Mental Health Information

How To Find Mental Health Services

In America, the discussion around mental health has changed significantly in the last 20 years. No longer something to be hidden or embarrassed about, people are openly discussing their battles with mental health issues. Whether it’s talk about anxiety and depression from the hosts of My Favorite Murder or open discussions of addiction from stars like Demi Lovato and Brad Pitt, mental health is in the spotlight. However, most of us aren’t stars and the luxurious treatment facilities are out of reach. So how do you find mental health services in your area? Read on to discover the answers.

Finding Treatment for Addiction

Finding adequate care at the right price, or that accepts your insurance, doesn’t have to be difficult. One of the first steps you can take is calling the SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357, to get information on treatment options. When you’re looking for a treatment facility look for one that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission. These independent organizations provide assurances that are more important than just a state license. 

Ask about the types of therapists they have and the models of treatment that are used. Therapists that treat addiction should have specialized licenses and include:

• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
• Certified Addictions Counselor, and
• Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Counselor.

Some programs use cognitive behavior therapy, a 12-step program or medication-assisted therapy. Facilities that offer combinations of therapy can help you find the type of treatment that will work best for you over the long haul. One way that openness about mental health has changed the treatment landscape is that now most health insurance will provide you coverage for residential and outpatient options. 

Finding Counseling Services

Even when you aren’t dealing with an addiction issue, there are times that talking to someone can make all the difference. If you’re experiencing family communication issues, depression or even if you’re dealing with past trauma, finding a good therapist can be the first step to better mental health. Know that even with good insurance coverage, the majority of private therapists don’t accept insurance because the insurance company creates guidelines for treatments, and chasing down payment can be a hassle. 

Even if you aren’t independently wealthy you can still find mental health resources. The SAMSHA hotline listed above can help you find affordable care in your area, including therapists that work on sliding scales and accept payment arrangements. Virtual therapy companies like Talkspace and BetterHelp advertise messaging and video sessions at costs much lower than traditional in-person therapy. If you’re a veteran, check with your local V.A. for treatment options. Contact your local office of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness for local peer support options too.

Remember that you don’t have to settle for subpar care. You don’t have to hire the first mental health professional you meet. Most importantly, mental illness is not your fault. 

If you’re in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. 

60 Digital Resources For Mental Health

This 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. 

Where To Find Treatment

Psychology Today offers a national directory of therapists, psychiatrists, therapy groups, and treatment facility options.

SAMHSA Treatment Locator provides referrals to low cost/sliding scale mental health care, substance abuse, and dual diagnosis treatment. Phone: 800-662-4357 

BetterHelp offers access to licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (Ph.D. / PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), and board licensed professional counselors (LPC). EXCLUSIVE: Readers of Blunt Therapy are eligible for a 10% discount.

Talkspace is another excellent online therapy platform with a user-friendly app and access to excellent licensed counselors. You can get $65 off by following the link above.

GoodTherapy is a leading online therapist directory serving mental health professionals and people seeking therapy in over 30 countries.

Professional Online Counseling for the LGBTQ Community – Affordable and confidential online therapy for the LGBTQ, Non-Binary, and Gender Fluid Community.

Online-Therapy offers 20% off to its customers for their first month. Counseling that uses a great deal of Cognitive Behavioral approaches is both effective and affordable.

Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous is an international mutual aid fellowship founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio. AA states that its primary purpose is “to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.”

DrugRehab.com A web resource provided by Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS). ARS is an integrated behavioral healthcare management organization dedicated to treating addiction, substance abuse, eating disorders, and mental health issues.

Gamblers Anonymous Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from a gambling problem.

Get Smart About Drugs A site produced by the DEA provides information about common drugs and the latest news and statistics about them.

Government Resources for Mental Health  MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information.

Healthline.com Healthline’s mission is to be your most trusted ally in your pursuit of health and well-being. We’re committed to bringing you authoritative, approachable, and actionable content that inspires and guides you toward the best possible health outcomes for you and your family.

Narcotics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous describes itself as a “nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.”

Rehab Spot Rehab Spot is passionate about recognizing addiction’s warning signs of addiction and educating people on the substance abuse treatment process. Their goal is to create a brighter future for individuals dealing with substance-related issues.

Sex Addicts Anonymous As a fellowship of recovering addicts, Sex Addicts Anonymous offers a message of hope to anyone who suffers from sex addiction.

SMART Recovery SMART Recovery is the leading self-empowering addiction recovery support group. Participants learn addiction recovery tools based on the latest scientific research and participate in a world-wide community that includes free, self-empowering, science-based mutual help groups.

Drug Dangers As an online resource sponsored by Seeger Weiss LLP, Drug Dangers strives to provide accurate, relevant medical information all in one place.

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LGBTQ

GLBT National Help Center General talk line: 888–843–4564 Youth talk line: 800–246-PRIDE (7743) A chat service offering peer support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people, run by the GLBT National Help Center. M-F 4 pm — 12 pm, EST; Sat — 12p, to 5 pm, EST

Trevor Lifeline 1–866–488–7386 Hotline for GLBT youth. Chat service for GLBTQ youth.

Financial Assistance

Allsup provides non-attorney representation when applying for SSDI. Phone: 800-279-4357

HealthCare.gov provides specific information about coverage options in your state, includes private options, high-risk pools, and other public programs. Phone: 1-800-318-2596

Needhelppayingbills.com provides information on state and local assistance programs, charity organizations, and resources that help pay bills, mortgage assistance, debt relief, and more.

NeedyMeds provides information on available patient assistance programs. Phone: 1-800-503-6897

NiceRx helps patients access affordable FDA-approved brand name medications through patient assistance programs offered by U.S. pharmaceutical companies.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying individuals without prescription drug coverage get the medications they need.

Scholarships for Students With Mental Health Problems

As stress levels constantly increase due to challenging curriculum demands and peer pressure challenges, it is hard to underestimate the role of scholarship as a resource for students who face mental health problems while on campus. 

BuzzRx helps improve people’s health through discounted medications making it more affordable and accessible to the community. You can search up your prescriptions at your favorite pharmacy on the website and get a chance to have pre-activated, ready-to-use Prescription Discount card that can help you save up to 80%

Legal Support And Advocacy

Legal Services Corporation provides civil legal aid to low-income Americans. Use their website to find programs in individual states. Please scroll to the bottom of their website to find locate legal aid near you.

National Bar Association provides a directory of state and local bar associations to help find legal representation.

National Disability Rights Network (State Protection and Advocacy Agencies) protects individuals with disabilities’ civil rights, particularly in hospitals and state prison systems. Click on the map on the right-hand side of their website to locate the agency near you. 

Community Support Services

Clubhouse International provides a directory of clubhouses. Clubhouses provide opportunities for education, employment, and social activities. Click the ‘International Directory’ tab on their website to find contact information for local clubhouses.

www.homelessshelterdirectory.org provides a national directory of homeless shelters, assistance programs, soup kitchens, and more.

Job Accommodation Network is an organization that provides resources and guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Their website includes a directory of state vocational rehabilitation offices. Phone: 800-526-7234

2-1-1 Dial 2-1-1 from a local phone or use their website to search for organizations that offer local support resources and services.

Suicide And Crisis Support

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides referrals to support groups, mental health professionals, resources on loss, and suicide prevention information. Phone: 1-888-333-2377

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning, and information on domestic violence. Phone: 1-800-799-7233

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline connects callers to trained crisis counselors 24/7. They also provide a chat function on their website. Phone: 1-800-273-8255.

CrisisChat.org Lifeline Crisis Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in partnership with CONTACT USA. It is the first service of its kind. Crisis centers across the United States have joined together to form one national chat network that can provide online emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services. The chat specialists are here to listen and support you through whatever difficult times you may be facing.

IMAlive IMAlive provides crisis intervention services via online chat. Services are available on weekdays from 7 pm EST to 10:30 or 12:30 pm, depending on the day.

ReachOut USA ReachOut USA uses the internet to provide information teens, and young adults need and want in an anonymous, non-threatening, and non-judgmental space.

ManTherapy.org ManTherapy.org is made for working-aged men who may be dealing with depression or suicide. Excellent information mixed with humor.

Boys Town 1–800–448–3000 Boys Town provides a hotline and chats for kids, teens, and young adults who are depressed or faced with an overwhelming challenge.

Learn more about suicide and what to do in a crisis.

Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI)

Self Abuse Finally Ends (S.A.F.E) S.A.F.E. is a highly regarded treatment approach for NSSI (Non-Suicidal Self-Injury). The website has information about treatment and links for help in finding a therapist for help with NSSI.

The Butterfly Project Special practice for avoiding self-injury by drawing butterflies on yourself. It’s a blog on Tumblr to help people who cut.

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Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides information on prevention, treatment, and anxiety symptoms, depression, and related conditions. Phone: 240-485-1001           

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) provide information and referrals on ADHD, including local support groups. Phone: 800-233-4050

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provides information on bipolar disorder and depression, offers in-person and online support groups and forums. Phone: 1-800-826-3632

International OCD Foundation provides information on OCD and treatment referrals. Phone: 617-973-5801

Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) maintains the Schizophrenia Anonymous programs, which are self-help groups and are now available as toll-free teleconferences. Phone: 240-423-9432

Sidran Institute helps people understand, manage, and treat trauma and dissociation; maintains a helpline for information and referrals. Phone: 410-825-8888

TARA (Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder)offers a referral center for information, support, education, and treatment options for BPD. Phone: 1-888-482-7227         

Research And Statistics

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides information on statistics, clinical trials, and research. NAMI references NIMH statistics for our website and publications. Phone: 1-866-615-6464