Finding Mental Health Help

If You Are in Crisis Right Now

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

For emotional crisis support:

• Call or text 988 — 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
• Text HOME to 741741 — Crisis Text Line
• Call 1-800-662-4357 — SAMHSA National Helpline (free, confidential, 24/7, English and Spanish)
• Veterans Crisis Line — call 988 and press 1

Taking the First Step

Reaching out for mental health support takes courage, especially if you have never done it before. Many people delay seeking help because they are unsure where to start, fear stigma, or believe their problems are not "serious enough" to deserve professional attention.

Your mental health matters. You do not need to be in crisis to seek support. If your mental health is affecting your daily life, relationships, work, or sense of wellbeing — that is reason enough.

The first step is often the hardest. Once taken, most people find the process more straightforward than they expected.

Starting With Your Primary Care Doctor

For many people, the family doctor (primary care physician) is the best first contact for mental health concerns. A doctor can:

• Listen to your concerns and take an initial history
• Rule out physical causes for mental health symptoms (e.g. thyroid problems causing depression)
• Make a diagnosis or refer you for specialist assessment
• Prescribe medication if appropriate
• Refer you to a therapist, counsellor, or psychiatrist
• Connect you with local community mental health services

What to say: You do not need the right words. Simply say you have been struggling with your mental health and would like help. Describing your main symptoms and how they are affecting your life is a good starting point.

Types of Mental Health Professionals

| Professional | What they do | |-------------|-------------| | Primary care physician | Initial assessment, medication, referrals | | Psychiatrist | Medical doctor specialising in mental health; diagnoses, prescribes medication, may offer therapy | | Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) | Provides assessment and therapy; does not prescribe (except in some states) | | Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Provides therapy and case management; addresses social and environmental factors | | Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) | Provides counselling for emotional and mental health concerns | | Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) | Specialises in relationships, family dynamics, and couples therapy | | Addiction Counsellor (CADC/ICADC) | Specialises in substance use and recovery | | Peer Support Specialist | Someone with lived experience of mental health or addiction who provides support |

Seeds of New Beginnings employs Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Therapists, Registered Nurses (Psychological and ADHD Evaluations, Medication Management), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT), Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT), Addiction and Recovery Specialists, and Peer Support Specialists.

SAMHSA's National Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also TTY: 1-800-487-4889)

SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for people and families facing mental or substance use disorders. Available in English and Spanish.

The helpline can:

• Refer you to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community organisations
• Provide information and guidance even if you do not have insurance or money
• Help family members understand and find support for a loved one's mental health or addiction

Text line: Text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) to find local services.

Online treatment locator: findtreatment.gov

Finding a Therapist

Through insurance

If you have health insurance, your plan likely covers some mental health care. Steps:

1. Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask for a list of in-network mental health providers
2. Ask your doctor for a referral
3. Use your insurer's online provider directory

Without insurance or if cost is a barrier

• Community mental health centres — provide services on a sliding scale based on income; contact your local or county mental health department
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — provide low-cost or no-cost care; find yours at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
• University or training clinics — graduate students provide therapy under close supervision at reduced cost
• Open Path Collective (openpathcollective.org) — connects people with therapists who offer sessions at $30–$80 for those without insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — if your employer offers one, EAP typically provides a number of free, confidential therapy sessions
• Online therapy platforms — options such as BetterHelp and Talkspace offer lower-cost therapy; verify therapist credentials

What to look for in a therapist

• Licensed (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, PhD, PsyD) in your state
• Experience with your specific concerns (e.g. trauma, OCD, eating disorders, addiction)
• An approach that resonates with you (see our talking therapies article)
• Availability for in-person or telehealth appointments
• Fees within your budget

Many therapists offer a brief initial phone consultation at no charge. Use this to assess fit.

Telehealth and Online Therapy

Telehealth (video or phone sessions) has expanded access to mental health care significantly. For many people, it is equally effective as in-person therapy and has additional benefits: no commute, scheduling flexibility, and access to specialists in your area of need regardless of location.

Most insurance plans now cover telehealth mental health services. Many therapists offer telehealth as a standard option.

Overcoming Barriers to Help

Stigma: Mental health problems are medical conditions, not signs of weakness or character flaws. Seeking help is a sign of strength and self-awareness.

Cost: See the resources above for low-cost options. Mental health care is an investment — the cost of untreated mental illness (in productivity, relationships, and physical health) is far higher.

Time: Many therapists offer evening or weekend appointments. Telehealth removes commuting time. Even one session per fortnight can make a meaningful difference.

Not knowing where to start: You do not need a diagnosis to make an appointment. Call your doctor or contact Seeds of New Beginnings and we will help you find the right path.

Fear of what might happen: Many people fear they will be hospitalised or judged. In reality, most people who seek help receive outpatient support. Confidentiality is protected. You are in control.

Seeds of New Beginnings

We offer counselling, addiction recovery, trauma therapy, and peer support. We welcome self-referrals — you do not need a doctor's referral to make an appointment with us.

• Book an appointment
• Contact us
• Phone: 404-738-0408

We accept most major insurance plans and offer a sliding scale for those without insurance. Please call us to discuss your situation — we will do our best to help you access the support you need.