If you or someone you know is in crisis & dealing with suicidal ideation, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or via text at 988 (call, text, or chat 24 hours a day)

Here are some steps you can take to access counseling and therapy:

  1. Have a conversation with your primary care doctor and/or pediatrician. They are good resources to find out about mental health providers in your area. These doctors often coordinate care with mental health providers and are often knowledgeable about local providers. 

  2. If you have access to insurance, call your insurance carrier and ask if they have mental health benefits. If so, ask for a list of providers in your area.

  3. When you call providers, ask how much experience they have in working with individuals in your age range and with the key issues you are wanting to address.  

  4. If you are a college student: Most colleges and universities have counseling centers on campus as a resource to offer free counseling to students. 

    If you prefer to see a therapist off campus-- you can ask if they have a list of providers in your area that work with students.

  5. If you are a high school student: talk to your parents or coaches and let them know you are in need of some help. You can also go to your school counselor and ask if they can talk with you and if they can provide you and your parents  a list of providers and therapists in your area. 

There are several types of degrees that qualify a therapist to provide counseling support to an individual.

Some of the more common degrees include: 

  • Ph.D. or Psy.D. (doctorate level psychologist)

  • LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

  • LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

  • LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)