4. Getting Help - Treatment Resources

Treatment Resources

Looking for a mental health professional? Want to join a support group? Maybe these resources can help.

So you've read about your options - both for medication and talk therapy, and a few other things you can do on your own. What do you do now?

Not sure where to start with treatment?
Now, you make the call. You don't need to have your whole treatment figured out to get started. Your doctor and/or mental health professional will play a big part in making a plan. 

If it feels like a lot to take on, just try to make it through step one: Call your doctor. That's all you need to think about right now. After that, you'll focus on getting to your appointment. Take it one day at a time. And don't get discouraged. We know you can do this. 

Here a few resources that might be helpful as you take your first steps into treatment.

Worried you might hurt yourself?
Talk to someone instead! Call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-833-456-4566 in Canada) or chat online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Someone is waiting to talk to you

Looking for a Therapist?
The registry at findtreatment.samhsa.gov is a good place to start. Ask your doctor and health insurance provider for suggestions. The resources at www.nimh.nih.gov might help, as well.

Not sure how to pay for your treatment?
The US federal government offers a directory of low or no-cost clinics where you can find affordable health care. To find a clinic near you, please visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/.

Interested in joining a support group?
Many professional, consumer, advocacy, and service-related organizations can connect you with mental health support groups. Remember that a support group is not a replacement for treatment with a doctor or mental health professional, but the added encouragement can be helpful.  On the NIMH website, at nimh.nih.gov/outreach/partnership-program/outreach-partners.shtml, there is a list of NIMH Outreach Partners. These partners may be able to connect you with mental health or depression support groups.

Online support groups can also be helpful, but be careful about which groups you join. Make sure the group is affiliated with a reputable health organization, moderated professionally, and maintains your anonymity.

Want to find other people who care?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, has almost 1,000 different local chapters across the United States. Many NAMI affiliates offer an array of free support and education programs. Find a NAMI chapter near you by going to nami.org/Find-Your-Local-NAMI. 

Hoping to learn more about treatment?
Visit the www.nimh.nih.gov, to explore the latest research, and find the most recently approved treatment options on the FDA website, www.fda.gov.

You have a lot of treatment options, and that's a good thing. Don't give up. With time and patience, you and your doctor or therapist will find what works for you. And in the meantime, know that you're not alone. 

Along with your treatment, there are things you can do on your own to start feeling better even faster. Booklets five, six, and seven in this series will give you some ideas. Self-help intervention can work together with meds or therapy, if your doctor recommends those to you. 

Please remember, though, that the tips in these booklets don't replace treatment with a doctor or mental health professional. We love you, but we're so far away. Our advice is always an "and" not an "or." Use only what is helpful. Not everything will work for every person, and that's just fine.