Finding mental health support can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. Here are some questions to help guide your search for resources that are best for you! 

Step 1: Decide what you would like to address first 

There may be a lot of different areas of your mental health that you want support in. As a starting point, narrow things down to what is challenging you the most. Some examples could be feelings of deep sadness, worrying a lot, or dealing with life stressors. By deciding what you would like to address first, you are ready for step 2. 

Step 2: Decide what type of support you feel most comfortable with 

Now that you have decided what you would like to address, you are ready to decide how you would like to receive services. Your experience with mental health is unique to you and there are a variety of options for support. Individual therapy can be a great option for some, while others may feel more comfortable in a support group with a specific focus. These can be groups for grief or parenting, or even social groups for activities like hiking, cooking, and reading. Once you have decided on how you would like to receive support, you are ready for step 3. 

Step 3: Prepare to find support 

Reaching out for mental health support can feel uneasy, which is why it is so important to feel comfortable with the resources you access. You can search for resources that validate and accommodate your needs, like checking whether they offer services in multiple languages or incorporate shared cultural values, if they offer appointment times that fit your schedule, your budget needs, etc. You can also set up an interview with service providers to determine if they’re the right fit for you! 

Step 4: Find support 

Now that you’ve gone through these steps, you are ready to find support! 

Self-Care 

Self-care is taking time to do things that help your overall wellness, including both your physical health and mental health. Self-care looks different for everyone and can include activities like spending time in nature, writing in a journal, taking a break to rest, and connecting with family and friends. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can impact your energy and how you manage stress. 

Case Management 

Case managers help assess the areas that their clients need help with and connects them to services and resources, like health care, housing, mental health services and more! Case managers work closely with their clients and help with completing paperwork, providing information, and advocating on their behalf. 

Psychotherapy 

Psychotherapy, also commonly called “therapy,” provides a range of help for mental health with a trained mental health professional. Therapists help their clients explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and work with their clients to help improve their overall wellbeing. 

Support Groups 

Support groups bring individuals with similar experiences and identities together to share their stories, experiences, and lives with one another. Support groups help us see that there are others who may dealing with similar situations and who in turn can help us get better. 

Psychiatry/Medication 

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use. They look at both the mental and physical sides of someone’s struggles with mental health. Psychiatrists may prescribe medication, like the way medications are used to treat physical health conditions. Medications are often used in combination with supports, such as psychotherapy. 

Hospitalization 

Sometimes, a person’s mental health challenges can reach a point where they are at serious risk of hurting themselves or others. Hospitalization may happen when someone decides it is the best decision for themselves, or at the insistence of others, such as a professional or as a result of an encounter with a first responder. This may also be necessary even if the person does not want to go. In the hospital, the person receives closely monitored care from medical and mental health professionals who can help them until the person feels more stable. 

Substance Use Treatment 

There is a large variety of treatment options for those seeking support for substance use. For more information, visit: https://sapccis.ph.lacounty.gov/sbat/