Treatment for mental illnesses usually includes therapy (virtual or in person), medication, or a combination of the two.
There are many ways to find a provider who will meet your needs.
Primary care provider: A primary care provider can perform an initial mental health screening and refer you to a mental health professional (such as a social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist). If you have an appointment with a primary care provider, consider bringing up your mental health concerns and asking for help.
Federal resources: Some federal agencies offer resources for identifying mental health professionals. These include:
National organizations: Many advocacy and professional organizations have online tools for finding a provider. View a list of organizations that offer directories or locators for finding mental health professionals.
State and county agencies: Your state or county government website may have information about health services in your area. Your local health services department website is a good place to start.
Insurance companies: If you have health insurance, a representative of your insurance company will know which local providers are covered by your insurance plan. Your health insurance company may have an app or online database that you can use to find a participating provider in your area.
Universities and colleges: If you’re a student, you may have access to mental health services and support through your school’s health center or peer support groups. Try searching your school’s website for mental health resources.
Employee assistance: If you have a job, ask your employer’s human resources department if they have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). An EAP is a free and confidential service that your company pays for. The service can help employees with issues related to mental health, drug or alcohol use, grief, and trauma.
