Once you’ve decided to ask for help with your mental health, it can be useful to get familiar with what sorts of resources are out there. Understanding what kind of care you can expect from each type may help you decide which one(s) to pursue. Some of the most common forms of mental health care include the following.
Therapy can also be used to address symptoms of many different mental health conditions, though you don’t need to be experiencing symptoms in order to benefit from meeting with a therapist.
Different styles of therapy are intended to address different types of concerns. Some common types include:
Psychiatrists are specialized mental health providers who focus on diagnosing mental illnesses and prescribing medication for them. They may also provide psychological testing services for mental health conditions or forms of neurodivergence like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as recommendations for other treatments. Note that medication for mental health conditions is rarely prescribed on its own; instead, it’s usually recommended in tandem with other treatments like talk therapy.
Support groups are meetings of people who are all managing similar mental health challenges, like depression, anxiety, or a substance use disorder. They may be led by either a peer or a trained professional. In either case, support groups can be a place to connect with others, get advice, and find a sense of community.
Helplines like the Crisis Text Line are a form of immediate mental health support. Many of these hotlines operate 24/7, allowing you to talk in real time to a trained crisis counselor. Remember that helplines are a way to get urgent support, while a method like therapy is typically a preferred option for longer-term treatment.
Community mental health centers are organizations that aim to help people in a particular area get mental health support. They may offer services like medication management, therapy, substance use counseling, and crisis intervention. These services are often offered at low or no cost to community members.
Despite the wide range of mental health resources available, there are other potential pitfalls on the road to getting care. While over 90% of people in the US had some form of health insurance as of 2022, it can be tricky to find mental health treatment that’s covered, convenient, and in your area. If you know what kind of help you want but are struggling to find a provider, you might try connecting with one through:
Your insurance company, if applicable, can be a valuable resource. Many insurance companies provide directories of in-network mental health providers, but these may not always be up to date. Before booking an appointment, it can be a good idea to contact the provider directly to confirm they are still in your network. Contacting your insurance company may also help you get a sense of what will be covered and how much it will cost.
Your employer, if applicable, can also be a valuable resource. In addition to insurance, some employers offer employee assistance programs (EAPs). These programs often provide free or low-cost counseling, mental health evaluations, and specialist referrals to employees and their families. EAP providers may also be able to connect you to a longer-term mental health provider who is covered by your company’s insurance.
Your school, if applicable, can be a helpful resource for mental health support. If you’re in college or graduate school, you may be able to receive mental health support through your institution. Schools typically have on-campus counseling, psychiatric services, and crisis counseling for students. Your campus mental health center may also be able to connect you with support groups, clubs, and other resources, depending on your needs.
Your doctor can be a good starting point. If you’re looking for mental health support but are not sure where to turn, you may find it helpful to talk to your primary care doctor. Although medical doctors generally don’t offer mental health care directly, they are usually familiar with resources in the area and they can often refer you to a specialist depending on your needs and symptoms. Some doctors may also be able to prescribe medication for mental health concerns.
Sometimes, even using the resources above, it can still be a challenge to get mental health support. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s 2022 survey, high costs and a lack of local providers were two of the biggest barriers to people getting mental health care. These are just some of the reasons why more people have been turning to online therapy in recent years. Through this format, you can meet with a licensed therapist from the comfort of home or anywhere else you have an internet connection.
Research suggests that online therapy—specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—can be used to effectively address or treat a variety of mental health concerns. For example, in 2017, researchers analyzed data from 373 publications on internet-based CBT. Their findings suggest that online therapy can be effective in treating depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, phobias, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses.
Essential resources for mental health include therapy, support groups, self-help materials, hotlines, and community programs that provide emotional support, coping strategies, and professional guidance.
Mental health resources offer access to professional care, peer support, education, and tools for developing healthy coping mechanisms, which are crucial for managing symptoms and promoting recovery.
Five ways to improve mental health are to practice mindfulness, stay physically active, connect with supportive people, get adequate sleep, and seek professional help when needed.
Prioritizing your mental health is essential because it influences your thoughts, emotions, and stress management, directly impacting the quality of your life and overall well-being.
How can we improve the mental health of students?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there is currently a youth mental health crisis, leading the Surgeon General to release a public health advisory. Steps to address serious mental illness and emotional distress among children and adolescents include:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides additional resources for support, including their 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
How do we solve mental health issues?
Mental health issues cannot necessarily be “solved,” but the following strategies can improve the mental health and well-being of communities, as recommended by Mental Health America:
The National Institute of Mental Health promotes addressing mental health issues through a combination of early identification and intervention, aiding those who need help finding treatment options (like therapy), teaching communities how to healthily cope with stressors, reducing stigma, and increasing mental health research.
How to bring mental health awareness?
Some strategies to build mental health awareness include encouraging non-judgmental discussions, prioritizing self-care, promoting mental health education, and getting involved in advocacy.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grassroots organization that focuses on destigmatizing mental illnesses, increasing awareness, and connecting people with resources. They provide information on topics like:
Warning signs and symptoms
Mental health conditions, like obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder
Treatment options
Mental health statistics
NAMI also provides information for their free support group services and advocacy opportunities for interested parties to get involved with.
How can you improve your mental health naturally?
Some approaches to naturally improving mental health can be very effective, these include:
While these strategies are not considered a replacement for treatment with a licensed therapist and/or medication, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that lifestyle modifications can help manage mental health challenges.
What are 5 ways to improve emotional health?
Here are five ways to improve mental health:
In addition to practicing these strategies, it’s a good idea to educate yourself about mental health, and how sometimes men and women experience symptoms differently.
How to become mentally strong?
Mental strength, or emotional resilience, refers to the ability to manage stressors and pressures and recover from challenges. It’s built on elements like strong connections, self-care, finding purpose, and a healthy outlook.
Strategies to build mental resilience include: