Why Mental Health Matters
One in five U.S. adults experiences a mental illness in any given year, yet fewer than half receive treatment. Mental health conditions — including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder — are medical conditions, not personal failings. Effective treatments exist, and help is available.
If You’re in Crisis Right Now
Call or text 988 — the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7, free, confidential)
Other crisis resources:
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1
- Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386
- Emergency services: 911 (for immediate danger)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and changes negative thought patterns; highly effective for depression and anxiety
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Skills for managing emotions; commonly used for borderline personality disorder and self-harm
- EMDR: Eye movement therapy for trauma and PTSD
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Mindfulness-based approach
- Medication: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers — prescribed by psychiatrists or PCPs
- Call the member services number on your insurance card
- Ask for a list of in-network mental health providers
- Use your insurer’s online provider directory
- Check if your plan covers telehealth therapy
- Community Mental Health Centers: Sliding scale fees based on income; find one at samhsa.gov
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): Integrated primary care and mental health; findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
- Open Path Collective: openpath.help — therapy for $30-$80/session for qualifying individuals
- University training clinics: Licensed-supervised therapy at reduced rates
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many employers offer free sessions; check with HR
- BetterHelp, Talkspace: Subscription-based online therapy
- Cerebral, Done: Online psychiatry and medication management
- Community health center telehealth: Often covered by Medicaid
- Equal coverage limits for mental and physical health
- Equal cost-sharing (copays, deductibles)
- Equal access to out-of-network care
- Medicaid: Covers mental health services in all states; scope varies
- Medicare: Part B covers outpatient mental health; 20% coinsurance after deductible; Part D covers psychiatric medications
- Listen without judgment
- Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
- Help them find and access resources
- Take care of your own mental health too
- Don’t try to “fix” them — connection matters most
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): nami.org | 1-800-950-NAMI
- Psychology Today Therapist Finder: psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
- Mental Health America: mhanational.org
- 988 Lifeline: 988lifeline.org
Types of Mental Health Professionals
| Professional | Degree | Can Prescribe? | Typical Role |
|—|—|—|—|
| Psychiatrist | MD or DO | Yes | Medication management, diagnosis |
| Psychologist | PhD or PsyD | No (in most states) | Therapy, psychological testing |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | MSW | No | Therapy, case management |
| Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) | MA/MEd | No | Therapy, counseling |
| Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) | MA | No | Relationship and family therapy |
Types of Therapy
How to Find a Therapist
With Insurance
Low-Cost and Free Options
Telehealth Options
Insurance and Mental Health Parity
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires that mental health and substance use disorder benefits be no more restrictive than medical/surgical benefits.
Your rights include:
If you’re denied coverage, you can appeal. Contact your state insurance commissioner if needed.