Resources for your mental health
Below is a list of some resources to help those looking for mental health services. This list is not comprehensive and will continue to grow. I have no financial ties to the resources listed.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
800-273-8255
FYI: 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
Crisis Counselors for LGBTQ+ people
The Trevor Project has trained counselors who understand the challenges LGBTQ young people face.
If you’re experiencing a crisis, you can get started by calling them at 1-866-488-7386. They also have other ways of reaching them on their website.
For more information, you can explore their website about other services at the Trevor Project Website
Looking for a therapist?
Searching for a therapist can be tough. For those who have never had a therapist before, the process of getting one might seem daunting and time-consuming. Here are some considerations:
It’s never too late to look for a therapist.
Don’t be ashamed. Your mental health should be treated like your physical health. There is nothing wrong with getting professional help for your psychological well-being.
It may take some time. You might have to try different therapists to find the one who best fits your needs.
The best places to start your search may be with your primary care provider (PCP) who might be able to refer you or you might consider going through your employee assistance program (EAP) at work for therapists that might take your insurance. You can also consider using the following websites or online platforms for your search.
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective - Has therapists who provide affordable, in-office and online psychotherapy sessions between $30 and $60 (between $30 and $80 for couples & family sessions)
Headway - Lists therapists who take insurance.
Alma - currently running in Washington DC, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Virginia
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
AYANA therapy - for marginalized and intersectional communities
Innopsych - For finding therapists of color.
First Session (for those in Canada)
Helpful Readings on Substance Use Disorders
African Americans, Afro-Caribbean Americans, and Addiction
Click here to learn more about the relationship between African Americans, Afro-Caribbean Americans, and Addiction. This information is provided through Addiction Center.
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Click here for information about the relationship between mental health and opioid use disorder. This information is provided through Bicycle Health.
To learn more about health equity in opioid use disorder treatment, click here to read about the differences in treatment for Black and Latinx patients.