How to Find Mental Health Services in Your Area

Don't know where to go for a mental health problem. Mental health resources for those who can and can't afford to pay for mental health treatment.

If you're unsure where to go for help, talk to someone you trust who has experience in mental health—for example, a doctor, nurse, social worker, or religious counselor. Ask their advice on where to seek treatment.

If there is a university nearby, its departments of psychiatry or psychology may offer private and/or sliding-scale fee clinic treatment options. Otherwise, check the Yellow Pages under mental health, health, social services, suicide prevention, crisis intervention services, hotlines, hospitals, or physicians for phone numbers and addresses.

In times of crisis, the emergency room doctor at a hospital may be able to provide temporary help for a mental health problem, and will be able to tell you where and how to get further help (Mental Health First Aid: How To Handle A Mental Health Emergency).

Listed below are the types of people and places that will make a referral to, or provide, diagnostic and treatment services (Where To Get Mental Health Help).

• Family doctors
• Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
• Religious leaders/counselors
• Health maintenance organizations
• Community mental health centers
• Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
• University- or medical school-affiliated programs
• State hospital outpatient clinics
• Social service agencies
• Private clinics and facilities
• Employee assistance programs
• Local medical and/or psychiatric societies

Additional Resources for Getting Information and Assistance:

Locate Mental Health Services in Your Area
Within the Federal government, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a Services Locator for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs and resources nationwide.

Locate Affordable Healthcare in Your Area
Within the Federal Government, a bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provides a Health Center Database for a nationwide directory of clinics to obtain low or no-cost healthcare.

Locate NIMH Clinical Trials currently seeking participants.

Locate a Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center for a broad spectrum of healthcare services, including medical and rehabilitative, as well as readjustment counseling services after war.

Mental Health Information and Organizations from NLM's MedlinePlus (en Espanol)

If You Are in a Crisis and Need Immediate Help