Key takeaways:
- Finding treatment for mental illness can seem overwhelming, but breaking down the process can help.
- It can be useful to think about what kind of support would work for you.
- MHC’s Resources page has a list of resources as a starting point for your search.
More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults (over 59 million people) have a mental illness, but only about half of those people get treatment.1 It is common for adults and children to need help managing a mental illness, but even for people who have health insurance, the process of finding treatment can seem daunting. Here, we will give some suggestions of ways to begin your search.
Where do I start?
Firstly, if you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988, which is the number for the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline. You don’t have to be suicidal to call–you can be experiencing mental illness, substance use, trauma, or just need someone to talk to.2 The 988 Lifeline website describes exactly what to expect when you call.
If this is not a crisis, you might start by thinking about what kind of treatment or support will work best for you. For example, some people find individual therapy helpful, while others prefer support groups.
Either way, you can start by reaching out to your primary care provider (the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner you usually see). They will be able to guide you on specific resources in your area. You might also call your health insurance company, which can provide you with a list of mental health providers in your area who accept your insurance.
Other resources to explore
If you do not have a primary care provider or insurance, or are looking for other options for finding care, there are additional resources such as the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or calling 211 to find local social services. You may also explore resources at your workplace (like an Employee Assistance Program) or school (like a school counselor or counseling office).
Some people prefer support groups–the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has free peer-led support groups in English and Spanish. They also have groups for family members. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) has in-person and online support groups, as well. Others find support in their faith or cultural communities.
We have a list of all of these resources and more on our website. This list has a section on affordable treatment options, as mental healthcare can be expensive and is not always covered by insurance.
Sometimes, people need other kinds of resources to help them during a difficult time. Our resources page includes links to information on food security, housing security, employment security, financial literacy, and healthcare.
The bottom line
Looking for treatment can seem overwhelming at first, especially if you are struggling with symptoms of a mental illness. But don’t give up! Resources are available to help you and things will improve over time.
- National Institute of Mental Health (2024, September). Mental illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness. ↩︎
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025, December 16). 988 Frequently asked questions. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/faqs#about-988.
↩︎