Mental Health: Don't Suffer in Silence
Finding Help When You Need It Most
Do I need help?
A mental health condition may be the result of multiple causes. Factors such as genetics, environment and lifestyle can determine if someone develops a mental condition.
Though not a complete list, some signs you or a loved one may want to speak to a health professional include: Confused thinking, prolonged sadness or irritability, feelings of extreme highs and lows, excessive fears or worries, social withdrawal, dramatic changes in eating or sleeping, strong feelings of anger, delusions or suicidal thoughts. If in doubt, consider seeking help.
Treatment and recovery are ongoing processes that lead to improved health and wellness.
Does my child need help?
Many children and teens experience emotional and mental distress. According to the American Psychological Association, young children are less likely to get help for mental health than adults as it’s believed children will “grow out of it.” Warning signs of mental illness include:
- Extreme or strange behavior for the age and gender of the child such as aggressive, withdrawn or hyper behavior.
- Sudden, difficult to explain changes in behavior like a steep drop in grades.
Monitor your child if you think something is wrong and reach out to a school counselor, physician or mental health professional.
How Do I Find Help?
If you are employed, check with your human resources department to see if they offer an employee assistance program (EAP). These services generally include short-term counseling for employees and household members. EAPs provide support for a number of issues including substance abuse, emotional distress, major life events, personal relationship issues and more.
There are also many nationally available hotlines to call if you need to speak with someone immediately. The National Suicide Prevention lifeline is 800-273-TALK (8255). For general mental health questions, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a good place to start. You can reach them at 877-SAMHSA7 (877-726-4727).
Finding Help if You Have Health Insurance
Your insurance company can provide a list of providers in your plan. Your primary care doctor may be able to refer you to a mental health specialist.
The Affordable Care Act expanded coverage of mental health and substance use disorders [HHS website] by requiring individual and small employer health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorders. Most plans (except some grandfathered and transitional plans) must now cover preventative services, like depression or anxiety screenings at no additional cost.
Eligible veterans can get care through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (or call 877-222-8387).
Medicare’s website offers a list of participating doctors. You can also search by your state Medicaid office.
Finding Help When Uninsured
Start with your community health center. SAMHSA provides a behavior treatment services locator to help you find one in your area. Other places to look include university clinics and group therapy.
Some mental health providers offer sliding scale prices. It’s worth asking the provider if you can negotiate a reduced rate.
What should I expect on my first visit of counseling or therapy?
Before your appointment, call the mental health professional’s office to discuss his or her approach to treatment and working with clients. It’s also a good idea to discuss insurance and payments options prior to your first visit.
Be ready to talk about the reason for coming to therapy. You might be asked about your work and your family. To get the most out of your first session, think about your goals, expectations and preferences in advance and be ready to share.
More Information
For more information, contact your state insurance department. You can also visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for more general information.
About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.