How to Find Mental Health Services Other Than Therapy

Prescription medication, inpatient or outpatient programs, mind-body interventions, and peer-to-peer support groups are just a few treatments to consider.

read-time9 min read
Psychotherapy can be an powerful tool, but it isn’t your only option. Incorporating other treatment modalities or opting for a different approach altogether may be more effective for your indidivudal needs.

Mental health conditions, even when they’re temporary, can affect every area of your life.

This guide is intended to help you find the resources you need to restore your mental and physical well-being.

If you need prescription medication

If you have medical insurance, you might find it helpful to contact your insurer. They can help you locate an in-network healthcare professional who can prescribe medications as part of your treatment plan.

If that’s not an option, you may want to search using a database operated by a reliable mental health organization:

If you’ve been prescribed medication for a mental health condition and you want to learn more about side effects, drug interactions, or warnings, you can find lots of information using these resources:

  • DailyMed: Maintained by the National Library of Medicine, this searchable database Opens in a new window has up-to-date information on thousands of drugs approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS): This webpage Opens in a new window includes quarterly reports about emerging risks and potential safety concerns.
  • MedlinePlus: Maintained by the National Library of Medicine, this searchable database Opens in a new window has up-to-date information on thousands of drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies.

If you need inpatient or outpatient treatment

Sometimes, people experiencing a mental health crisis can benefit from a short stay in a hospital or residential treatment facility.

Some facilities offer partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs that allow you to return home at night.

If you have medical insurance and it includes mental health coverage, contact your insurer to confirm whether the type of treatment is covered, what facilities are in your plan’s network, and what your out-of-pocket costs may be.

Most facilities have a specific treatment focus, such as eating disorders, complex psychiatric disorders, or substance use disorders. You might find it helpful to start your search using these resources:

  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): ADAA has compiled a list Opens in a new window of residential treatment centers that you can use as a starting point in your search.
  • American Residential Treatment Association (ARTA): ARTA maintains a database Opens in a new window of 28 member facilities that can be filtered by state and program type.
  • International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): IOCDF’s Find Help Opens in a new window tool allows you to locate in-person and virtual treatment providers nationwide that meet specific criteria, such as treatment strategy and clinic type.
  • National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): NEDA maintains a directory Opens in a new window of in-person and virtual treatment providers nationwide.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA’s Find Treatment Opens in a new window tool allows you to locate facilities nationwide that meet specific criteria, such as type of care and approach.

If you need mind-body therapy or integrative medicine

It’s widely understood that eating a balanced diet, developing a regular movement practice, and getting high quality sleep on a routine basis can benefit your overall health and well-being.

A growing body of research shows Opens in a new window that mind-body interventions can have a particular benefit to your mental health. Common examples include:

  • art therapy
  • creative writing
  • dance therapy
  • deep-breathing exercises
  • meditation
  • music therapy
  • tai chi
  • yoga

These organizations can help you find specialized therapy provided by accredited professionals in your area:

If you need a support group

Support groups can be a vital source of peer support, an adjunct to treatment, and a way for family members and loved ones to learn about mental health conditions and provide support.

You might find it helpful to start your search using these resources:

If you’re considering a clinical trial or research study

If other treatments haven’t delivered the results you need, your healthcare professional may recommend that you participate in a clinical trial of a new therapy.

If you’d like to participate in a study, you can begin by contacting nearby research hospitals and universities to see if any relevant projects need volunteers.

You can also reach out through these trusted organizations to see if you qualify:

If you’re in an emergency situation and need help right now

If you’re comfortable interacting with law enforcement, start by calling 911 or your local emergency services.

If you’re concerned about police intervention and don’t feel safe calling 911, check out the Don’t Call the Police Opens in a new window directory to see what’s nearby. A community-based alternative may be better suited to your needs.

Some people find it helpful to contact a hotline in times of crisis. Hotlines typically provide time-sensitive support or recommendations for relevant local resources:

If you need help finding non-urgent information or just want to talk with someone, a peer-led “warmline” may be better suited to your needs:

  • NAMI HelpLine: Adults can call 800-950-6264, text HELPLINE to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org to speak with a HelpLine specialist.
  • NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine: Young people can call 800-950-6264, text FRIEND to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org to speak with a HelpLine specialist.
  • StrongHearts Native Helpline: Native Americans and Alaska Natives can call or text 844-762-8483 to speak with a trained domestic and sexual violence advocate. You can also start an online chat Opens in a new window by clicking the message bubble at the bottom right of your screen.
  • Teen Line: Teenagers can call 800-852-8336, text TEEN to 839863, submit an online form Opens in a new window to connect via email, or post on the message board Opens in a new window to speak with trained listeners who attend high school in Los Angeles.
  • The Trevor Project: People between the ages of 13 and 24 can sign up for TrevorSpace Opens in a new window, an online social network for LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide.
  • Trans Lifeline: People who are transgender, nonbinary, or questioning can call 877-565-8860 to speak with a trained operator who shares Opens in a new window in this lived experience.

If you need help covering costs

If you don’t have adequate insurance through your employer, a private policy, or a family member, there are other ways to help finance the mental healthcare you need.

Many people qualify for government-funded health insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare eligibility is usually determined by age or medical history, while Medicaid eligibility is based on income.

If you have questions about eligibility Opens in a new window or enrollment, your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Opens in a new window can provide free, one-on-one assistance. Call 877-839-2675 to find a SHIP near you.

Regardless of whether you’re insured, you can access free or lower cost care at clinics funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Use HRSA’s Find a Health Center Opens in a new window tool to find a clinic near you.

The following resources can help you find free or reduced-cost prescription medications:

For additional support, you might find it helpful to connect with the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Opens in a new window. PAF offers free case management, direct financial assistance through the Co-Pay Relief Program, small grants for non-medical expenses, and more.

Enter your zip code into the Find Help Opens in a new window search tool to identify an even broader network of social services near you.

The bottom line

Improving your mental health and overall well-being is an ongoing process. Finding the best tools and strategies for your individual situation can be time consuming and may feel overwhelming at times.

It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone in your journey. You’re worth the effort, and you deserve to be happy and healthy. All it takes is one click, one call, one connection to get started — and by opening this article, you’re already well on your way.

This article originally appeared on Healthline. © 2025 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
last-update

Last updated: January 31, 2025

copyright-owner

By: Healthline

More about Bipolar Disorder