When you’re having a hard time with your mental health, it doesn’t matter very much what you’re having a hard time with. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress or another mental health issue, there are many ways to get the help you need. In this guide, we will show you how to get help for mental health, where to turn and how to know what’s right for you.
Reaching out for help can sometimes be the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life. Not sure how to begin? Read on.
Help for Mental Illnesses
Mental disorders are frequent and curable. They can include conditions like:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
If you believe that you or someone you care about may have a mental health issue, it is important to know the signs earlier rather than later. These can include:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Extreme mood changes
- Trouble concentrating
- Sleep or appetite changes
- Feeling disconnected from reality
The good news? Treatment works. Some of the ways you may seek mental-health help may include therapy, medication, self-care, support groups, and more. You have to get into action.
Where Can I Find Help Right Away?
There will be times when you need help immediately. This can be true if:
- You’re having suicidal thoughts
- You are thinking about or feel like hurting yourself or someone else
- You’re not exactly in a good mental place right now
Here are some organizations to which you can donate now:
Emergency services: If you or someone else is in danger, call 911 (or your country’s emergency service number).
Mental health crisis lines: In the United States, call or text 988 to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
Go to the ER: Hospitals can offer urgent psychiatric care.
You don’t have to manage a crisis by yourself. Reaching out can be lifesaving.
Where Can I Find a Health Care Provider or Treatment?
Identifying where to begin can seem daunting — but there are many ways to make contact with mental health professionals who might be able to help.
- Speak With Your Primary Care Doctor
- Your family doctor may be a good first stop. They can:
- Assess your symptoms
- Refer you to a therapist or a psychiatrist
- Provide short-term support
- Search Online Directories
- Search for providers in your area at trusted sites:
- Psychology Today
- Therapy for Black Girls
- GoodTherapy
- Zencare
You can even filter results by specialty, insurance or location.
Check with Your Insurance Company
Mental health is covered by most health plans. Check your carrier’s website or call the number on your insurance card to:
- Find in-network therapists or psychiatrists
- Understand copays or coverage limits
- Ask at School or Work
Institutions such as schools, colleges, and employers may provide the following mental health resources:
- Counseling centers
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Free or discounted sessions
- By all means use what’s available.
How Will I Know if a Provider Is a Good Fit?
It is crucial to find someone you are comfortable with. Here’s a few things to keep in mind before picking a provider:
- Check Credentials
- Your therapist should be licensed. Common licenses include:
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
- LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
- LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
- PsyD or PhD (Psychologists)
- MD or DO (Psychiatrists)
- Ask About Specialties
- Some specialisations that therapists may have include:
- Trauma
- Grief
- LGBTQ+ issues
- Substance use
Locate one that’s right for you.
Schedule an Intro Session
Most therapists will have a first session or phone conversation to introduce themselves. Use it to ask:
- What is your therapy style?
- What do you do with something like this?
- What’s your availability and cost?
If it doesn’t seem like the right fit, that’s fine — keep looking until you find your match.
Where Can I Get More Information on a Mental Disorder?
It’s empowering to understand your mental health. The more you understand, the better you’ll be in a position to deal with it.
Trusted Websites and Organizations:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) : www. nimh. nih. gov
- Mental Health America: www. mhanational. org
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www. nami. org
- Mind (UK): www.mind.org.uk
These sites provide:
Fact sheets on different disorders
Resources for support
Experience from others who have lived it real stories
You can also follow trusted mental health providers on social media or YouTube to easily digest their engaging content.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Kids and teens, too, have mental health problems — but the signs can be different.
Behaviors That Might Indicate Your Child Has a Mental Health Problem:
- Ongoing tantrums or mood swings
- Difficulty focusing in school
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Behavior changes such as being more aggressive or clingy
If you’re a parent or caretaker, talk to:
- Your child’s pediatrician
- Their school counselor or psychologist
- A child therapist or psychiatrist
School-Based Services:
Many schools now offer:
- On-site counseling
- Referrals to mental health services
- Social-emotional learning programs
If your child is having difficulty, advocate for help with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.
How to Get Help for Mental Health Support Locally
Local support can make a world of difference. Here’s where to find local mental health help:
- Community Mental Health Centers
- These centers often offer:
- Free or low-cost therapy
- Group counseling
- Psychiatry services
- When searching online, look for “[your city] + community mental health center.”
- Nonprofits and Charities
Organizations like:
- NAMI chapters
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth)
- Active Minds (young adults)
- Catholic Charities or Jewish Family Service
- …can put you in touch with local help.
- County or City Health Departments
- Local governments often run:
- Hotlines
- Crisis teams
- Free clinics or walk-in services
Dial 2-1-1, or find information on your city government’s official website.
Telehealth Options
Virtual therapy offers easier access to treatment than ever. Many platforms have introduced online therapy options, such as:
- BetterHelp
- Talkspace
- Cerebral
- Brightside
Ensure the platform accepts your insurance (if applicable) and connects you with licensed professionals.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Help
It is a brave thing to ask for help. No matter your situation — whether you’re just feeling off, or whether you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition — support is out there. Understanding how to find mental health help is the first step towards feeling better and having hope.
You are not alone and your mental well-being is important —take that step today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Therapist vs. psychologist vs. psychiatrist: what’s the difference?
- Therapists offer talk therapy (such as CBT or counseling).
- Psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders through therapy.
- Only they can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are real doctors and have to finish medical school.
How much does therapy cost?
Costs vary. For those with insurance, copays may be between $10–$50. Private sessions might cost $60 to $200 without insurance. Towns and hospitals may also have community centers or sliding scale clinics.
How can I get mental health help without my parents knowing?
If you are under 18, the laws are different state by state. In some states, teens can seek mental health care in private, talk to the counselor at school or go to the teen health clinic and see if you have rights.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes! Research has shown that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for many conditions, like anxiety and depression.
How can I tell if I need help with mental health?
If you begin to feel persistently sad, anxious, overwhelmed or any significant changes, or it starts to make it difficult to live your life, it’s time to get help. Supporting them in the early stages will make a lot of difference.