Finding Mental Health Care.

I am 27 years old and still ask my mom to schedule doctor's appointments for me. She now refuses to help me, so I have been forced to overcome the fear and anxiety that comes with being the most adultiest of adults and calling a doctors office. What I have learned is that it is a whole lot easier than we think and yet so many people don't want how to do it. They don't know how to find someone to talk to. Let's figure this thing out together...

If you have insurance-

Find your insurance card: it may be online or a physical copy, just check with your employer or the person who is the primary on your insurance. There should be a phone number or (in the best case) a website on the back that says something along the lines of "to access your plan, review coverage, or find a provider... call or go here." That is your jackpot. All of the insurance providers that I have worked with have a website that allows you to search for a doctor. Maybe you need a specific type of mental health care provider or would rather work with a male doctor- simple check the boxes and viola! Next comes the scary part... call and see if the doctor is accepting new patients. You don't have to tell them all the details of your life, you don't have to worry about an invasion of privacy. Just schedule an appointment and off you go!

If you don't have insurance-

It doesn't mean that you can't get help. I was without insurance for a little while when I was between jobs and it is really daunting not knowing how to afford care, but there are so many options. First, check out healthcare.gov to see if you are eligible for Medicare/Medicaid. There are a variety of things that can make you eligible for government assistance and there. is. no. shame. If you are not eligible, look for a free clinic often know as a "community health center". In my community, we have New Horizons Health that provides free/reduced cost dental, medical, and mental health care. A quick Google search can help you find what is available in your community.

There are also a variety of freeeeee services offered by phone or text, if you would like to talk to someone immediately. I have listed a couple of resources below. Please know that getting mental health care is not impossible. It is not difficult. It is not scary. You can do this. Simply having the chance to talk to someone about what your are feeling or experiencing can change your life. 

National Alliance on Mental Health 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line (Text NAMI to) 741-741