Wouldn’t it be awesome if we can live our lives where everything goes right the way we want it daily? What a world it would be. However, we know this is just not the reality. As human beings, it is not uncommon to experience the stresses of life. Whether we are constantly dealing with delayed plans, let-downs from expectations we had for others or struggles that come from within, these scenarios have a very real effect on us. It is because of these types of situations and more why access to mental health is so important.
The need for mental health care is really prevalent, especially in the United States. According to Mental Health America over 57.2% of adults with a mental health condition aren’t receiving mental health treatment. At least 22.3% of adults with a mental health condition who WANT treatment in the U.S. do not have access to mental wellness care (2020). The reasons can vary, between cost of care, lack of insurance and lack of availability of services within a certain location. For example, Mental Health America gathered stats here from their depression screening system and ranked the top three counties that have the highest numbers of severe risk of depression. They are Los Angeles County, California, Maricopa County, Arizona and Cook County, Illinois.
Although we have more than enough monetary resources to ensure that every U.S. citizen can have access to mental healthcare, it is not always allocated correctly. There are still limitations within the realm of politics behind it.
Types Of Services
Another reason that people may not be getting the care that they need is because they may simply not know about it! So here are some types of services that you can get for a reduced price/free, from the comfort of your home and more.
In-Person Talk Therapy
This is the most commonly known form of mental wellness therapy. We see the typical scenario on TV and in movies; sitting/laying on a couch while the client speaks on their feelings and issues in their lives. This form can help in many ways and is beneficial for both client and professional to have that face-to-face connection. You can feel the vibes in the room and interact accordingly. The therapist is there to help guide you as a counselor by connecting you with resources or they can function as a psychotherapist that helps you to see solutions and other ways of handling stressful situations.
How To Get In-Person Talk Therapy
If you have a primary care physician (PCP), you can tell them you’d like to connect with a mental health therapist. Most likely they will have the insurance you have on file and make recommendations that is connected to your insurance plan. This makes it easy on you, so you don’t have to worry about if it is covered by your insurance. There are also payment plans you can do with your therapist so you can still be guaranteed to get the service you need. Certain websites such as Psychology Today here and American Psychological Association here actually have entire databases where you can search for a therapist in your area. Also, if you don’t have a PCP or insurance, you can call 2-1-1 on your phone or visit their website here to get access in your area.
Telehealth Therapy
Utilization of virtual healthcare has become more popular since covid-19 has come around. This is a great method to include in mental health care especially, if necessary, services are far from your home. All that would be needed is internet service and a phone/computer as it can be done via video chat, text or phone call. For more info on the benefits of telemedicine/telehealth check here.
How To Get Telehealth Therapy
Similar to getting in-person talk therapy, telehealth mental wellness therapy can be found the same way. You can ask your primary care physician to send you some recommendations or utilize your state’s local resource line (2-1-1). If you are already seeing a mental health therapist, ask them if they have a virtual option. Also, if you see ads almost anywhere, you may have come across advertisements for websites and apps that say they are great for virtual appointments. It would be best to ask a qualified professional if the online-only websites may be the best option for you.
If you’ve had some experience with virtual mental health care, we’d love to hear about it here.
Daily Support Therapy
Considering the abundance of technology that surrounds us, we can utilize it in a variety of ways to help us cope with the daily stresses of life. Personally, during a time of extreme stress, on days I wasn’t seeing my therapist, I had utilized certain ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos (info and experience on that here). They helped me feel pleasantly relaxed and allowed me to fall asleep on nights I had trouble doing so. I’ve also utilized musical tone frequency therapy for years. It’s been helpful for me during the day as a meditative aid and as a night sleep aid.
How To Get Daily Support Therapy
As I mentioned before utilizing online video platforms was one thing that I used to help complement my therapy. Also, there are a number of apps such as Moodkit (which according to Healthline is top rated overall) costs a small fee and Moodfit (according to Very Well Mind for Android/iPhone) which is free. These scientifically applied apps cover topics such as guided meditations, cognitive behavioral therapy and much more. Always ask your qualified healthcare physician prior to incorporating these methods as some of them, if not utilized correctly, can cause adverse effects.
Check out my video on 7 Ways To Nurture Our Mental Health:
Culturally Connected Therapy
Getting therapy with someone who knows/lives your cultural/gender identity background can make a world of difference for many reasons. One of the most blatant ones is that your therapist can understand your lingo, how you speak. Communication is extremely important during mental health therapy. If they understand the words and jargon, you are using because they come from a similar background as you then they are better equipped to help you find workable solutions to your issues that you are more open to. To have otherwise would be like an alien who doesn’t know how a human being lives, thinks and operates day to day giving total accurate advice on how to be a human on the planet earth. It just doesn’t mix.
How To Get Culturally Connected Therapy
The beautiful thing about online databases of therapists is that most of the time pictures and thorough descriptions are available along the name and location of each therapist. You can also search a therapist based on factors like “ethnicities”, “gender identities” or “languages”. Some websites have full dedication to therapists prepared to match up with certain populations such as Black Therapy Central, LGBTQ Therapy Space, and Heads Up Guys just to name a few.
As you can see, taking care of our mental wellness is a MUST in order to feel and do our best in society. There are plenty of forms of therapy that can aid in our mental wellness. From low cost in-person, culturally connected options to online complementary therapies, the options are vast. Don’t be shy to look for and ask what it is you need, after all, it is YOUR health. This is your mind, body, spirit and soul that you are responsible for. Each decision you make to better your well-being will have an overall positive effect.
Remember to stay active in your self-care!
Much Love,
*~Netert Aset~*
Are there any forms of mental health therapy you are willing to try? If so which ones?
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Thank you for sharing these great resources. It’s good for people to know there have somewhere to go!
You’re welcome. 😊