Many people experience mental health problems. In the USA, it is common to seek help for these issues. It is nothing to be embarrassed about. Learn about the different types of treatment and mental health resources for immigrants.
What is mental health?
Mental health is about your feelings, how you think, and how you act. It is an important part of your overall health. It can even affect your physical health. Good mental health helps you deal with daily life, make good choices, and handle stress.
Many things can affect your mental health. As an immigrant, you might face different challenges that can affect how you feel. Adjusting to life in the USA can feel overwhelming or lonely. Leaving behind violence or being away from family and your cultural community can also impact how you feel.
When to consider getting help
Mental health is just as important as your physical health. Getting treatment can help you feel better and improve the quality of your life.
It may be time to seek support if:
You often feel sad or anxious
You are unable to cope with daily tasks
You experience changes in sleeping or eating patterns
There is help out there for you. It can be hard for some people to talk about their feelings, especially if it is not something you did in your home country. It is okay to need help and not something to be ashamed of.
Who can offer treatment?
Different professionals are trained to treat mental illnesses in the United States:
Primary care providers are licensed to treat general health problems and can prescribe medication.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors licensed to check for mental health problems, provide therapy, and prescribe medications.
Psychologists are professionals licensed to test mental health problems and give therapy. Psychologists cannot prescribe medications.
Social workers are licensed to assess and treat mental health problems.
Counselors and therapists are licensed to provide therapy.
Peer specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health conditions and are trained to offer emotional support.
Mental health professionals may work with specific groups, such as refugees or children. They may also be trained in specific areas and may focus on depression, addiction, or trauma. Many offer services that are culturally sensitive and some can provide support in languages other than English.
Your immigration status does not affect your ability to receive mental health services. You are not required to report your immigration status to healthcare providers.
A Beacon For Support for Youth:
Summer Hotlines
Contra Costa County's Mental Health Access Line
1-800-678-7277
Mental Health and substance use services, referrals, and general information, 24/7 services. Anyone can call for themselves or someone they care about.
The Suicide Crisis LIfeline
Please call 988 or 1-800-273-8255
Text 'HOPE' to 20121
If you are in crisis and need help immediately, please call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 or text 'HOPE' to 20121 now. Doing so will quickly put in touch with a Contra Costa Crisis Center Specialist.
Call 211
Visit 211.org
Whether you are looking for help for yourself, worried about someone else, or looking for information about mental health resources, start with 211 to learn valuable mental health and substance use resources and services in Contra Costa County.
Call 1-866-488-7386
Text: 'Start' to 678-678
If you are thinking about harming yourself - get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor, 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free. Trevor Project's trained counselors understand the challenges LGBTQ young people face and are available for support 24/7.
Call or Text 855-600-9276
The Warmline provides accessible mental health support by using the wisdom of lived experience to connect, inspire hope and empower our community toward unlimited recovery. We have provided assistance via phone and web chat to anyone in need. Some concerns callers have are challenges with interpersonal relationships, anxiety, pain, depression, finances, alcohol/drug use, etc.
Family Guide to Supporting Young People's Mental Health and Well-Being
Project Cal-Well, a cross agency mental health initiative led by California Department of Education, produced this easy-to-use guide with input from families, educators, mental health professionals, and youth. This guide helps parents and other adult family members and caregivers navigate supporting the overall well-being and mental health of school-aged children, including tips for what can be difficult conversations.
It offers information about the social and emotional development of young people and explains warning signs that may signal mental health challenges. It equips caregivers with targeting strategies, tools, and resources that help them advocate for their family, address each child's specific needs, and access professional help.
Family Guide to Supporting Young People's Mental Health and Well-Being - English
Family Guide to Supporting Young People's Mental Health and Well-Being - Spanish
Family Guide to Supporting Young People's Mental Health and Well-Being - Traditional Chinese