Mental Health: Getting Help
Author: Dr. Vrolijk | Updated: August 23, 2025 | Disclaimer | Review Process | References
Finding mental health care doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re not sure where to begin, worried about cost, or wondering what type of help you need, this guide walks you through each step.
On This Page:
Get Help Right Now
Call 988 • Text 988 • Chat 988 • Call 911 • Go to Emergency Room
More Free, Confidential Hotlines
Trevor Project (Ages 13 – 24)
- Call 866-488-7386
- Text “start” to 678678
- Chat online at TrevorProject.org
Trans Lifeline
- Call 877-565-8860 in the US
- Call 877-330-6366 in Canada
- Website: Trans Lifeline
LGBT National Lifeline
- Call 888-843-4564
- Coming out support line 888-688-5428
- Youth talkline 800-246-7743
- Senior hotline 888-234-7243
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 2pm-11pm ET
- Sat 12-5pm ET
National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Text “start” to 88788
- Chat online at theHotline.org
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
- Call 800-656-HOPE
- Text “hope” to 64673
- Chat online at rainn.org
- Message on WhatsApp
Veterans Crisis Line
- Call 988 then press 1
- Text 838255
- Chat online VeteransCrisisLine.net
Where to Get Help
You’re taking an important step by looking for mental health support. Finding the right person might take time. That’s okay. What matters is getting started.
Start with Your Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider can be a great place to start. They can help you find the care you need. And they can treat some conditions like depression.
Dealing with Cost
Cost is a common concern with getting mental healthcare. There are ways to find the care you need at a price you can afford. Be honest about your budget. Providers want to help and may have options you don’t know about.
Some ways to deal with cost include:
- Lower cost options such as sliding scale fees, university training clinics, and community mental health centers
- Financial assistance like patient assistance programs for medicine and nonprofit organizations
- Using insurance if covered
Types of Providers
Most people don’t know what kind of therapy might help them or if they need medication until they talk with someone. Any provider you start with can help you figure out next steps.
For Medication:
Primary care provider
Psychiatrist
Psychiatric nurse practitioner
For Therapy:
Psychiatrist (Sometimes)
Psychologist
Licensed clinical social worker
Therapist or counselor
Psychiatric nurse practitioner (sometimes)
Your First Therapy Session
Your first therapy session is mostly about getting to know one another.
What to Expect
Most first session include:
- Paperwork: Forms to fill out before your session. It’s okay if you can’t answer all the questions. You can ask your therapist for help.
- Talking about your symptoms and concerns: The therapist wants to learn what’s important to you, so they can help you.
- Expectations: You’ll talk about logistics like scheduling your next appointment and confidentiality.
What to Read Next
All of Our Pages on Mental Health
Resources We Used
Clinical experience from multiple clinicians
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