Finding the Right Support: A Guide to Mental Health Resources

Mental health challenges can be hard to face alone. Whatever it is you are facing there are many resources to help you. From hotlines to personalized therapy options, knowing where to go can make all the difference. Below is a guide to some of the resources that you can use

Hotlines: Immediate Support When You Need It Most

Hotlines are an excellent step if you need someone to talk to immediately. These services are typically free, confidential, and available 24/7. 

General Mental Health Support

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): Dial 988

• Provides support for anyone in distress

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• Offers support through text for mental health issues

Special Hotlines

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP

• Free information for mental health and substance use treatment

• The Trevor project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

• Crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ individuals under 25

• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1

• Special support for U.S. veterans and their loved ones.

If you live outside the U.S., organizations like Befrienders Worldwide or local centers can offer similar support.

Therapy Options for Lasing Change by Professionals

Therapy is one of the most effective ways to address mental health challenges. There are a lot of options and finding one that works best for you is crucial.

In-Person Therapy

In-person therapy allows for deeper connections and more sessions. There are several types of therapy depending on your needs:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing bad or negative patterns and behaviors.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helps people with chronic emotional challenges to regulate emotions 

• Psychodynamic Therapy: Identifies past experiences that are influencing current behaviors and emotions.

You can find therapists through:

• Primary care physician

• Online directory

• Local community mental health centers.

Online Therapy

Online therapy provides flexibility and convenient access to licensed professionals.

• BetterHelp: Offers video, phone, and text-based therapy with licensed counselors

• Talkspace: Often covered by insurance and matches you with a therapist

• Cerebral: Combines therapy with medication management

Online therapy is helpful for people with a busy schedule or people in remote areas.

Support Groups: Strength in Community

Support groups bring people with similar experiences to provide mutual understanding. There groups are often led by trainer mental health professionals and can be in-person or virtual.

Examples of Support Groups

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): free peer-led support for people affected my mental health conditions

• Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous: Provides peer support for those recovering from substance use disorders.

• GriefShare: Community of people coping with the loss of loved ones.

Support groups foster a sense of belonging and can help one-on-one therapy be more useful

Affordable and Free Options

Mental Health treatment can be expensive, but there are affordable options for people.

Sliding Scale Clinics

Community mental health centers and nonprofits offer therapy pricing based on your income. This is called sliding scale pricing. Search for these center in your area through:

• SAMHSA'S Treatment Locator: www.findtreatment.gov

• Local health department websites

University Clinics

Universities have training clinics where med school students, supervised by licensed professionals, provide therapy at reduced rates

Apps for Mental Health

Mental health apps can provide valuable tools at little to no cost:

• Calm and Headspace: Guided meditation

• Woebot: AI-powered chatbot who offers cognitive therapy techniques

• Sanvello: Tools for managing stress and anxiety

Use of Medication: When Therapy Alone Isn't Enough

Some people need medication to manage mental health. Medication is typically used alongside therapy and can help to stabilize symptoms

Finding the right Prescriber

• Psychiatrists: Medical doctors that specialize in mental health can prescribe medication

• Primary Care Physicians: Provide prescriptions and referrals to specialists

• Telehealth: Can prescribe medication if they are from a licensed professional

Always consult a doctor before starting or changing any medication

Resources for Specific Communities

Certain demographics require more tailored resources to challenges

• Youth: Resources like school counselors and Your Life Your Voice can provide child support

• Seniors: Programs like Friendship Line (1-800-971-0016) offer mental health support for older patients.

Final Thoughts

Seeking help for mental health is a sign of courage and resilience. Weather it is any of the options above or something else, taking the first step can set you on a path towards healing. Remember, help is always available if only you are brave enough to ask for it.

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board