How to Get Help

If you think that you, or someone you’re close to, might have mental health problems, you’ve already taken the first step, which is to notice that something doesn’t seem right. For instance, someone might seem depressed, anxious, see or hear things that aren’t there, abuse drugs, or have other problems with thinking.

The second step is to get help from a psychiatrist or another mental health expert (such as a psychologist or a clinical social worker).

Doing these two things can be tough. But once you do, you can find out what’s going on and start to get better.

The sooner you do it, the better. Like many other medical conditions, mental illnesses are often easiest to treat when they’re in the early stages.

If it’s an emergency -- for instance, someone is suicidal or in a crisis -- call 911.

If it’s not an emergency, start with your regular doctor. They will check to make sure that medication or another illness is not the cause of your symptoms. If you are physically fine, they will likely refer you to a mental health care professional -- someone trained in treating mental health.

If you have health insurance, find out what your plan covers. Your employer might offer an “Employee Assistance Plan” (EAP) that offers counseling, too. If you are a veteran, the VA system also has resources.

Many health care professionals treat Mental Illnesses, including:

• Primary care doctor: These doctors are either MDs or DOs who have general knowledge in treating a wide variety of common conditions. They are sometimes called general practionioners.

• Physician assistant (PA): These caregivers are not doctors, but they are trained to identify symptoms of mental illness and to treat mental disorders under a doctor’s supervision.

• Nurse practitioner: These registered nurses (RNs) have extra training, including some background in treating psychiatric problems.

• Psychiatrist: These are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. Psychiatrists can prescribe drugs as part of their treatment plan. They are also trained in psychotherapy, a form of counseling or “talk therapy.”

• Psychologist: These experts aren’t MDs, but they have advanced degrees in psychology (PhD or PsyD). They are trained in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological testing. They cannot prescribe drugs to treat mental illnesses except in certain states.

• Social worker: These specialists can provide counseling services and social service needs. They are trained to recognize mental illness and can do psychotherapy.

• Psychiatric nurse specialist: These are registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in treating mental or psychiatric illnesses.

You will want to work with someone you feel comfortable talking with. What you say is confidential unless someone’s safety is at stake or unless a court order is involved.

The free and confidential resources below can help you or a loved one connect with a skilled, trained mental health professional.

Helplines

If you are in crisis, get immediate help:

• Call 911

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat

• Crisis Text Line: Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling

• Disaster Distress Helpline: CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish)

Abuse/Assault/Violence

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522

• National Child Abuse Hotline : 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453

• National Sexual Assault Hotline : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat

LGBTQ+

• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860 (para español presiona el 2)

• The Trevor Project’s TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386

Older Adults

• The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 – TTY Instructions

• Alzheimer’s Association Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 (para español presiona el 2)

Veterans/Active-duty Military

• Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)), then select 1, or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Resources

• Help for Military Service Members and Their Families

Finding Treatment

• FindTreatment.gov: Find a provider treating substance use disorders, addiction, and mental illness.

• American Psychiatric Association Foundation: Find a Psychiatrist

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder

• American Psychological Association: Find a Psychologist

When you live with a mental health condition, there may be times when you lose your emotional balance. That can put your health or even your life at risk. It may be hard to know what to do when you're in the midst of a crisis, so it's helpful to think ahead. These steps can help you be ready.

1. Identify your sources of support.There are many places to turn when you're in a crisis. These are just a few ideas. You may have others. For example, you might contact:

   • A trusted friend or family member. Make a list of some people you can count on in a crisis.

   • Your doctor or mental health professional.

   • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to advise you in a crisis. It's free, and it's confidential.

   • The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). During a crisis, you can text 741741 for free 24/7 support from a trained counselor. You can also call the NAMI HelpLine (1-800-950-6264) or go online (www.nami.org/help) to chat with a trained volunteer.

2. It's a good idea to put these numbers in your phone.

3. Assess your situation.Have you dealt with a mental health crisis before? What happened then? What brought it on? What signs or symptoms did you have?Then think about what's happening now. What symptoms are you having? Are they like the ones you had before? Are they getting worse? Is there a chance that you could hurt yourself or someone else?This is also a good time to think about how you got through a previous crisis. What coping strategies helped you? Could you use them this time?

4. Get the help you need.Don't be afraid or ashamed to reach out for help. We all need support from time to time, and there are people who want to help. The sooner you get support, the sooner you'll get through a crisis.

   • Get help right away if you think you could be in danger. One example is having a plan to harm yourself or someone else. But you know best which signs mean you're having a crisis. If you're not sure, get emergency help. Call 911 or go to an emergency room, and tell them you're having a mental health crisis.

   • If you're struggling but not in danger now, reach out to your sources of support. For instance, call a trusted friend or relative. Tell them how you're feeling, and ask if they can be with you until you're doing better. Or call a crisis hotline for advice and support.

   • Call your doctor or mental health professional too. They can help you decide on your next steps. You may need more or different treatment.

When to call for help

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, or feeling hopeless, get help right away. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line. Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have one or more warning signs of suicide. For example, call if:

  • You feel like giving away your possessions.

  • You use illegal drugs or drink alcohol heavily.

  • You talk or write about death. This may include writing suicide notes and talking about guns, knives, or pills.

  • You start to spend a lot of time alone or spend more time alone than usual.

• You hear voices.

• You start acting in an aggressive way that's not normal for you.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.

School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.

What Training Do School Psychologists Receive? School psychologists receive specialized advanced graduate preparation that includes coursework and practical experiences relevant to both psychology and education. School psychologists typically complete either a specialist-level degree program (at least 60 graduate semester hours) or a doctoral degree (at least 90 graduate semester hours), both of which include a year-long 1200 hour supervised internship (see an Overview of Differences Among Degrees in School Psychology (PDF)). Graduate preparation develops knowledge and skills in:

• Data collection and analysis

• Assessment

• Progress monitoring

• School-wide practices to promote learning

• Resilience and risk factors

• Consultation and collaboration

• Academic/learning interventions

• Mental health interventions

• Behavioral interventions

• Instructional support

• Prevention and intervention services

• Special education services

• Crisis preparedness, response, and recovery

• Family-school-community collaboration

• Diversity in development and learning

• Research and program evaluation

• Professional ethics, school law, and systems

School psychologists must be credentialed by the state in which they work. They also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB). The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) sets standards for graduate preparation, credentialing, professional practice and ethics. The NASP Practice Model (2010) outlines the comprehensive services that school psychologists are encouraged to provide.

Where Do School Psychologists Work? The vast majority of school psychologists work in K-12 public schools. They also provide services in a variety of other settings, including:

• Private schools

• Preschools

• School district administration offices

• Universities

• School-based health and mental health centers

• Community-based day treatment or residential clinics and hospitals

• Juvenile justice programs

• Independent private practice

What Do School Psychologists Do? School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services. They help schools successfully:

Improve Academic Achievement

• Promote student motivation and engagement

• Conduct psychological and academic assessments

• Individualize instruction and interventions

• Manage student and classroom behavior

• Monitor student progress

• Collect and interpret student and classroom data

• Reduce inappropriate referrals to special education.

Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health

• Improve students communication and social skills

• Assess student emotional and behavioral needs

• Provide individual and group counseling

• Promote problem solving, anger management and conflict resolution

• Reinforce positive coping skills and resilience

• Promote positive peer relationships and social problem solving

• Make referrals to and help coordinate community services provided in schools

Support Diverse Learners

• Assess diverse learning needs

• Provide culturally responsive services to students and families from diverse backgrounds

• Plan appropriate Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities

• Modify and adapt curricula and instruction

• Adjust classroom facilities and routines to improve student engagement and learning

• Monitor and effectively communicate with parents about student progress

Create Safe, Positive School Climates

• Prevent bullying and other forms of violence

• Support social-emotional learning

• Assess school climate and improve school connectedness

• Implement and promote positive discipline and restorative justice

• Implement school-wide positive behavioral supports

• Identify at risk students and school vulnerabilities

• Provide crisis prevention and intervention services

Strengthen Family-School Partnerships

• Help families understand their child's learning and mental health needs

• Assist in navigating special education processes

• Connect families with community service providers when necessary

• Help effectively engage families with teachers and other school staff

• Enhance staff understanding and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds

• Help students transition between school and community learning environments, such as residential treatment or juvenile justice programs

Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability Monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior

• Generate and interpret useful student and school outcome data

• Collect and analyze data on risk and protective factors related to student outcomes

• Plan services at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels

Why Do Children Need School Psychologists? All children and youth can face problems from time to time related to learning; social relationships; making difficult decisions; or managing emotions such as feeling depressed, anxious, worried, or isolated. School psychologists help students, families, educators, and members of the community understand and resolve both long-term, chronic problems and short-term issues that students may face. They are a highly skilled and ready resource in the effort to ensure that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and in life.

How Do I Contact a School Psychologist? Every school has access to the services of a school psychologist, although some school psychologists serve two or more schools so may not be at a particular school every day. Most often, school psychologists can be reached by inquiring at the school directly, the district's central office, or locating contact information on the school or district website.