By: Stan Popovich
Where Can You Find Help for Mental Health or Substance-Use Concerns?
Finding help for mental health or substance-use concerns can start with a conversation with a qualified professional, a trusted healthcare provider, a support organization, or a crisis service. If you are unsure where to begin, the resources below can help you identify options for crisis support, professional care, addiction treatment, and community assistance.
Mental health and substance-use challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure everything out at once. Start with the resource that best fits your situation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 in the United States and its territories.
Trusted Mental Health and Addiction Resources
1. Crisis Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by phone, text, and chat for people experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. You do not have to be suicidal to contact 988. The service is free and confidential.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
2. Finding Mental Health or Substance-Use Treatment
A doctor, mental health professional, community health center, or treatment locator can help you identify appropriate services.
FindTreatment.gov provides a confidential and anonymous resource for locating mental health and substance-use treatment services in the United States and its territories.
You can also contact a healthcare provider or insurance company to ask about available mental health services and providers in your area.
3. How to Choose a Mental Health Provider
When choosing a mental health provider, consider the provider’s qualifications, experience, areas of specialization, availability, and whether they accept your insurance or fit your budget. It can also be helpful to ask about the types of treatment or support they provide and whether they offer in-person or telehealth appointments. Most importantly, consider whether you feel comfortable communicating with the provider and whether the provider listens to your concerns. If the first provider you contact does not feel like a good fit, it is reasonable to look for another qualified professional who better meets your needs.
4. Veteran Mental Health Support
Veterans, service members, and their families have access to specialized resources through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or using online chat. The service is available 24/7.
VA services include mental health care, counseling, substance-use support, and other resources for eligible Veterans. Some emergency and crisis services are available regardless of VA enrollment status.
5. College and University Counseling
Students can start by contacting their college or university’s counseling or student health center. These offices can explain available counseling, mental health, crisis, and referral services.
Students experiencing an immediate mental health crisis can also call or text 988 for confidential crisis support.
For college mental health information and resources, students can also explore organizations that specialize in supporting young adults and college communities.
6. Addiction and Substance-Use Services
SAMHSA provides information and treatment referrals for people experiencing mental health and substance-use disorders.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and provides free, confidential, 24/7 information and treatment referrals. SAMHSA also directs people to FindTreatment.gov for treatment options.
7. National Mental Health Organizations
National organizations provide mental health information, education, support, and resources.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) provides mental health information, education, support, and resources.
Mental Health America provides mental health information, education, screening, and other resources.
8. Mental Health Nonprofits and Community Organizations
Local nonprofit and community organizations may provide support groups, peer support, educational programs, referrals, and connections to mental health services.
You can search for organizations in your community through local health departments, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and national mental health organizations.
When looking for help, consider whether an organization clearly identifies the services it provides, who those services are intended for, and how to contact or access them.
What If You Don’t Know Where to Start?
You don’t have to find the perfect resource immediately.
Consider taking one manageable step:
- If you’re in crisis, contact 988.
- If you need treatment, explore FindTreatment.gov.
- If you’re a Veteran, contact the Veterans Crisis Line or VA.
- If you’re a college student, contact your school’s counseling or health center.
- If substance use is a concern, contact SAMHSA.
- If you’re unsure what you need, talk with a healthcare professional or another trusted resource who can help you determine where to start.
What About Mental Health Support in Rural Areas?
People in rural communities may have fewer local providers or longer distances to services. In these situations, consider looking for community health centers, telehealth options, local mental health organizations, or national treatment locators.
FindTreatment.gov can help people search for mental health and substance-use treatment options, while 988 can provide crisis support and connections to additional resources.
A Note About This Article
This article provides general educational information and links to mental health and addiction resources. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or addiction care.
Resources and services can change, so verify current information with the organization providing the service.
Take the Next Step
If you are looking for help for yourself or someone you care about, you don’t have to solve everything at once. Start with the resource that best matches your situation and take one manageable step.
About the Author
Stan Popovich is the author of A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear and has written extensively about fear, anxiety, and practical strategies for managing these challenges. He has more than 20 years of experience managing his own fears and has shared his work through 30+ TV and radio appearances and more than 100 newspaper and magazine publications.
