Mental Health Help
Supporting our mental health is just as important as eating healthy and exercising regularly — however, it’s something that many of us often put on the backburner.
With 1 in 5 Americans suffering from mental health disorders each year, it’s time we openly talk about mental health as it’s an essential part of overall wellbeing.
Seeking treatment as early as possible is an important part of treating mental health illness, and the good news is that there are many treatment options available.
Related: Mental Health Quiz
Read on as we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about getting mental health help.
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Book on our free mobile app or website.
Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.
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See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.
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Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.



Mental Health Help FAQ
What are the 5 signs of mental illness?
The top 5 signs of mental illness are: Change in personality, anxiety, moodiness, anger, being socially withdrawn, having a lack of self-care, feeling hopeless or overwhelmed
Where and how can I get mental health help?
If you need mental health help, there are many options available. A great place to start is with your primary care provider. They can provide a mental health screening and may refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist to provide further treatment such as talk therapy and/or medication for anxiety or depression. You may also consider speaking with an online doctor or psychiatrist for faster and more affordable care. Additionally, there are federal resources available such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, or state and county organizations.
How do I get immediate psychiatric help?
If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, dial 911. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Additionally, you can check yourself into a hospital for psychiatric treatment. Learn more about the suicide prevention lifeline here.
What is considered a psychiatric emergency?
A psychiatric emergency can be defined as an acute disturbance in thought, behavior, or mood. If the emergency is not treated, it can lead to serious harm. Some examples of psychiatric emergencies include suicidal thoughts and harming oneself or others.
Why is mental health treatment important?
Just like taking care of our physical body is important, it’s essential to take care of our mental health as well. The National Alliance of Mental Illness states that the earlier you get mental health treatment, the better. Mental health illnesses are just as serious as a physical medical condition and are just as treatable, so don’t delay treatment or feel ashamed about taking that first step in getting help.
What is the best treatment for mental illness?
The best treatment for mental illness is typically a combination of talk therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. That said, each mental illness will require a different treatment option. The best way to start receiving the appropriate treatment is to make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your concerns or to speak with a licensed mental health professional.
Does the Affordable Care Act require insurance plans to cover mental health benefits?
Yes, all Marketplace health insurance plans must cover mental health as well as substance abuse benefits, which include: counseling and psychotherapy, behavioral and mental health inpatient services, and substance abuse treatment. The level of coverage will vary depending on the insurance plan.
Does Medicaid cover mental health or substance use disorder services?
Each state Medicaid program offers some mental health and substance abuse coverage. Check with your local state program to determine which treatment options are available in your state.
Does Medicare cover mental health or substance use disorder services?
Yes, Medicare plans do cover different mental health and substance use disorder services. The coverage will depend on what type of Medicare you have.
Do health insurance plans cover mental health or substance use disorder services?
While the Affordable Care Act Marketplace Plans, as well as Medicaid and Medicare, all offer mental health and substance use disorder services, not all private plans are required to offer benefits. Always check with your individual health insurance plan to determine what your coverage options are.
What can you do for a mentally ill person?
If someone you love is suffering from a mental illness, you can offer support in setting up treatment appointments or even going to appointments with them if they are open to it. Ask how you can help and lend a listening ear. You can also learn about their mental illness, so you have a better idea as to how to support them.
Who to call if someone is having a mental breakdown?
If you are with someone who is having a mental breakdown and is experiencing a psychiatric emergency, where their life or someone else’s life is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. There are also crisis hotlines available such as:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-TALK (8255)
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline – 800-656-HOPE (4673)
-
Book on our free mobile app or website.
Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.
-
See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.
-
Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.



Get Online Mental Health Help
If you or someone you know would like to discuss non-life-threatening mental health concerns, you can speak with an online doctor for treatment of common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Our virtual primary care doctors are highly trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions online. They will work with you to create a comprhensive treatment plan, including any necessary prescription medications that are not classified as controlled substances.
You can book an appointment with a PlushCare doctor and speak with an online doctor for mental health help as soon as today.
Read More About Mental Health Help
- How Do I Ask My Doctor For Anxiety Medication?
- Can You Buy Anxiety Medication Online?
- Online Mental Health Services
Sources
NAMI. Mental Health by the Numbers. Accessed June 11, 2020 at https://www.nami.org/mhstats
Psychology Today. 5 Warning Signs of Mental Health Risk. Accessed June 11, 2020 at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201505/5-warning-signs-mental-health-risk
NIH. Help For Mental Illness. Accessed June 11, 2020 at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml
Sudarsanan S, Chaudhury S, Pawar AA, Salujha SK, Srivastava K. Psychiatric Emergencies. Med J Armed Forces India. 2004;60(1):59‐62. doi:10.1016/S0377-1237(04)80162-X Accessed June 11, 2020 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4923517/
Psychiatric Times. Managing a Psychiatric Emergency. Accessed June 11, 2020 at https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/special-reports/managing-psychiatric-emergency
NAMI. The Importance of Getting the Right Treatment. Accessed June 11, 2020 at https://www.nami.org/Blogs/From-the-CEO/October-2017/The-Importance-of-Getting-the-Right-Treatment-for
Healthcare.gov. Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coverage. Accessed June 11, 2020 at https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-abuse-coverage/
Mental Health.gov. Health Insurance & Mental Health Services. Accessed June 11, 2020 at https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/health-insurance
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. How to Support Someone With Mental Illness. Accessed June 11, 2020 at https://www.bbrfoundation.org/blog/how-support-someone-mental-illness