Getting Help & Supporting Others
Mental Health
Help Right Now
Finding Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Supporting Someone
When to Get Help Right Away
Go to the emergency room, call 911 or call 988 if you:
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You think you might hurt yourself or someone else
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Feel unsafe
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Can't take care of yourself
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See or hear things that others don't see or hear, and this is new and upsetting for you
Where to Get Help
What Happens at the Hospital
Your Primary Care Doctor Can Help
Your Primary Care Doctor Can Help
They can:
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Prescribe medicine for health conditions like anxiety or depression
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Connect you with mental health specialists
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Order tests to check for other health problems
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Create a care plan that works for you
Note:
Some primary care offices have therapists that can see you for a short period
Finding a Mental Health Provider
Finding a mental health provider can feel like a big step. You may worry about picking the right one. There's no wrong way to start. Remember, sometimes the first person you talk to isn't the right mental health provider for you. That's okay - they can help you find someone who's a better fit.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
You might feel nervous about your first appointment. You're not alone! Many people feel anxious about meeting a new therapist. Knowing what to expect can help. In this section you can learn what to bring with you, what to expect, and what mental health providers must keep private.
Therapy Basics
Finding the Right Therapist & Approach
The Therapy Process
Supporting Someone with Mental Health Needs
When someone you care about has a mental health condition, your support can make a big difference. But it can be hard to know what to do or say.
The biggest help you can provide is listening without judgement. Some other things you can do include:
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Help with practical tasks when needed
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Learn about their condition
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Support their treatment plan (if they have one)
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Know the warning signs of a crisis
Important:
You need to take care of yourself in order to help someone else.
Some things to remember:
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Set boundaries
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Find your own support
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Practice your own self-care
Ways to Provide Support
Communication Tips
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Use "I" statements: "I'm concerned about you" instead of "You need help"
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Be clear and specific: "Would you like me to help you make a doctor's appointment?"
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Avoid critical language like "snap out of it" or "you're overreacting"
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For someone experiencing hallucinations, ask in a non-judgmental way: "What do you hear now?" rather than dismissing their experience
Recognizing and Responding to a Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis is when someone:
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Is unable to function in their daily life
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Might be a danger to themselves or others
Written by:
Last Updated: May 30, 2025