You've decided that it's time to seek help from a mental health professional, but where should you begin? Follow these steps to find help in your area.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 1 day
Here's How:
- Contact Your Health Care Provider
If you have health insurance, the first thing you'll want to do is contact your health care prodiver. There should be a phone number or Web site listed on the back of your insurance card. That information will put you in touch with those who can best assist you in determining what is covered by your policy and how to go about selecting an appropriate mental health facility and/or provider in your area.
- Contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
If you are uninsured, the first thing you'll want to do is contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at 1-877-267-2323 (TDD: 1-866-226-1819) to find out what services you may be eligible for. - Access a List of Mental Health Organizations in Your State
Contact specific mental health organizations in your state to learn about some unique programs you may qualify for. You can find a list of Mental Health Organizations by State on the Centers for Disease Control Web site. You can also link to your State Insurance Department Web site through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Web site. - Contact the National Mental Health Association
You can reach the National Mental Health Association at 1-800-969-NMHA or 1-800-969-6642. - Call the Mental Health Hotline in Your State
Call the Mental Health Hotline Number in your state. Most of these numbers are toll-free and available 24-hours a day. - Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or anyone else, contact the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255.
