups: More than 160,000 trained listeners and licensed therapists are available to provide online therapy or emotional support.

Talkspace: Connect to affordable and convenient resources that will help you understand your symptoms.

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Three Ways to Get Mental Health Help Anonymously

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If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). In the United States, almost half of adults will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Of the people who

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Local Resources by County

Mobile Crisis Team and Consultation

(844) 4CRISIS (1-844-427-4747)

24-hour Hotline: Need someone to talk to? Call the same Mobile Crisis Team phone number above. They are there to help!

Clermont County Crisis Hotline

This free and confidential hotline is available 24-7 and provides suicide prevention, crisis intervention and referral information to Clermont County youth and adults.

Talbert House Crisis Hotline

This 24-hour suicide and crisis hotline offers crisis intervention and information and referral services to individuals of any age.

Mobile Crisis Team at University Hospital

To refer an adult or child, call (513) 584-5098. Mobile Crisis is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 am and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

After hours, referrals can be made through Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES). Call (513) 584-8577. PES will page the Mobile Crisis Team if necessary.

Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES)

Provides round-the-clock care to patients in crisis with psychiatric emergencies, or for those experiencing suicidal and/or homicidal feelings.

Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) at Cincinnati Children's Hospital

Located within Cincinnati Children's, PIRC is the admission and evaluation center for all psychiatric services.

Hamilton County Mental Health Access Point (MHAP)

Mental Health Access Point (MHAP) exists as the front door to the Hamilton County public mental health system. MHAP, a division of Central Clinic, provides assessment, support, and connections for children and adults residing in Hamilton County who are in need of mental health services.

Warren and Clinton Counties Crisis Hotline

This 24-hour telephone offers support to residents of Warren and Clinton Counties for emergencies related to mental health and substance abuse.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls will be routed to the nearest crisis center to you.

Call for yourself or someone you care about

Free and confidential

A network of over 150 centers nationwide

Available 24/7

The Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 to help you with any kind of crisis. Visit www.crisistextline.org/faq to learn more about how the Crisis Text Line works.

The Youth America Hotline is a free peer-to-peer hotline network that links callers to community-based peer counseling hotlines.

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

Suicide Prevention in College Resource Guide

This online guide, created by Affordable Colleges Online, is designed to offer hope and help for college students who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, as well as their friends and family.

www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-suicide-prevention

NAMI Information Helpline

Trained volunteers provide information, referrals, and support to all who have questions about or are affected by serious mental illness. The NAMI Information Helpline is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EST.

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Mobile Crisis Team and Consultation (844) 4CRISIS (1-844-427-4747) 24-hour Hotline: Need someone to talk to? Call the same Mobile Crisis Team phone number above. They are there to help! Clermont County Crisis Hotline This free and confidential hotline is available 24-7 and provides suicide prevention, crisis intervention and referral information to Clermont County youth and adults.

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The following resources provide help for people experiencing challenging emotions.

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The definitive guide to speaking up about the "unspeakable."
Note from the author: Hi there! Yes, you! I'm a little biased, but I'd really like for you to stay alive. If you feel you might hurt yourself, please consider going to the emergency room. I've done it twice, and I've never regretted it (I even wrote about how to prepare for such a visit in this article). If you're not in immediate danger, carry on reading and please... carry on living.
I'm a mental health writer and advocate, and a suicide attempt survivor. I've told people this many times: "Keep reaching out." I've written multiple articles preaching the importance of vulnerability, defying stigma, and owning your struggles.

This is my whole thing, okay? This is what I do.

So when one of my closest friends died by suicide, I wasn't just shocked - I was completely gutted.

I thought there was never a question of whether or not my loved ones could reach out to me. But the very person who I'd talked to so often about mental health... didn't call me.

Not even to say goodbye.

In the weeks following their suicide, my grief took me to dark places. I soon began having my own suicidal thoughts.

And when it was my turn to reach out? Even after losing my friend? I began to withdraw, too.

I watched, with painful awareness, as I did much of what my friend seemed to do leading up to their suicide.

I wrote myself off as a burden. I isolated myself. I got lost in my own head. And despite knowing the danger of where I found myself, I said nothing.

After an especially scary night, I realized something: No one ever explained to me how to ask for help. No one told me what reaching out even meant.

As my grief began to snowball, I hesitated to tell anyone I was struggling, largely because I didn't know how. I didn't know what to ask for, and without knowing what to ask for, it felt too complicated and futile to try.

"Why didn't they tell me?" is such a common refrain when we talk about suicide or mental health challenges in general. It's easy to make this remark, because "tell someone" seems like a simple request.

But in truth, it's vague at best.

Reaching out is this skill we're somehow expected to know, yet it's never taught and rarely modeled for us.

It's this vague, hopeful sentiment that people throw around, without ever really defining it. What are we asking people to do or say? It's not exactly clear.

So I want to get more specific. We need to be more specific.

I don't know if an article like this could've saved my friend. But what I do know is that we need to normalize asking for help and talk about what that might look like, rather than pretending it's a simple and intuitive thing to do.

Maybe then, we can reach people sooner. We can meet them more compassionately. And we can find better ways to support them.

So if you're struggling but you don't know what to say? I get it.

Let's talk about it.

Sometimes we don't know exactly what we need, or we're unsure of what someone can offer. That's okay - that shouldn't discourage us from reaching out.

It's perfectly fine if you have no idea what you need or want, especially when all you can think about is how much you're hurting.

Let someone know how you're feeling. You might be surprised by the ways they offer to support you.

And if they aren't helpful? Keep asking until you find someone who is, or seek out a hotline (I know it can be weird to talk to a stranger, but there are some awesome hotlines out there).

I wanted to include this because I realize that not all of us have people we're close to that we confide in. That doesn't mean that you've hit a dead end.

When I was a teenager, everything changed for me when I reached out to a teacher at my high school that I barely knew. She had always been incredibly kind to me, and I had a gut feeling that she would "get it." And she did!

To this day, I still believe that she saved my life at a time when I had no one else to turn to. She connected me with a social worker, who was then able to help me access the resources I needed to recover.

While it's important to be respectful of people's capacities and boundaries (and be prepared, of course, if someone can't be there for you or isn't helpful - it's not personal!), you might be surprised by the responses that you get.

Feeling helpless or exhausted is part and parcel for dealing with a broken mental health system. But a team approach can make it a little more manageable.

Sometimes we need a cheerleader or researcher that helps us explore our options, especially when we're having trouble believing that we have any.

Bonus tip: One thing you'll also notice is that, for almost everything on this list, I suggest setting a time.

This is important for a couple of reasons. The first being that it helps the person you're talking to understand the urgency behind your ask. It can also be helpful to know that there's an event in the near future when you can expect to receive some support. This can help us hang in there when things get bleak.

I know this is a hard one to say. Because we often fear telling someone just how much we're struggling, and admitting that we don't feel safe? That's a biggie.

Obviously you can replace the word "safe" if it's not working for you, but I always encourage people to be direct, because it's the surest route to getting exactly what we need.

Asking someone to be present might feel especially vulnerable. It might not even feel like, in the moment, it'll make that much of a difference. But you're more likely to feel better with support than without any.

And remember, from everything we know about mental illness, depression is more likely to be a liar than a truth-teller (I talk about that a bunch here).

You do not have to talk about what's bothering you if you're not ready.

Opening up a whole can of worms might not be the safest or best thing for you in that particular moment. And guess what? You can still reach out for help.

Sometimes we just need someone to shoot the sh*t with, so we aren't stuck in our heads, making ourselves a little crazed. This is a valid and healthy thing to ask for! And it's a subtle way of making folks aware that you're having a rough time, without needing to go into detail.

The sooner the folks around you are aware that you're having a hard time, the quicker they can show up to help you through it.

Early interventions are so critical for our mental health. In other words: Don't wait for your whole basement to flood before you fix a leaky pipe - fix the pipe when you notice the problem has started.

I cannot say it enough - do not underestimate the value of asking for a check-in. I am such a huge fan of this as a coping skill, especially because it can be super helpful for everyone involved.

If you take nothing else away from this article, it should be this: Please ask people to check in with you. It's such a small thing to ask for in the age of texting, but it can help us stay connected, which is freaking critical for our mental health.

(If you've played The Sims before, remember the social bar? That's you. You need to fill it. Humans need to connect with other humans. It's not just about wanting to, it's that we actually require it to survive.)

And this can happen in so many smart ways. A few of my favorites:

"I haven't been doing well. Can
you text me every morning to make sure I'm okay? It would really help me."

"Hey friend. I've been kind of sad
lately - do you maybe want to Snapchat/send selfies to each other before bed
every night, just to check in? It'd be nice to see your face."

"I'm in a funk right now. Do you
want to be self-care buddies? Like text each other once a day something that we
did to care for ourselves?"

"I've been isolating myself a
little lately. Can you check in with me every so often, just to make sure I
didn't fall off the face of the earth?"

Add emojis wherever fitting if you want it to feel more casual (but really, you don't need to, there's nothing wrong with asking for what you need!).

Asking for people to check in with you when you're struggling is just like buckling your seatbelt when you get in a car. It's just one extra safety measure in case things get rough.

Both can actually save lives, too. Consider this a PSA.

Maybe you need help getting to an appointment or the grocery store. Maybe you need a cheerleader to make sure you took your meds, or someone to send a selfie to, to prove you got out of bed that morning.

Are your dishes piling up in the sink? Do you need a study buddy? It doesn't hurt to ask for support around tasks like these.

Sometimes these things add up when we're struggling with our mental health. But we forget that it's okay to ask for a hand, especially at those times when it could really make a difference.

Being an adult is already challenging. If you're going through a rough time? It's even harder. We all hit a point when we need some extra support. Don't be afraid to let folks know directly how they could support you.

I used to think that asking for something like this meant I was "fishing for compliments." And what a lousy way of looking at it.

Sometimes we need reminders that we matter! Sometimes we can't recall the good times, and need someone to help us remember them. This is true of every single human being on the planet.

It's such a simple request, too. If you're the kind of person that feels nervous about making a big ask (again, I'd encourage you to challenge that assumption - it's okay to ask for help), this can be a small step in the right direction.

To be honest, it wasn't until my friend died that I finally found these words in particular.

Up until that point, I'd never been exactly sure how to raise the alarm. You know, that moment when you're not at the end of your rope, but you're getting there? It's a crucial moment.

Yes, you can and you absolutely should reach out then, even if you aren't sure if it might make a difference (spoiler alert, people might actually surprise you). I think about how much pain I could've avoided if I'd seen that moment for the opportunity it really was.

Listen to that little voice in the back of your mind, the one that's trying to tell you that you're a little too close to the edge for comfort. Listen to that nagging feeling that tells you you're in over your head.

That's your survival instinct - and it's an instinct you should trust.

Raise the alarm.

Raise the damn alarm, friends, and be as direct as you need to be. An emergency is an emergency, whether it's a heart attack or a self-harm risk. Harm to you in any form is reason enough to ask for help.

I promise you, there's someone in this world - an old friend or a future one, a family member, a therapist, even a volunteer on a hotline - who wants you to stay.

Find that person (or people), even if it takes time. Even if you have to keep asking.

Give people the chance to help you. It's a chance that my friend deserved, and it's a chance that you deserve.

(And if all else fails, I have this resource about going to the emergency room when you're suicidal. I've personally been hospitalized twice, and while it's not a ritzy vacation, it's the reason I'm here today.)

Pick something from this list. Write it down, even if it's on your hand or a sticky note. And then reach out - because now you know how.

Hell, bookmark this article while you're at it. Print it off. I know I'm going to, because there are times when I need this advice, too.

If you're struggling with your mental health, let me remind you that it's never too soon or too late to let someone know.

The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don't already have a doctor.

And it's never, ever too heavy, too messy, or too much to ask - even if you asked 50 times the day before.

I would rather have had my friend "bother me" every day for the rest of my life than have to lose them forever. Their life was that precious.

And yes, so is yours.
Need some support? Scroll to our read more section below for additional resources. This article originally appeared here. Sam Dylan Finch is the mental health and chronic conditions editor at Healthline. He's also the blogger behind Let's Queer Things Up!, where he writes about mental health, body positivity, and LGBTQ+ identity. As an advocate, he's passionate about building community for people in recovery. You can find him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, or learn more at samdylanfinch.com.

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10 Ways to Reach Out in a Mental Health Crisis

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The definitive guide to speaking up about the "unspeakable." Note from the author: Hi there! Yes, you! I'm a little biased, but I'd really like for you to stay alive. If you feel you might hurt yourself, please consider going to the emergency room.

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When I first saw a therapist at age 19, I hated the idea. Less than a year out of a sexually abusive relationship with a predatory high school teacher, I was determined not to let that affect me. I wasn't "crazy" and I wasn't weak. I didn't need help, and I wouldn't ask for help. Most of all, I didn't want my parents to know I struggled - that would require vulnerability - and I wasn't about to let anybody in. I could manage on my own.

Meanwhile, I wrote long anonymous emails back and forth with an organization called Samaritans all the way over in the U.K., because I wanted to die, I self-injured regularly, and I simply couldn't imagine I had a future at all. As far as I was concerned, my life was already over. I desperately wanted to feel better, but if I asked for help, I thought I would be giving up.

Eventually I couldn't take any more. I found the courage to tell my parents I wanted therapy without actually admitting the depth of my trouble. They gladly set me up with a local counselor. Through working with her I got off the dangerous mental health roller coaster I was riding, and found enough stability to stay safe and start to recover.

I've now been in therapy for more than a decade with different therapists, but that first step as a teenager - admitting I needed help and asking for it - was by far the hardest.

Reasons It's Hard To Ask For Help

Reaching out for help, while it may seem simple, isn't easy. But why is it so hard to ask for help? Someone with a broken bone or the flu doesn't usually hesitate to call their doctor. With mental health, this process is a little more complicated.

First, mental health still has a strong stigma attached to it worldwide. People fear they will be labeled "crazy" if they see a mental health professional, and worry it could impact their livelihood or reputation if anyone finds out. Illnesses that affect our mind also come with the idea that it's "all in your head" or it's a simple "attitude adjustment." As if overcoming depression is as simple as "just" getting out of bed, or panic attacks can be cured by telling someone to "calm down."

"Many people believe they are inadequate or a failure if they have to admit something is 'wrong' with their mental health," says psychologist David Susman on his blog. "Further, they believe they 'should be able to handle things' on their own without assistance and that they must be weak or inferior to have to ask for help."

As a result of this stigma societally and on a more personal level, nearly 60 percent of those with a mental illness don't get treatment in a given year, leaving many to suffer when they don't have to. Not to mention countless others looking to get through a hard time who don't have a mental illness.

When To Seek Help

People seek out help for a number of reasons, and you don't need to wait until there's a crisis to get support. It could be a little nagging feeling in the back of your mind when weighing a big decision, struggling with a relationship, noticing you feel more worried lately, feeling unhappy with your job, or even wanting to grow as person.

"Sometimes the signs are obvious but at other times, something may feel slightly off and you can't figure out what it is," relays Dr. David Sack in Psychology Today, regarding knowing when to seek help. "Contrary to popular misconception, you don't have to be 'crazy,' desperate, or on the brink of a meltdown to go to therapy."

At the same time, warning signs such as wanting to hurt yourself or feeling suicidal require immediate intervention, as well as serious symptoms of some mental illnesses like hallucinations, high levels of dissociation, or mania. In addition, more subtle symptoms like losing interest in favorite pastimes, changes in sleep and eating habits, lack of motivation, or anxiety can all be signs of an underlying mental illness best treated with the support of a professional. Pay attention to the signals your mind and body are giving you.

How To Ask For Help

Actually reaching out for help is a big step, and one that shows not weakness, but significant courage. When you're ready, the good news is there's a lot of potential resources to turn to, though it may seem overwhelming at first. A primary-care doctor, in-person and online therapists, support groups, community mental health programs and clinics, employee assistance programs, student counseling centers, and national helplines can all be options.

Explore online to see what's out there. Browse Talkspace's website and insightful blog articles, which give you an idea of what to expect with online therapy, and provide positive stories about how Talkspace therapists have helped their clients.

Psychology Today offers a database of in-person counselors all over the country. If you have health insurance, you can use their "find a doctor" function to start a search.

Consider calling an anonymous helpline. While services such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline handle serious crises, it's not all they do. Their trained counselors have a wealth of information at their fingertips to help find support in your area. The same is true for the Trevor Project's LGBTQ-focused helpline, the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses' hotline, the National Sexual Assault Hotline, and others.

If you're comfortable, tell trusted friends or family you're looking for additional support. Ask for a recommendation of a counselor who may have helped them and ask what the process was like. Was it weird to be in therapy? How does it feel to spill your guts to someone who starts out as a stranger? Was the process worth it?

See if your loved one will help you find resources and sit with you as you call or even take you to your first appointment. Remember that asking for help is about what you need and deserve, and you aren't alone.

When In Crisis

If you're in a crisis situation and have thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself or others, take action right away. Call a crisis hotline like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, visit your nearest emergency room or call 911, and ask loved ones to stay with you. Your safety is the number one priority.

While not every moment of our lives can be happy, we all deserve to feel like there's somewhere to go when we need help, whether with the small things or the big curveballs life sometimes throws at us. Don't be afraid to reach out for professional mental health support, and know it's a courageous decision to make for yourself.

"Why go through life just barely making it, feeling miserable all the while when you have the chance to live fully and feel happy? I realized I deserved better; I owed it to myself to get help," writes Becca Joy for The Mighty. "It's OK to ask for help. In fact, it's brave. It's strong. It's wise. It's hard, but it's worth it."

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How To Ask For Help with Mental Health Care | Talkspace

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When I first saw a therapist at age 19, I hated the idea. Less than a year out of a sexually abusive relationship with a predatory high school teacher, I was determined not to let that affect me. I wasn't "crazy" and I wasn't weak. I didn't need help, and I wouldn't ask for help.

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If the problems in your life are stopping you from functioning well or feeling good, professional help can make a big difference. And if you're having trouble, know that you are not alone: One in four adults in this country have a mental health problem in any given year.

If you or someone you know is feeling especially bad or suicidal, get help right away. You can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.

Of course, you don't have to be in crisis to seek help. Why wait until you're really suffering? Even if you're not sure that you'd benefit from help, it can't hurt to explore the possibility.
A mental health professional can help you:

come up with plans for solving problems

feel stronger in the face of challenges

change behaviors that hold you back

look at ways of thinking that affect how you feel

heal pains from your past

figure out your goals

build self-confidence

Most people who seek help feel better. For example, more than 80 percent of people treated for depression improve. Treatment for panic disorders has up to a 90 percent success rate.

Treatment for a mental health issue can include medication and psychotherapy. In some cases, the two work well together.

What, exactly, is psychotherapy? It's a general term that means talking about your problems with a mental health professional. It can take lots of forms, including individual, group, couples and family sessions. Often, people see their therapists once a week for 50 minutes. Depending on your situation, treatment can be fairly short or longer-term.

Some people worry that getting help is a sign of weakness. If you do, consider that it can be a sign of great strength to take steps toward getting your life back on track.

FINDING HELP

Get names of mental health professionals from your doctor, friends, clergy or local Mental Health America affiliate. If your workplace has an employee assistance program, it also can provide help. For more ways to find professionals, see Mental Health America's How to Find Treatment FAQ.

Interview more than one professional before choosing, if possible. You'll want to feel comfortable with the person.

You can see a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, pastoral counselor or other type of mental health professional. Of these, only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.

Sometimes, your health insurance company will cover only certain types of providers, so check how your plan works.

GETTING STARTED

If you've never been to a mental health care provider, it can feel a little daunting. Knowing what to expect and following a few suggestions can make it easier.

Before you call, prepare a list of questions, like:

What experience do you have treating my issues?

Do you have a particular approach, expertise or training?

What does treatment cost?

Do you work with my insurance plan?

When you call, you may get an answering machine or service. Leave times the provider can reach you and whether or not it's OK to leave a message on your answering machine or with the person who answers your phone.

Think about what traits you'd like in your provider. If you're going to be talking to someone about your most personal problems, you want to feel comfortable. Consider if you'd prefer to see a man or woman, if you care whether the person is older or younger, or if there are any other traits that matter to you.

During the first visit, you should expect that the therapist will ask questions about your background and why you're seeking help. You can ask questions, too, like what treatment would involve and how long it might last. If you're concerned, you can also ask about confidentiality. Usually, though, it's understood that the provider respects your privacy-and that group members do too, if you're meeting in a group.

GETTING THE MOST FROM TREATMENT

Your relationship with your provider is like a partnership. You'll get more out of if you:

Tell your provider your goals for treatment. Think about whether there are certain behaviors or issues you care about most.

Keep an open mind. Be willing to consider new ways of behaving and thinking that might improve the quality of your life.

Recognize that talking about personal issues can be tough, but it can help you overcome them. In time, treatment should help you develop more coping skills, stronger relationships and a better sense of yourself.

If you think you're not making progress, you should tell your provider. A good provider will want to work with you so you can get the most out of your sessions. If, after discussing your concerns, you're still not comfortable, you might consider looking for another provider.

Be honest. Your provider can't really help you if you don't share the whole picture. Don't say you're fine if you're not.

Share any concerns about your overall health. It makes sense that you should work with your provider on overall health issues because your mental health and overall health are so closely related.

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATIONS?

Some people with mental health issues find medications very helpful. Still, medications may cause side effects that can be annoying or sometimes even dangerous. You may want to weigh the pros and cons of a particular drug with your provider. You might also decide that you'll try medication for a while and then re-evaluate.

If you decide to take medication, you may have to wait a few weeks before you start feeling better. Your provider will want to know how you're doing and may suggest a different medication if the first one doesn't work well. It can be dangerous to stop taking a medication suddenly, so always talk to your doctor first.

If your provider prescribes a medication, ask:

What is this medication supposed to do?

How soon should I expect to feel better?

When do I take it?

Do I need to avoid certain foods, drinks or other medications?

Do I take it with food or on an empty stomach?

What are the possible side effects?

What can I do if I get side effects?

PAYING FOR TREATMENT

People often have concerns about paying for treatment. Some information may help you figure out what you can afford:

If you have insurance, find out if it covers mental health services and the extent of the coverage, including limits on the number of visits allowed. To qualify for coverage, you might also be required to take certain steps, such as getting a referral from your primary care doctor.

If you have Medicaid or Medicare, the Medicare Participating Physician Directory can help you find a provider who accepts Medicare. Your state Medicaid office, which you can find using the map on the National Association of State Medicaid Directors website, may be able to help you locate a provider who accepts Medicaid.

If you have no coverage, you can ask your community mental health center about lower-cost services. In many states you can dial 2-1-1 to find a community mental health center. You can also contact your local Mental Health America affiliate or Mental Health America's national resource center.

If you want more information, see MHA FAQs on affordable treatment and paying for prescriptions.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

You'll find more a lot more information through Mental Health America's Frequently Asked Questions. You can also contact your local Mental Health America affiliate.
For descriptions of treatment options, visit the National Institute of Mental Health's page on types of therapy. Reviewed by Ruth Montag, MSW, director, Mental Health America Resource Center.

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If the problems in your life are stopping you from functioning well or feeling good, professional help can make a big difference. And if you're having trouble, know that you are not alone: One in four adults in this country have a mental health problem in any given year.

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I'm not sure if there's something wrong with my phone or if it's the app itself, but every time I tried to join the HelpRoom I get kicked and it tells me the staffer isn't available. I have tried to delete and redownload the app all day, and it's still not working and I'm not sure where to report it so I'm hoping I can get help from here. Other than that the app is great, but I primarily wanted it for the HelpRoom.

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abuse and incest national network (rainn)

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‎The RAINN app gives survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones access to support, self-care tools and information to help manage the short- and long-term effects of sexual violence. Find Support. The app's "Hotline" feature can connect you directly with one-on-one support from a trained supp...

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As an Omada participant, the app gives you the best of the program experience and makes it even easier for you to stay engaged.

With the app, you can:
Connect with your coach via direct messaging
Track your meals while you're out and about
Track your steps and physical activity from Apple's Health App
Read and complete your weekly lessons in a mobile-friendly format
View your personal progress chart any time
Interact with your group members on the group board

Omada® is one of the most engaging and effective ways to reduce your risk for a host of serious, preventable diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. We combine the science of behavior change with unwavering personal support, so you can make changes that actually stick.

About Omada Health:
We've pioneered digital behavioral medicine: a new approach to tackling the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Our online programs combine world-class science, technology, and design to inspire and enable people everywhere to live free of chronic disease.

Named one of Fast Company's "50 Most Innovative Companies in the World," our team includes passionate and talented individuals from Google, IDEO, Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia. Our approach has been embraced by major employers across the country, including Costco and Iron Mountain, as well as leading health plans, such as Kaiser Permanente and BlueCross Blue Shield of Louisiana.

Version 4.2.9

Bug fixes and performance improvements

Best longterm solution for living healthier

This app and the Omada program have taught me so much, stuff doctors and the internet can't teach. After going through the program I can assure you I feel more confident about making healthier choices. The information provided and the support from the coach is impeccable. They are here to help and they do. The group can either be supportive or not. If you do this go all in, the program doesn't aim to fix you immediately or make extremely drastic changes asap. They go in stages. They do it because it works. Focus on something one week, build it into your routine and keep building. I feel significantly healthier and I see results. My group wasn't the most dedicated, but I got what I needed and I have a way to go. The program changed my life and helped me get out of a rut and actually see results. Will you fail some point yes, I did. You stick with it you will see results. Tracking is key, I understand why, its basic science experiment. Establish a baseline, keep that baseline and understand the changes based on your tracking. Figure out what your doing that caused the change and you will. Tracking is everything.

I'm at a loss for words

I was so very lucky when my health provider said that I qualified for this program I didn't believe it but the scale signed up for the program I'm in the group everyone is fantastic our trainer is amazing the communication is effortless you can do it web-based or through your phone on this app, The way the program is set up to encourage you and inspire you but I probably should just review the app and not the program I don't know I'm just going to say it's amazing I love it Derae say almost magical but nothing is magical when it comes to hard work it's the technology that makes it seem magical it's the seamlessness the integration and the communication everything comes together perfectly it's just an excellent program I highly recommend you ask your healthcare provider if you qualify if not maybe you could use Omada instead of a gym membership,, idk , I'm only in week one so I'll wait a much better review after I've been in the program for a few more weeks so far so excellent I'm really loving it

Program good so far, app could be improved

Note this is a review of the app, not the program. The discussion boards are hard to follow and not well organized in my opinion. You can't comment on a comment in a thread so the discussions seem to get jumbled and out of order with all comments and sub-comments mixed together. I can't see easily where a discussion topic starts. Would be nice if you could click on a discussion link and see all comments on it and sub-comments and comments on sub-comments. And maybe see which comments are new somehow. I feel I have to re-read things to look for updates and new posts/comments because it's not clear what is new. Also, please consider doing separate water tracking. I drink throughout the day, not with meals so I don't track water in the meal tracking but would like to have a log of how much I drink each day without using another app. I do like the personal coach message board and the progress page (except for the water thing)! Having the resources separately is helpful too. Would be nice if I could dismiss ones that aren't helpful or interesting to me so I had the most helpful in my list. Good start but not great yet.

The developer, Omada Health, inc., indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

Seller

Omada Health, inc.

Compatibility

iPhone

Requires iOS 13.4 or later.

iPad

Requires iPadOS 13.4 or later.

iPod touch

Requires iOS 13.4 or later.

Family Sharing

With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.

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‎As an Omada participant, the app gives you the best of the program experience and makes it even easier for you to stay engaged. With the app, you can: Connect with your coach via direct messaging Track your meals while you're out and about Track your steps and physical activity from Apple's Health...

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Youper is therapy for everyone - self-guided, private, and less than 1% of the cost of traditional therapy.

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Created by therapists, Youper combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make therapy accessible for everyone.

Youper's chatbot style makes the therapy exercises feel like a conversation with a caring and supportive friend.

Join millions of people using Youper to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Youper empowers you to take control of your mental health using quick guided therapy exercises to increase happiness, find motivation, feel more calm, practice gratitude, improve sleep, increase mindfulness, stop worrying, change negative thinking, deal with difficult situations, and improve your behavior.

Youper is fully personalized to you. So, that's okay if you have never tried therapy before - Youper will guide you every step of the way, and if you are seeing a therapist, it works well alongside therapy by supporting you between sessions and helping you track your progress.

Youper also provides access to an entire library of soothing and calming audio tracks to help relax you physically and mentally, to get you into a better headspace, and help you breethe through challenging moments.

With Youper you can also understand and monitor symptoms of anxiety, depression, social anxiety, borderline personality, and post-traumatic stress.

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Youper is available 24/7 - wherever and whenever you need it. More than 80% of users say that they felt better a few minutes after downloading and using Youper. Try it for free now, and start feeling better today.

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Premium features are available with subscriptions starting at $14.99/month or $89.99/year. Pricing in countries outside of the United States may vary, and actual charges may be converted to your local currency. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of each term, and your credit card will be charged through your Store Account. You can turn off auto-renew at any time from your Store Account settings, but refunds will not be provided for any unused portion of the term.

Youper does not provide diagnosis or treatment. It is not a replacement for professional help, but it can support you to take care of your mental health and works alongside therapy or other treatments if you are seeing a doctor or therapist.

Terms and conditions: https://www.youper.ai/terms-of-use
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One of the best mental health apps out there

This is the first review I've ever written, but I just want to thank the developers SO SO MUCH for making this app completely free! I've only been using it for a couple of days but already it's been so helpful to me in calming me down, tracking my moods, organizing my thoughts and it practically works as a diary. I'm also extremely interested in knowing how different kinds of therapy techniques work on the brain, so I love the scientific explanations behind what the app tells me to do. It really keeps me going, because it reminds me that it really will help. I'm currently unemployed and working to get on disability for mental illness, so I can't afford to pay for monthly subscriptions to mental health apps, something that frustrates and upsets me a lot. So much in fact that I'm working on learning how to make my own apps so that I can provide free mental health apps for people in my situation. When I downloaded this I couldn't believe it was so helpful, so well designed and totally free. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
The only suggestion I have is I think it would be absolutely wonderful if some DBT skills were integrated into it as well, as both CBT and DBT work really well together for a lot of people! Radical acceptance for situations that can't be changed, distress tolerance, etc. That would make this app truly perfect to me. Regardless, this app is fantastic and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Youper wouldn't be here without the support of loyal users, like you! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback to encourage others.

The best mindfulness app you'll ever download.

I'm saying this having downloaded aura, headspace, calm, oak, simple habit, affirmation apps, and every type of mindfulness app under the sun. It has meditation, it has affirmations and setting intentions, and the "messaging" format that it has I think is very innovative and makes you feel like you're talking to someone that actually cares about you, and a lot of the time, feeling like you're being heard really makes the difference. I like how throughout the conversation, it helps you deconstruct the emotions you're feeling using all those methods. I downloaded it during a period of time that I felt very anxious about where my life was, and I used it everyday, multiple times a day for about two weeks, before I didn't feel like I needed to use it every day anymore. The option to look at your past conversations with the app really makes a difference, because you can look back and see just one week ago you were having a mental breakdown, but now everything in the world is great, lol. I also really like the feature that messages you everyday "How are you?" as if you're receiving a text because sometimes you don't realize you want to talk until you see that message. And on top of all that, every feature is completely free, so what more could you ask for in an app?

Great app for deep trauma

I've been through a lot in my life, more than any person should have to go though. I have severe anxiety and depression and I've struggled a lot in day to day life. I've been using this app for months now and it has been incredible every step of the way. I suffer PTSD from childhood abuse and a school shooting that happened a little over a year ago now. It helps me learn about myself as I journal, and as I learn about myself I learn how to improve myself. It's helped me with trauma from sexual assault and manipulative abuse. Youper has provided me a way to help ground myself and calm myself down. Even though it's just an app and not a person I'm talking to the questions the app asks help guide my mind back into a positive space. It's like journaling but the journal asks you questions to help you cope. It provides you with meditation and mindfulness techniques and helps you write a list of goals to help you cope with an anxiety filled day. It tracks what makes you feel certain emotions and it tracks your improvement over time. I cannot thank the developers enough for creating this app. It's incredible. I also get reminders that help me remember to journal! Which is very helpful because I'm known to be a space cadet.

Thanks for your feedback!! It's great to know that Youper is providing the support you need! Take care!

The developer, Youper, Inc., indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

Compatibility

iPhone

Requires iOS 11.0 or later.

iPad

Requires iPadOS 11.0 or later.

iPod touch

Requires iOS 11.0 or later.

Age Rating

12+ Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information

In-App Purchases

Youper Premium $44.99

Youper Premium $89.99

Youper Premium $9.99
more

Family Sharing

With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.

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‎** App of the day ** - Apple ** Your pandemic therapist ** - Bloomberg ** A truly holistic approach to wellbeing ** - Google Created by therapists, Youper combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based...

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Built around acceptance and accessibility, Pride Counseling is an online counseling platform for the LGBTQ community. We change the way people get help to conquer life's challenges.

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PRIDE COUNSELING - FEATURES
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Get help with common and uncommon gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues
Live chat or video call with you specialist, all online
Schedule meetings with your therapist at a time that works best for you
Talk to someone who understands whether you're straight, gay, lesbian, pansexual, bi sexual, transexual, asexual, or transgendered
Talk only with licensed professionals - all of our counselors have a masters degrees at the minimum

COUNSELING, PERSONALIZED FOR YOU
Facing obstacles alone can be daunting. Support and guidance from a professional therapist has been shown to make big changes. Whether you are struggling with mental health issues, your identity, or just need someone to talk to, we want to make help accessible. We created Pride Counseling so anyone can have convenient, discreet, and affordable access to professional help.

WHO ARE THE COUNSELORS?
Our counselors are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD/PsyD), marriage and family therapists (MFT), clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed professional counselors (LPC), or similar credentials. All of them have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field. They have been qualified and certified by their state professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice. They all possess at least 3 years and 2,000 hours of hands-on experience. In addition to this, all our counselors specialize in the LGBTQ community.

GET SUPPORT IN YOUR LIFE WITH COUNSELING TAILORED FOR THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY
WE ARE HERE TO HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Thank you for using Pride Counseling! We are constantly improving our app and delivering enhancements to the App Store. Every update is a boost to the app's stability, speed, and security.
- This version updates more libraries for iOS 14.

Criteria

I've found that the criteria for if you are determined to be 'too sick to help with the app' is a lot stricter in the pride version than it is in the regular app, which is...weird

Unsafe for transgender clients

My partner and I are transgender and my counselor couldn't get our pronouns correct; I had to repeatedly remind her what our pronouns are, five times in a half hour, in our first session.

When she continued misgendering my partner and I, I politely asked if she is willing work on not misgendering her transgender clients. She responded by saying there's other people she could be talking to instead of me, she then hung up on me while I was responding and immediately dropped me as a client.

Very disappointing to experience this kind of blatant transphobia while paying for an app that claims to support the transgender community :-(

Upset

I was recommend this by someone I was talking to on a crisis line. But when I tried to get in contact with a counselor it rejected me. I wouldn't recommend, you'll just end up even more hurt.

The developer, BetterHelp, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

Compatibility

iPhone

Requires iOS 12.0 or later.

iPad

Requires iPadOS 12.0 or later.

iPod touch

Requires iOS 12.0 or later.

Mac

Requires macOS 11 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip.

Age Rating

12+ Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information

Family Sharing

Up to six family members will be able to use this app with Family Sharing enabled.

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Built around acceptance and accessibility, Pride Counseling is an online counseling platform for the LGBTQ community. We change the way people get help to conquer life's challenges.

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Talkspace is the most convenient and affordable way to improve your mental health. Get matched with a licensed therapist in your state from the comfort of your device, and message via text, audio, and video.

Our subscription service provides high-quality mental health care to anyone ages 13 and up, and has already been used by over 1 million people. See what they have to say at love.talkspace.com.

HOW DOES TALKSPACE WORK?

Tell us your preferences for therapy, and match with one of our therapists in your state the same day. Send your therapist unlimited text, audio, picture, or video messages from anywhere, at any time - you'll hear back at least once a day, 5 days per week.

Unlike in-person therapy, which typically costs $150 for each weekly session, Talkspace is a subscription service, starting at only $65/week (billed monthly). All plans come with unlimited messaging, and you can even choose to add live video sessions. We also offer unlimited messaging therapy to teens ages 13-17 and special services for couples therapy. You can change therapists or stop subscription renewal at any time.

IS TALKSPACE COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Yes! Talkspace partners with health plans and companies across the U.S. to make therapy more affordable and accessible than ever before. Share your insurance info or employer during checkout to see if you're eligible for coverage.

IS TALKSPACE EFFECTIVE?

Talkspace has been shown to be as effective as face-to-face therapy. In one recent study, 81% of participants felt Talkspace is as effective or better than in-person therapy. In another, individuals who used Talkspace for only 2 months significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety. Talkspace has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN.com, Business Insider, and more.

For more research data, visit research.talkspace.com.
For more of our press coverage, visit talkspace.com/online-therapy/press/

WHO ARE THE TALKSPACE THERAPISTS?

The Talkspace provider network has thousands of licensed therapists across the 50 U.S. states who have been vetted and accredited according to NCQA standards. They have experience treating the most common mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use, stress, relationships, PTSD, and more.

IS TALKSPACE SECURE?

Your safety and security are our #1 priorities. Our technology is protected using banking-grade encryption and externally audited in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For more information, find our complete Privacy Policy at talkspace.com/public/privacy-policy.

CONNECT WITH US!

We're always happy to connect with users and receive feedback.
Email us: support@talkspace.com
Check out our website: talkspace.com
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Talkspace
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/talkspace
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/Talkspacetherapy

Version 8.92.3

This update improves general performance and stability

Great concept but needs Improvement

I never review apps in the App Store but since this is an important app that does provide a vital service to people I thought I'd write in my experience with it so far.

I've been using Talkspace for almost a month now and I understand that the therapists on here also have their actual practice with in-person clients as well and I respect that they can respond to my messages whenever they get the chance but my first therapist would respond to me maybe a couple times a week at most so I ended up changing therapists and that was mildly annoying having to go through the reintroduction process with the new therapist all over again and explain what my problems/issues are and while she has been more responsive, I have had issues where my therapist and I would try to schedule my monthly live session and she never called/initiated the session at the agreed upon time. I think there needs to be a way for the client to be able to try and initiate the live session at the agreed upon time or also have there be a way to kind of send over the messages to the new therapist when you try to switch therapists so you don't have to start all over and spend your and hour new therapists time going over everything again.

I wasn't so sure about this

I am glad I gave Talk Space a try. It has become a vital part in my healing and rediscovery of self. Yes there is nothing compared to an in person human connection but this is a great alternative for those looking to save a little money and on a busy schedule. I can always find some time to send a quick "text" message or voice audio while I am at work or walking my dog. I like the options for voice messaging, text, pics and videos. I like sending my therapist photos of real people and things in my life (something I never did with an in person therapist).

I did have some trouble when I first got the app. My first therapist was very non-responsive but Talk Space was aware and offered me the option to switch therapists so I did. Then I chose someone who told me up front she didn't work with certain traumas and I had to switch again but that felt necessary. I finally landed on an amazing psychologist who is very responsive even on weeks when I don't send anything she will kindly check in and let me know she is available.

This app works great for me and my lifestyle and needs. You get about ten mins of talk time a day with your therapist about 5 times a week to equal the same time as a weekly therapy session. In the heavy unloading it didn't feel like enough but now that I am more stable and my therapist is updated on my basics it feels perfect.

All this for one reply a day?

The app isn't terrible, it checks up on you, you can send voice messages, photos, and you can message your therapist any time. But I literally get ONE response a day. It used to be more in the beginning, when I stated that was a concern of mine, then when I re-upped for another 3 months, the therapist started responding much slower. Now even on their "days working" I won't get a response. They really didn't respond to me for 48 hours on their days working. I'll have to ask if everything's okay with them, since I don't want to be rude, but they just don't get the hint. How am I supposed to get help when I tell them something and they reply to it a day later? The constant, or rather 12+ messages it was in the beginning, was super helpful. Now I won't be starting up again because I'm not paying all this money to not have a consistent talk. At this point, I should pay my friends because they're doing a better job than my therapist. Only giving 2 stars because the app itself is easy to use and checks how you're doing often, so it's nice that they want you to progress.

EDIT- the company reached out to me to make it right. They offered a discount, or some money back. I bumped them up to 3 stars from the original 2 that I gave because a company that's willing to return money or work with you is worth giving a try. It just didn't work too well for me but hopefully it does for others

Hi there, thank you for writing this detailed review of your experience. We are happy to hear that you are enjoying the app but very sorry to hear that your therapist has not been so responsive. We can understand your frustration and our team would be happy to look into this further for you. Generally your therapist should be responding daily 5 days a week with thoughtful responses, we are sorry to hear that this is not the case. Please send us an email at Feedback@Talkspace.com, someone from our team is eager to help.

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Information

Seller

Groop Internet Platform inc.

Compatibility

iPhone

Requires iOS 10.0 or later.

iPad

Requires iPadOS 10.0 or later.

iPod touch

Requires iOS 10.0 or later.

Languages

English, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian Bokmål, Simplified Chinese, Spanish

Age Rating

12+ Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes

Family Sharing

With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.

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‎Talkspace is the most convenient and affordable way to improve your mental health. Get matched with a licensed therapist in your state from the comfort of your device, and message via text, audio, and video. Our subscription service provides high-quality mental health care to anyone ages 13 and up...

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Most people face mental health challenges at one point or another in their lifetime. Occasional grief, stress, and sadness are normal. But if you're experiencing persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's time to get help.

"Help is available," advises Dawn Brown, director of information and engagement services at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). "Whether you're feeling unsafe or a situation begins to escalate into a crisis, reaching out for help is important."

When should you get help?

The following symptoms might be signs of an underlying mental health condition:

thoughts of hurting yourself or others

frequent or persistent feelings of sadness, anger, fear, worry, or anxiety

frequent emotional outbursts or mood swings

confusion or unexplained memory loss

delusions or hallucinations

intense fear or anxiety about weight gain

dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits

unexplained changes in school or work performance

inability to cope with daily activities or challenges

withdrawal from social activities or relationships

defiance of authority, truancy, theft, or vandalism

substance abuse, including alcoholism or use of illegal drugs

unexplained physical ailments

If you're thinking about hurting yourself or someone else, get help right away. If you have other symptoms on this list, make an appointment with your doctor. Once they've ruled out a physical basis for your symptoms, they may refer you to a mental health specialist and other resources.

Are you making plans to hurt yourself or another person? That's a mental health emergency. Go to a hospital emergency department or contact your local emergency services right away. Dial 911 for immediate emergency help.

Suicide prevention hotlines

Have you been thinking about hurting yourself? Consider contacting a suicide prevention hotline. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. It offers 24/7 support.

There are many types of healthcare providers who diagnose and treat mental illness. If you suspect you might have a mental health condition or need mental health support, make an appointment with your primary physician or a nurse practitioner.

They can help you determine what type of provider you should see. In many cases, they can also provide a referral.

For example, they might recommend seeing one or more of the healthcare providers below.

Providers who prescribe medicine

Therapist

A therapist can help diagnose and treat mental health conditions. There are many different types of therapists, including:

psychiatrists

psychologists

psychoanalysts

clinical counselors

Therapists often specialize in certain areas, such as addiction or child behavioral issues.

Only some types of therapists prescribe medications. To prescribe medications, they need to be either a physician or nurse practitioner. In some cases, you may also see a physician's assistant or a doctor of osteopathic medicine.

Psychiatrist

If your doctor suspects you have a mental health condition that requires medication, they might refer you to a psychiatrist. They often diagnose and treat conditions such as:

depression

anxiety disorders

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

bipolar disorder

schizophrenia

Prescribing medications is often their primary approach to providing treatment. Many psychiatrists don't offer counseling themselves. Instead, many work with a psychologist or other mental health profession who can provide counseling.

Nurse psychotherapist

Nurse psychotherapists generally diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders. They may also treat other health conditions.

Nurse psychotherapists have an advanced nursing degree. They are trained as clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners. Clinical nurse specialists can't prescribe medications in most states. However, nurse practitioners can. They often use a combination of medications and counseling to treat patients.

Psychologist

If your doctor thinks you might benefit from therapy, they might refer you to a psychologist. Psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions and challenges, such as:

depression

anxiety disorders

eating disorders

learning difficulties

relationship problems

substance abuse

Psychologists are also trained to give psychological tests. For example, they might administer an IQ test or personality test.

A psychologist can potentially help you learn to manage your symptoms through counseling or other forms of therapy. In some states (Illinois, Louisiana, and New Mexico), they can prescribe medicine. However, when they can't, psychologists can work with other healthcare providers who can prescribe medications.

Providers who can't prescribe medicine

Marital and family therapist

Marital and family therapists are trained in psychotherapy and family systems. They often treat individuals, couples, and families who are coping with marital problems or child-parent problems.

Marital and family therapists aren't licensed to prescribe medication. However, they often work with healthcare providers who can prescribe medications.

Peer specialist

Peer specialists are people who've personally experienced and recovered from mental health challenges. They provide support to others who are going through similar experiences. For example, they may help people recover from substance abuse, psychological trauma, or other mental health challenges.

Peer specialists act as role models and sources of support. They share their personal experiences of recovery to give hope and guidance to others. They can also help people set goals and develop strategies to move forward in their recovery. Some peer specialists work for organizations as paid employees. Others offer their services as volunteers.

Peer specialists can't prescribe medications because they aren't clinical professionals.

Licensed professional counselor

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are qualified to provide individual and group counseling. They can have many titles, based on the particular areas they focus on. For example, some LPCs provide marriage and family therapy.

LPCs can't prescribe medication because they're not licensed to do so.

Mental health counselor

A mental health counselor is trained to diagnose and treat people coping with difficult life experiences, such as:

Mental health counselors provide counseling on an individual or group basis. Some work in private practice. Others work for hospitals, residential treatment centers, or other agencies.

Mental health counselors can't provide medications because they're not equipped with a license. However, many work with healthcare providers who can prescribe medications when needed.

Alcohol and drug abuse counselor

Alcohol and drug abuse counselors are trained to treat people with alcohol and drug addictions. If you've been abusing alcohol or drugs, they can help guide you on the path of sobriety. For example, they can potentially help you learn to:

Alcohol and drug abuse counselors can't prescribe medications. If they think you might benefit from medications, they might advise you to talk to your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Veterans counselor

VA-certified counselors have been trained by the Department of Veterans Affairs. They offer counseling to military veterans. Many veterans return from service with injuries or stress-related illnesses. For example, you might come home with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you're a veteran, a VA-certified counselor can help you:

VA-certified counselors can't prescribe medication. If they think you might need medication, they may encourage you to talk to your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or psychiatrist.

Pastoral counselor

A pastoral counselor is a religious counselor who is trained to provide counseling. For example, some priests, rabbis, imams, and ministers are trained counselors. They typically have a postgraduate degree. They often combine psychological methods with religious training to promote psycho-spiritual healing.

Spirituality is an important part of recovery for some people. If your religious beliefs are a pivotal part of your identity, you might find pastoral counseling helpful.

Pastoral counselors can't prescribe medication. However, some develop professional relationships with healthcare providers who can prescribe medications when needed.

Social worker

Clinical social workers are professional therapists who hold a master's degree in social work. They're trained to provide individual and group counseling. They often work in hospitals, private practices, or clinics. Sometimes they work with people in their homes or schools.

Clinical social workers can't prescribe medication.

If you start to experience symptoms of a mental health condition, don't wait for them to get worse. Instead, reach out for help. To start, make an appointment with your family doctor or nurse practitioner. They can refer you to a specialist.

Keep in mind that it can sometimes be challenging to find a therapist who meets your needs. You might need to connect with more than one therapist before you find the right fit.

Consider these factors

Before you look for a therapist, you'll want to know the answer to these questions:

What type of a mental health support are you looking for?

Are you looking for a healthcare provider who can offer therapy?

Are you looking for someone who can prescribe medication?

Are you looking for both medication and therapy?

Contact your insurance provider

If you have health insurance, call your insurance provider to learn if they cover mental health services. If they do, ask for the contact information of local service providers who accept your insurance plan. If you need support for a specific condition, ask for providers who treat that condition.

Other questions that you should ask your insurance provider include:

It's always a good idea to ask for the names and contact information of multiple providers. The first provider you try might not be the right fit for you.

Look for therapists online

Your family doctor, nurse practitioner, and insurance provider can help you find a therapist in your area. You can also look for therapists online. For example, consider using these databases:

Schedule an appointment

It's time to book an appointment. If you're reluctant to make the call, you can ask a friend or family member to call on your behalf. A few things to do:

If it's your first time visiting a therapist, let them know that. They may want to schedule a longer appointment to provide more time for introductions and diagnosis.

If the first available appointment time is far in the future, take that appointment time but ask to be put on a waiting list. If another patient cancels, you might get an earlier appointment. You can also call other therapists to learn if you can get an earlier appointment with them.

While you wait for your appointment, consider looking for other sources of support. For example, you might be able to find a support group in your area. If you're a member of a religious community, you might be able to get support from a pastoral counselor. Your school or workplace might also offer counseling services.

If you're in a crisis and need immediate help, go to a hospital emergency department or call 911.

Find the right fit

Once you've met with a therapist, it's time to reflect on whether they're the right fit for you. Here are some important things to consider:

How much education and professional experience do they have? Have they worked with other people going through similar experiences or coping with a similar diagnosis? They should be qualified to provide the services that they're offering. Most of the providers discussed previously should have at least a master's degree, or in the case of psychologists, a doctoral degree.

Do you feel comfortable with them? What "vibe" do you get from them? The personal questions that your therapist asks you might make you uncomfortable sometimes, but that person shouldn't make you feel uneasy. You should feel like they're on your side.

Do they understand and respect your cultural background and identify? Are they willing to learn more about your background and beliefs? Consider following NAMI's tips for finding culturally competent care.

What processes does the therapist expect you to follow to establish mental health goals and evaluate your progress? What kind of improvements can you expect to see? You may be more comfortable with one approach to providing care over another.

How often will you meet? How hard will it be to get an appointment? Can you contact the therapist by phone or email between appointments? If you can't see or talk to them as often as you need, another service provider might be better suited to you.

Can you afford their services? If you're concerned about your ability to pay for appointments or meet your insurance copays or deductibles, bring it up with your therapist when you first meet them. Ask if you can pay on a sliding scale or at a discounted price. Doctors and therapists often prefer to prepare for potential financial challenges in advance because it's important to continue treatment without interruption.

If you feel uncomfortable with the first therapist that you visit, move on to the next one. It's not enough for them to be a qualified professional. You need to work well together. Developing a trusting relationship is critical to meeting your long-term treatment needs.

Distance therapy can be conducted by voice, text, chat, video, or email. Some therapists offer distance therapy to their patients when they're out of town. Others offer distance therapy as a stand-alone service. To learn more about distance counseling, visit the American Distance Counseling Association.

Many hotlines, online information services, mobile apps, and even video games are available to help people cope with mental illness.

Hotlines

Many organizations run hotlines and online services to provide mental health support. These are just a few of the hotlines and online services that are available:

An online search will turn up more services in your area.

Mobile apps

A growing number of mobile apps are available to help people cope with mental illness. Some apps facilitate communication with therapists. Others offer links to peer support. Still others provide educational information or tools to promote good mental health.

You shouldn't use mobile apps as a replacement for your doctor or therapist's prescribed treatment plan. But some apps might make a helpful addition to your larger treatment plan.

Free apps

Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool. It provides detailed information on how stress affects the body. It also helps users learn how to manage stress using a technique called diaphragmatic breathing. It's available for free on iOS and Android devices.

IntelliCare is designed to help people manage depression and anxiety. The IntelliCare Hub app and related mini apps are available for free on Android devices.

MindShift is designed to help youth gain insight into anxiety disorders. It provides information about generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and panic attacks. It also provides tips for developing basic coping strategies.

PTSD Coach was designed for veterans and military service members who have PTSD. It provides information about PTSD, including treatment and management strategies. It also includes a self-assessment tool. It's available for free on iOS and Android devices.

SAM: Self Help for Anxiety Management provides information about managing anxiety. It's available for free on iOS and Android devices

TalkSpace seeks to make therapy more accessible. It connects users to licensed therapists, using a messaging platform. It also provides access to public therapy forums. It's free to download on iOS and Android devices.

Equanimity is a meditation app. It may help you develop a stress-relieving meditation practice. It's available to download for $4.99 on iOS devices

Lantern offers sessions designed to boost emotional well-being. It's a subscription-based service. (Email customer support for current pricing.) Although the service is web-based, you can also download a free supplemental app for iOS devices.

Worry Watch is designed to help users document and manage experiences with chronic worry, anticipatory anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder. It's available on iOS for $1.99.

Paid apps

For information about other mental health apps, visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Video game therapy

Video gaming is a popular leisure activity. Certain doctors also use video games for therapeutic purposes. In some cases, immersing yourself in virtual worlds might help you take a break from everyday anxieties.

Some game designers have created games specifically geared toward mental health. For example:

Depression Quest aims to help people with depression understand that they're not alone. It also illustrates how the condition can affect people.

Luminosity uses games to strengthen players' cognitive abilities.

Project EVO was designed to provide daily therapy to people with brain disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.

Sparx is a role-playing game. It strives to promote positive affirmations through interactions among players. It's currently available only in New Zealand.

SuperBetter aims to increase resilience. This is the ability to stay strong, motivated, and optimistic in the face of difficult obstacles.

Ask your doctor for more information about the potential benefits and risks of video gaming.

Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one or coping with mental illness, many nonprofit organizations offer support. Consider connecting with one of the organizations listed below. Or conduct an online search to find an organization in your area.

Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors provides support to suicide survivors. It also helps those who've lost a loved one to suicide.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides resources to people affected by suicide.

Candle Inc. offers programs designed to prevent substance abuse.

Child Mind Institute provides support to children and families coping with mental health and learning disorders.

Children's Health Council provides support services to children and families coping with a variety of mental health and learning disorders.

Finding Balance is a Christian organization. It strives to help people develop a healthy relationship with food and weight.

Hope of Survivors offers support to victims of clergy sexual abuse and misconduct. It also provides education to clergy and churches.

Knights of Heroes Foundation runs an annual wilderness adventure camp for children who've lost their parents during military service.

Mental Health America is dedicated to promoting good mental health among Americans. It promotes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for people at risk of mental illness.

National Alliance on Mental Illness promotes the well-being of Americans affected by mental illness. It offers education and support resources.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network strives to improve care for children and youth who've been exposed to traumatic events.

National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health promotes policies and services to support families of children and youth who are coping with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.

Treatment Advocacy Center promotes policies and practices to improve psychiatric care. It also supports research on mental illnesses.

The Trevor Project provides support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. It focuses on crisis and suicide prevention.

Soaring Spirits International offers peer-based support programs to people coping with grief.

Sober Living America provides structured living environments for people who are trying to recover from alcohol and drug abuse.

Washburn Center for Children provides support to children with behavioral, emotional, and social problems.

To find more nonprofit organizations that focus on mental health, visit:

Support groups focus on a wide variety of conditions and experiences. In a support group, you can share your experiences with others and give and provide emotional support. To start your search, consider exploring these links:

Al-Anon/Alateen runs meetings for friends and family members of people with a history of alcohol abuse.

Alcoholics Anonymous runs meetings for people with a history of alcohol abuse.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America maintains a directory of support groups for people with anxiety and depression.

Attention Deficit Disorder Association offers support group services to members of the organization.

The Compassionate Friends provides support to families that have lost a child.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance runs meetings for people with depression and bipolar disorder.

Dual Recovery Anonymous runs meetings for people who have both substance abuse issues and an emotional or psychiatric illness.

Gamblers Anonymous runs meetings for people with gambling problems, as well as their family members and friends.

International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation maintains a directory of support groups for people with OCD, as well as their loved ones.

Mental Health America maintains a directory of peer support programs for people with different mental health conditions.

Narcotics Anonymous runs meetings for people with a history of drug addiction.

National Alliance on Mental Illness runs meetings for people with mental illness.

National Eating Disorders Association maintains a directory of support groups for people with eating disorders.

Overeaters Anonymous runs in-person, telephone, and online meetings for people with a history of disordered eating, such as food addiction.

Postpartum Support International runs meetings for families coping with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, such as postpartum depression.

S-Anon International Family Groups runs meetings for family and friends of people with a sexual addiction. It offers in-person, online, and phone meetings.

Sex Addicts Anonymous runs meetings for people with a sexual addiction. It facilitates in-person, online, and phone meetings.

Survivors of Incest Anonymous runs meetings for people who've survived incest.

Well Spouse Association facilitates support groups for people who act as caregivers for partners with a chronic illness.

You might be able to find local organizations that provide mental health support in your area. Ask your doctor, nurse practitioner, or therapist for information about local services. You can also check the bulletin boards and resources at clinics, hospitals, libraries, community centers, and other sites. They often provide information about local organizations, programs, and events.

Many of the organizations listed in the "Finding therapy," "Nonprofit organizations," and "Support groups" sections of this article operate local chapters. Some of them maintain directories of local services. For example, Mental Health America maintains a directory of local services and affiliates. MentalHealth.gov and SAMHSA also maintain directories of local services.

If you can't find local support, consider exploring the resources listed in the "Online and phone" section.

Types of care

Depending on your condition, you might receive the following care:

If you receive outpatient care, you'll generally be treated at an office, without staying overnight at a hospital or other treatment center.

If you receive inpatient care, you'll stay overnight at a hospital or other treatment center to get treatment.

If you undergo partial hospitalization, you'll receive treatment over the course of multiple days, generally for several hours each day. However, you won't stay overnight at the hospital or other treatment center.

If you receive residential care, you'll be admitted to a residential setting and live there on a temporary or ongoing basis. You'll be able to access 24-hour support there.

You can look for treatment facilities online. For example:

For additional directories, explore the resources listed in the "Finding therapy" section.

If you can't afford a private psychiatric hospital, ask your doctor for information about public psychiatric hospitals. They often provide acute and long-term care to people who would have financial difficulties paying for treatment.

Psychiatric hold

Psychiatric hold is a procedure that allows healthcare professionals to hold patients at a treatment center. You may be put on a psychiatric hold under the following conditions:

Mental health professionals will examine you to determine a diagnosis. They may offer you crisis counseling, medications, and referrals for follow-up care. Laws vary by state in terms of involuntary admission, but you may be held anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

If you think you might pose an immediate risk to your own safety or someone else's, go to a hospital emergency department or call 911.

Psychiatric advance directive

If you have a severe mental health condition, consider establishing a psychiatric advance directive (PAD). A PAD is also known as a mental health advance directive. It's a legal document that you can prepare when you're in a mentally competent state to outline your preferences for treatment in the case of a mental health crisis.

A PAD can potentially help you do the following:

Promote your autonomy.

Improve communications between you, your family, and your healthcare providers.

Protect you from ineffective, unwanted, or potentially harmful interventions.

Reduce the use of involuntary treatment or safety interventions, such as restraints or seclusion.

There are multiple types of PAD. Some examples:

An instructive PAD provides written instructions about the specific treatments that you'd like to receive if you experience a crisis that leaves you unable to make decisions.

A proxy PAD names a healthcare proxy or agent to make treatment decisions on your behalf in cases when you're unable to do so yourself.

If you decide to establish a proxy PAD, choose a family member, spouse, or close friend who you trust to advocate for you. It's important to discuss your wishes with them before designating them as your proxy. They'll be in charge of your care and treatment plans. They need to fully understand your wishes to act as an effective proxy.

For more information on PADs, visit the National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives or Mental Health America.

Clinical trials are designed to test new approaches to providing medical care. Through clinical trials, researchers can potentially develop new ways to diagnose, prevent, detect, and treat diseases.

To conduct clinical trials, researchers need to recruit volunteers to act as study subjects. There are two main types of volunteers:

Volunteers who don't have any significant health problems.

Patient volunteers who have a physical or mental health condition.

Depending on the type of study, researchers may recruit regular volunteers, patient volunteers, or both.

To participate in a clinical trial, you must meet the eligibility criteria. These criteria vary from one study to another. They can include criteria related to age, sex, gender, and medical history.

Before volunteering for a clinical trial, it's important to understand the potential benefits and risks. These vary from one study to another.

For example, here are a few of the benefits of participating in clinical trials:

Participating in clinical trials can also pose risks:

There might be unpleasant, serious, or even life-threatening side effects associated with some types of experimental treatments.

The study might require more time and attention than standard treatment would. For example, you might have to visit the study site multiple times or undergo extra tests for research purposes.

You can find more information about clinical trials in your area by searching online. To begin your search, consider exploring the websites listed here:

If you're outside of the United States, you might find the list of resources at the Centre for Global Mental Health website helpful.

As well, try the links below for mental health resources if you happen to be in one of these countries:

Canada

United Kingdom

India

Mental health challenges can be difficult to tackle. But support can be found in many places, and your treatment plan is one that is unique to you and your mental health journey. It's important that you feel comfortable with your treatment plan and seek resources that will aid your recovery. The most important thing is to take that first step to get help, and then stay active in your treatment plan.

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Mental Health Resources: What You Need to Know

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Don't face mental health challenges alone. Instead, learn how to get the support you need to thrive.

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According to the American Psychological Association (APA), nationally up to 20 percent (about 15 million) of America's youth have a mental or emotional illness. Of those youth, only 20 percent receive any mental health treatment, and of those who do receive mental health treatment, only 7 percent receive appropriate treatment; that is, receiving a continuum of home mental health services and supports, provided by the appropriate behavioral health provider, in the least-restrictive environment (at home and in the community), at the frequency, duration, and intensity needed to address a mental illness or condition. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavior problems, anxiety, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental conditions in youth.

Despite the rising numbers of youth being diagnosed with mental illnesses, there still remains an issue with accessing mental health services to address their conditions. The APA concluded in 2009 that the youth "most in need or at highest risk are least likely to have access to the highest quality [mental health] interventions." Thirty-one percent of white youth receive mental health services, compared with 13 percent of youth of color. See J.S. Ringel & R. Sturm, "National estimates of mental health utilization and expenditures for children in 1998." 28 J. Behav. Health Serv. Res., no. 3, Aug. 2001, at 319-33. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth additionally struggle with accessing mental health services, despite 60 percent of LGBTQ youth reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that they experience feelings of depression and anxiety. That percentage, of course, is even higher when considering the unaccounted-for LGBTQ youth who are so burdened by their existence that they are too afraid to speak on it.

When left untreated, or not timely treated, mental health issues may contribute to learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and strained family, peer, and social relationships, and lead to juvenile justice involvement and, later, unemployment or underemployment. Individuals with mental health conditions have an increased risk of chronic medical conditions and a life expectancy that is 25 years shorter than that of persons who do not have a mental health condition. Tragically, "a recent study in the Journal of Community Health showed that suicide rates among black girls ages 13-19 nearly doubled from 2001 to 2017. For black boys in the same age group, over the same period, rates rose 60 percent."

For the most vulnerable populations in the country, Medicaid-eligible youth, access to a comprehensive public behavioral health system is mandated by federal law. A state's failure to provide Medicaid-eligible youth with the necessary home- and community-based services to address their mental health needs, on a consistent and statewide basis, violates the Early and Period Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) provisions and the Reasonable Promptness provisions of Title XIX of the Social Security Act (Medicaid Act), 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq. The resulting unnecessary psychiatric institutionalization of these youth, or the serious risk thereof, violates Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and their implementing regulations.

Through the Medicaid Act and Title II and section 504, mental health advocates have filed class action lawsuits in states-among them California, Washington, Illinois, and Massachusetts-challenging the state's inability to ensure the provision of home- and community-based mental health services to child Medicaid populations. Just recently, on November 7, the Southern Poverty Law Center filed suit against Louisiana, alleging that the state has failed to provide intensive home- and community-based mental health services to over 47,500 Louisiana Medicaid-eligible children and youth who have been diagnosed with a mental illness or condition.

My professional experiences have shaped my beliefs about the needs for mental health services for youth and created demonstrative evidence that, had those services been rendered, we would have more just outcomes. As a children's rights attorney, I have been afforded a front-row seat to the school-to-prison and school-to-institution pipelines in real time. So many of the clients whom I serve are subjected to exclusionary disciplinary practices or encounter the juvenile justice system (or both), while having untreated or undertreated behavioral health issues. During my time as a public school kindergarten teacher, I realized early on that it was more effective to serve the role of a counselor for my students, rather than that of a disciplinarian. I reflect on the need for mental health services in my own self: It would have been great to have someone to talk through the struggles of being a black boy growing up in the Deep South (in Mississippi), who was raised by a single mother with very limited financial resources and who was chronically regarded as a behavioral problem by his nearly all white school teachers. As a nation with immense resources, we owe it not only to our youth but also to ourselves as an investment in the future of this country to prioritize mental health services as a civil right.

Children deserve the dignity of receiving quality mental health services that allow them to lead healthy and productive lives in their homes and communities. Access to mental health services for youth, therefore, is a civil right and should be treated as such.

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Youth Access to Mental Health Services Is an Un-Prioritized Civil Right

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According to the American Psychological Association (APA), nationally up to 20 percent (about 15 million) of America's youth have a mental or emotional illness.

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How to talk to your GP about your mental health | Find the Words

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When you've decided to seek help, knowing what resources are available and where to start can be tricky. Answer the questions below to help you figure out your options for getting help.

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When you've decided to seek help, knowing what resources are available and where to start can be tricky. Answer the questions below to help you figure out your options for getting help.

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Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255); En Español 1-888-628-9454
The Lifeline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Lifeline connects callers to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.

Crisis Text Line
Text "HELLO" to 741741
The Crisis Text hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.

Veterans Crisis Line
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects veterans 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss can call 1-800-799-4889.

Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746
The disaster distress helpline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The helpline is free, multilingual, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend's social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency.

View the NIMH 5 action steps for helping someone in emotional pain infographic to see how you can help those in distress.

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Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255); En Español 1-888-628-9454 The Lifeline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Mental health disorders are real, common and often treatable. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 5 American adults (nearly 44 million people) and 13-20% of children living in the United States will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year. The following are signs that your loved one may want to speak to a medical or mental health professional.

Confused thinking

Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)

Feelings of extreme highs and lows

Excessive fears, worries and anxieties

Social withdrawal

Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits

Strong feelings of anger

Delusions or hallucinations

Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities

Suicidal thoughts

Denial of obvious problems

Numerous unexplained physical ailments

Substance abuse

Substance abuse

Inability to cope with problems and daily activities

Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits

Excessive complaints of physical ailments

Defiance of authority, truancy, theft, and/or vandalism

Intense fear of weight gain

Prolonged negative mood, often accompanied by poor appetite or thoughts of death

Frequent outbursts of anger

Changes in school performance

Poor grades despite strong efforts

Excessive worry or anxiety (i.e. refusing to go to bed or school)

Hyperactivity

Persistent nightmares

Persistent disobedience or aggression

Frequent temper tantrums

Where to Go for Help

Where you go for help will depend on who has the problem (an adult or child) and the nature of the problem and/or symptoms. Often, the best place to start is your local mental health organization. Visit our "Affiliate Finder" to search for a local affiliate. Your primary care doctor is also a good person to talk to if you think you may need to see somebody about your mental health, and can usually give you the name of a psychologist or psychiatrist to contact.

First Steps to Finding Help

You can get referrals from your family doctor, clergy or local Mental Health America office (which also may provide mental health care services) and crisis centers. Consider getting a few names, so you can interview more than one person before choosing.

Your insurance company can provide a list of providers who are in your plan.

Eligible veterans can get care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information, go to www.va.gov/health or call 1-877-222-8387. If you already have benefits through the VA, visit http://www.va.gov/directory to find your nearest facility.

You can find affordable mental health services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Visit http://www.samhsa.gov/treatment or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Your local health department's mental health division or community mental health center provides free or low-cost treatment and services on a sliding scale. These services are state funded and are obligated to first serve individuals who meet "priority population criteria" as defined by the state Mental Health Department.

Your company's employee assistance program (EAP) can issue a referral to a provider. Reach out to your Human Resources office to get more information about your company's EAP.

Medicare offers a list of participating doctors on its website, http://www.medicare.gov. (Click on "Find doctors & other health professionals").

Providers who accept Medicaid may be listed by your state Medicaid office, which you can find by clicking on the name of your state at http://www.benefits.gov/benefits/browse-by-category/category/MED.

What about Support Groups?

Peer support can be an important addition to the help you receive from professional mental health providers. Many people find self-help support groups a valuable resource. These groups, led by a layperson, are designed to bring together people with similar mental health or substance abuse conditions. People with mental health conditions-who often refer to themselves as mental health consumers-have organized other types of peer supports, including drop-in centers, warmlines and training courses in wellness and recovery.

For help finding support groups, medication information, prescription assistance, etc. we encourage you to use the resources found our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Which Mental Health Professional is Right for Me?

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. Like other doctors, psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medication.

Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist: A medical doctor specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in children.

Psychologist: A professional with a doctoral degree in psychology, two years of supervised professional experience, including a year-long internship from an approved internship and is trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy.

Clinical Social Worker: A counselor with a master's degree in social work trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group counseling.

Licensed Professional Counselor: A counselor with a master's degree in psychology, counseling or a related field, trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.

Mental Health Counselor: A counselor with a master's degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.

Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor: A counselor with specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.

Marital and Family Therapist: A professional with a master's degree, with special education and training in marital and family therapy trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.

Pastoral Counselor: A member of clergy with training in clinical pastoral education trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.

You Called a Mental Health Professional...Now What?

Spend a few minutes talking with him or her on the phone; ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, whether or not they have a specialty or concentration. If you feel comfortable talking to the counselor or doctor, the next step is to make an appointment.

On your first visit, the therapist or doctor will want to get to know you and why you called him or her. The therapist will want to know-what you think the problem is; about your life; what you do; where you live and with whom you live. It is also common to be asked about your family and friends. This information helps the professional to assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment.

As you progress through the therapeutic process, you should begin to feel gradual relief from your distress, to develop self-assurance and have a greater ability to make decisions and increased comfort in your relationship with others. Therapy may be painful and uncomfortable at times but episodes of discomfort occur during the most successful therapy sessions. Mental health treatment should help you cope with your feelings more effectively.
The following are a few common types of therapy:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has two main aspects. The cognitive part works to develop helpful beliefs about your life. The behavioral side helps you learn to take healthier actions.

Interpersonal therapy focuses largely on improving relationships and helping a person express emotions in healthy ways.

Family therapy helps family members communicate, handle conflicts and solve problems better.

Psychodynamic therapy helps people develop a better understanding about their unconscious emotions and motivations that can affect their thoughts and actions.

Art therapy can include using music, dance, drawing and other art forms to help express emotions and promote healing.

Psychoeducation helps people understand mental health conditions and ways to promote recovery.

Sources

1 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Results from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings, NSDUH Series H-47, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 13-4805. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2013.

2 National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. Preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among young people: progress and possibilities. Washington, DC: The National Academic Press; 2009.

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Finding Help: When to Get It and Where to Go

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Mental health disorders are real, common and often treatable. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 5 American adults1 (nearly 44 million people) and 13-20% of children2 living in the United States will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year.

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Are U Ok? : A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health

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Are U Ok? : A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health

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by Kati Morton

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Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health

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Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health [Morton LMFT, Kati] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health

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If you or someone you know has a mental health problem, there are ways to get help. Studies show that most people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely.

People often don't get the mental health help they need because they don't know where to start. Use these resources to find the help you, your friends, or family need.

Current and former service members may face different health issues than the general public and may be at risk for mental health problems.

Mental health services may be available to you through your health insurance plan. Learn more about your coverage and options.

The National Institute of Mental Health supports research studies on mental health and disorders. Find out more about participating in a clinical trial.

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If you or someone you know has a mental health problem, there are ways to get help. Studies show that most people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely. People often don't get the mental health help they need because they don't know where to start.