Last updated 2 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.
Millions of Americans face the challenge of managing their mental well-being while trying to understand which services they can afford.
This guide provides clear, actionable steps for finding free and low-cost mental health support across the United States. The scope covers everything from immediate crisis support to long-term care planning.
We’ll explore federal and local government services, insurance options, nonprofit resources, and practical strategies for accessing affordable care when you need it most.
Immediate Help in a Crisis
Mental health emergencies require immediate access to professional support. The U.S. has established several free, confidential services available 24/7, staffed by trained professionals who can provide support, de-escalate crises, and connect callers to additional care.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline represents a fundamental shift in how America handles mental health emergencies. This national network of over 200 local crisis centers provides free, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
The service is available to everyone in the United States, whether seeking help for themselves or concerned about a loved one. The establishment of 988 created a specialized, health-centered alternative to the 911 system for mental health situations.
When to call 988 vs. 911:
911 is staffed by public safety dispatchers and appropriate for medical emergencies, fires, or situations involving immediate physical danger. While some 911 dispatchers can connect to Crisis Intervention Team trained officers, their primary function isn’t mental health support.
988 connects callers directly to certified crisis workers with advanced training in suicide prevention, de-escalation, and stabilization. This health-first model aims to reduce potentially traumatic interactions with law enforcement and encourage help-seeking through confidential, non-judgmental support.
How to Connect with 988
Call 988: The most direct method to speak with a trained crisis counselor.
Text 988: For those who prefer or feel more comfortable with texting.
Chat online: Available at 988lifeline.org.
When you call 988, an automated message offers options to connect directly with the Veterans Crisis Line (press 1) or the Spanish-language Crisis Line (press 2). Without selecting either option, calls route to the nearest local crisis center based on your area code. If local counselors are unavailable, calls automatically transfer to a national backup center.
The 988 Lifeline accommodates non-English speakers and individuals with disabilities. Beyond the dedicated Spanish-language line, the service offers interpretation in over 240 languages and dialects. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the service using their preferred relay service or by dialing 711 then 988. Direct crisis support in American Sign Language is available through videophone at the 988 Lifeline website.
Specialized Crisis Support
Several national hotlines offer tailored support for specific populations, recognizing that different communities face unique challenges.
Veterans Crisis Line: Available to all veterans, current service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and their families and friends, regardless of VA registration or enrollment in VA healthcare. The line is staffed by qualified VA responders, many of whom are veterans themselves. Connect by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or using confidential online chat at veteranscrisisline.net.
The Trevor Project: The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services specifically for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24. Trained counselors are available 24/7 by calling 1-866-488-7386, texting START to 678-678, or through online chat at thetrevorproject.org.
Disaster Distress Helpline: Run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this helpline provides immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural and human-caused disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, mass violence events, or pandemics. Support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990.
Crisis Text Line: Offers free, 24/7 support for any type of crisis. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained volunteer Crisis Counselor who can help you move from a “hot moment to a cool moment” via secure text-based platform.
Key Crisis and Support Hotlines
| Service Name | Contact Information | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or Text: 988 Chat: 988lifeline.org | Anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis |
| Veterans Crisis Line | Dial 988, then Press 1 Text: 838255 Chat: veteranscrisisline.net | Veterans, service members, and their families |
| The Trevor Project | Call: 1-866-488-7386 Text: START to 678-678 Chat: thetrevorproject.org | LGBTQ youth (ages 13-24) |
| Disaster Distress Helpline | Call or Text: 1-800-985-5990 | Anyone experiencing emotional distress due to disaster |
| Crisis Text Line | Text: HOME to 741741 | Anyone in any type of crisis needing text-based support |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | Individuals experiencing domestic violence |
| SAMHSA National Helpline | Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | Individuals and families seeking treatment referral and information |
Federal Government Resources
The federal government provides several powerful, free-to-use tools designed to connect Americans with mental health and substance use treatment. These resources serve as excellent starting points for anyone seeking care, but their effectiveness depends on knowing how to use specific search filters to identify low-cost and publicly funded providers.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline and FindTreatment.gov
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers two primary gateways to care. The SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) provides free, confidential treatment referrals and information in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing mental and substance use disorders. The service operates 24/7, 365 days a year.
More powerful for self-directed searches is FindTreatment.gov, a comprehensive directory of mental and substance use disorder treatment facilities across the United States and its territories. The information stays current through annual national surveys and regular facility updates.
Using FindTreatment.gov for Affordable Care
Start your search: On the FindTreatment.gov homepage, enter an address, city, or ZIP code. The platform assures users that all personal information and search criteria are secure and anonymous.
Filter for affordability: After initial search results appear, locate and click the “Sort & Filter” button. This transforms the tool from a general directory into a targeted search for low-cost care.
Critical filters to apply:
Payment Assistance Available: Select checkboxes for “Sliding fee scale (fee is based on income and other factors)” and “Payment assistance (check with facility for details).” This narrows results to facilities offering reduced rates for low-income individuals.
Payment/Insurance/Funding Accepted: If you have public insurance, select checkboxes for “Medicaid” or “Medicare.”
Facility Operation: To find publicly funded options, select “Local, county, or community government,” “State government,” or “Indian Health Services.” These are often lower-cost than private for-profit organizations.
Filter by service type: Under “Facility Types,” select “Mental Health” to focus your search. Use other filters to specify needs like “Telemedicine/telehealth,” treatment approaches like “Cognitive behavioral therapy,” or special programs for “Veterans” or “Seniors or older adults.”
Applying these filters helps you sift through thousands of providers to find those most likely to be affordable and appropriate. Each listing provides facility name, address, and phone number. Clicking on a facility reveals detailed profiles with specific services offered, languages spoken, and accepted forms of payment.
HRSA’s Health Center Program
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funds a national network of over 1,400 health centers, known as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), operating nearly 15,000 service delivery sites nationwide.
These centers form a cornerstone of the nation’s healthcare safety net. Their federal mandate requires providing comprehensive primary and preventive care to all individuals, regardless of health insurance status or ability to pay.
A key advantage of the FQHC model is integrated care. Many health centers provide mental health counseling, substance use disorder treatment, and oral health services alongside primary medical care, allowing patients to address multiple health needs in one trusted location. This “whole person” approach is particularly beneficial since mental and physical health are often deeply interconnected.
Using the HRSA Find a Health Center tool:
Navigate to findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Enter your address, city, state, or ZIP code into the search field.
The tool generates a map and list of nearby health centers with addresses, phone numbers, and directions.
The Sliding Fee Scale Promise
The most critical feature of HRSA-funded health centers is their mandatory sliding fee discount program. Care costs are adjusted based on patient income and family size, ensuring affordability for low-income individuals and families.
The core promise of every FQHC is that no one will be turned away due to inability to pay. This makes them invaluable resources for the uninsured and underinsured.
FindTreatment.gov serves as a broad directory for specialized mental health and substance use treatment, including intensive inpatient and residential programs. The HRSA Health Center Finder points to community-based clinics providing integrated primary and behavioral health care, making them ideal for ongoing outpatient therapy and management of both mental and physical health conditions.
State and Local Services
While federal resources provide a national framework, public mental health service delivery in the United States is highly decentralized. Primary responsibility for providing a safety net for individuals with serious mental illness or those without other support falls to state, county, and regional government bodies.
To access these public services, you must identify and connect with your specific local authority. Names and structures vary significantly from state to state, so learning how to find the right local office is crucial.
Your Local Mental Health Authority
Every state designates local or regional agencies to manage and deliver public mental health services. These are often called Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs), Local Behavioral Health Authorities (LBHAs), or simply the county department of mental health or behavioral health.
These agencies are the main entry point for state-funded mental health care. They assess community needs, plan and coordinate services, and either provide care directly or contract with local nonprofit agencies.
Finding Your Local Office
Start with targeted web searches: Use precise search terms including your location:
- “[Your County Name] mental health services”
- “[Your State] department of behavioral health”
- “find my local mental health authority”
Navigate official state government websites: State government websites are the most reliable sources. For example, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission provides an online search form and county-by-county directory of LMHAs and LBHAs. The Missouri Department of Mental Health has an interactive map showing its 25 service areas and covered counties. California’s Department of Health Care Services directs residents to their local County Mental Health Department.
Use national locators as backup: If direct searches aren’t fruitful, use the SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov locator. Apply the filter under “Facility Operation” and select “Local, county, or community government” or “State government.” This helps identify public providers in your area, whose websites often link back to the overarching county or state authority.
Once you locate your LMHA, their website or main phone number becomes the gateway to learning about available programs for adults, children, and youth, plus specialized services for issues like homelessness or co-occurring disorders.
Community Mental Health Centers
Community Mental Health Centers are the primary providers within the public mental health system. These community-based programs deliver a broad spectrum of services, often acting as one-stop shops for individuals with complex needs.
Services typically start with comprehensive assessment, after which clients work with providers to create personalized treatment plans.
CMHC services often include:
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Psychiatric services and medication management
- Case management to coordinate care and access resources like housing or employment
- Crisis intervention services
- Substance use disorder treatment
Many CMHCs are becoming Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). This federal designation indicates clinics providing comprehensive integrated services, including 24/7 crisis response and integrated primary care screening.
The best way to find a CMHC or CCBHC is by contacting your LMHA, as they typically maintain directories of all providers they fund and oversee within their service area.
Understanding Your Insurance Options
For many Americans, health insurance is the primary vehicle for accessing and paying for mental health care. Federal laws have established important protections ensuring that most health plans cover mental health services. However, navigating the rules of different insurance types is essential to understanding your benefits and costs.
Medicaid and CHIP
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, is the single largest payer for mental health services in the United States. Along with the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), it provides free or low-cost health coverage to low-income families and children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility
Eligibility is primarily determined by household Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) in relation to the Federal Poverty Level. However, rules and income thresholds vary significantly from state to state, particularly depending on whether a state has expanded its Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act.
Some individuals may qualify based on other factors like age, pregnancy status, or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The best way to determine eligibility is to visit your state’s official Medicaid agency website and use their screening tool or application.
Covered mental health services
While states have some flexibility, federal law requires all Medicaid programs to cover certain essential services like inpatient and outpatient hospital services and physician services. Most state Medicaid plans cover comprehensive behavioral health services, including:
- Psychotherapy and counseling
- Medication management
- Case management
- Peer support services
- Crisis services
- Inpatient psychiatric care
For children and adolescents under 21, the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit is particularly robust. It mandates that Medicaid cover all medically necessary services to correct or ameliorate diagnosed conditions, ensuring comprehensive mental health care for youth.
Finding a provider
If you’re enrolled in a Medicaid managed care plan, the plan’s website or member services line is the best place to find in-network providers. You can also search your state’s Medicaid agency website or use the SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov tool and select the “Medicaid” filter under “Payment/Insurance/Funding Accepted.”
Medicare Coverage
Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 or older and younger individuals with certain disabilities. Mental health coverage is spread across its different parts.
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A covers inpatient mental health care received in either a general hospital or dedicated psychiatric hospital. This includes costs for semi-private rooms, meals, nursing care, and medications administered during stays.
Costs: For each benefit period, you must first pay the Part A deductible. After that, there are daily coinsurance payments for extended stays.
Lifetime limit: Medicare Part A has a 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient care in psychiatric hospitals. This limit doesn’t apply to care received in psychiatric units of general hospitals.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B covers the vast majority of outpatient mental health services, including:
- One free annual depression screening (if conducted in primary care setting)
- Individual and group psychotherapy
- Family counseling (if its main purpose is to help with your treatment)
- Psychiatric evaluations and diagnostic tests
- Medication management
- Partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs
Costs: For most Part B services, after meeting your annual Part B deductible, you’re responsible for paying 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. The provider must accept Medicare assignment for this rate to apply.
Covered providers: Part B covers services from licensed psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and recently added marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Part D plans are private plans that work with Medicare to provide coverage for outpatient prescription drugs. These plans are essential for covering mental health medications. By law, Part D plans are required to cover nearly all antidepressant and antipsychotic medications.
To find a provider who accepts Medicare, use the official search tool at medicare.gov/care-compare.
Affordable Care Act Marketplace Plans
For individuals without employer-sponsored insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, the Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act offers a way to purchase private health insurance plans.
Mental health as an essential health benefit
A cornerstone of the ACA is the requirement that all plans sold on the Marketplace must cover ten Essential Health Benefits. Mental health and substance use disorder services are included, meaning every plan, regardless of “metal level” (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), must provide coverage for behavioral health treatment, inpatient mental health care, and substance abuse treatment.
Key ACA protections:
Parity protections: The ACA upholds the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). This requires insurance plans to ensure that limitations on mental health benefits are no more restrictive than limitations on medical and surgical benefits. This applies to financial requirements, treatment limitations, and care management rules.
Pre-existing conditions: Plans cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums because you have a pre-existing condition, including any mental health diagnosis.
No lifetime limits: Marketplace plans cannot place annual or lifetime dollar limits on coverage for any essential health benefit, including mental health services.
Finding a plan and lowering costs
You can compare plans and enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period (typically November 1 to January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event. Based on your income and household size, you may be eligible for federal subsidies like the Advanced Premium Tax Credit to lower monthly premiums, and Cost-Sharing Reductions to lower out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays.
While these laws create a right to coverage, access to care isn’t always guaranteed. The healthcare system is influenced by ongoing political and budgetary decisions. Advocacy groups frequently oppose proposed federal funding cuts to programs like Medicaid, which could reduce access to care for millions despite the legal framework for coverage being in place.
Leveraging Nonprofits and Community Organizations
Beyond government programs and insurance, a robust network of nonprofit and grassroots organizations plays a vital role in the mental health landscape. These groups often fill critical gaps left by the formal healthcare system by providing free educational programs, peer-led support groups, and community-specific resources.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to building better lives for Americans affected by mental illness. It operates through a nationwide structure of state organizations and over 650 local affiliates, providing support, education, and advocacy directly within communities.
NAMI’s strength lies in its peer-led model, where programs are taught and support groups are facilitated by individuals with lived experience, either as someone with a mental health condition or as a family member. This creates a powerful environment of mutual understanding and compassion.
NAMI’s free signature programs:
For families and caregivers:
- NAMI Family-to-Family: A free, eight-session educational program for family, friends, and partners of adults with mental health conditions. The course covers information about mental illnesses, treatment options, coping skills, and self-care.
- NAMI Basics: A free, six-session program designed for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
For individuals with mental health conditions:
- NAMI Peer-to-Peer: A free, eight-session recovery-focused course for adults with mental health conditions. It helps participants better understand their condition, develop confidence, and set goals for the future.
Support groups:
- NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group: A free, peer-led support group for any adult living with a mental health condition.
- NAMI Family Support Group: A free, peer-led support group for family members, partners, and friends of individuals with mental health conditions.
How to connect with NAMI:
NAMI HelpLine: This free, non-crisis line provides information, resource referrals, and support. It’s available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “NAMI” to 62640.
Find your local NAMI: Access to NAMI’s programs and support groups requires connecting with your local affiliate. Use the affiliate finder on the NAMI national website. Search by ZIP code or state to find contact information and program offerings for the NAMI affiliate in your community.
Mental Health America (MHA)
Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting overall mental health. MHA’s work is driven by its “Before Stage 4” (B4Stage4) philosophy, which posits that mental health conditions should be treated long before they reach critical points, much like other chronic diseases.
MHA’s focus complements NAMI’s work. While NAMI provides deep, peer-led support for those already impacted by serious conditions, MHA’s resources often target a broader audience, encouraging everyone to be proactive about their mental health.
MHA’s key resources:
Free and anonymous online screening: One of MHA’s most powerful tools is its online screening program, available at screening.mhanational.org. It offers free, confidential, and scientifically validated screening tests for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. After completing a screen, users receive immediate results, information about their potential condition, and links to resources and treatment options.
Community education and advocacy: The MHA website is a vast repository of educational materials, research reports (like the annual “State of Mental Health in America”), and information on public policy and advocacy efforts.
Finding local MHA support:
MHA operates through a network of more than 140 affiliates in 38 states. These local chapters provide community-specific services, including information and referral, support groups, rehabilitation programs, and housing services.
Strategies for Finding Affordable Care Without Insurance
For the millions of Americans who are uninsured or have high-deductible plans that make care unaffordable, finding mental health services requires looking beyond traditional insurance-based pathways. Several effective strategies and alternative models exist to connect people with low-cost or free care.
A “portfolio” approach, combining several strategies, can be particularly effective. For instance, you could use a few free sessions from an Employee Assistance Program for immediate support while on a waitlist for a university clinic for longer-term therapy, all while attending a free community support group. This method builds a resilient safety net rather than relying on a single, potentially unavailable solution.
Sliding-Scale Therapy
A sliding scale is a flexible payment model where therapists or clinics reduce their standard fee based on a client’s income and number of dependents. This practice is designed to make therapy accessible to those who cannot afford the full market rate.
How to find and access sliding-scale therapy:
Just ask: The most direct method is to inquire when you first contact a therapist. It’s a common question, and therapists are accustomed to discussing fees. A simple, respectful question like, “I’m very interested in working with you, but I have a limited budget. Do you offer a sliding scale or have any reduced-fee slots available?” is appropriate. Be prepared to provide proof of income, such as a pay stub or tax return, as some therapists use this to determine the fee.
Use online directories: Some therapist directories allow you to filter for providers who offer sliding scales. The Psychology Today directory, for example, has a checkbox for this on therapist profiles.
Nonprofit networks: A powerful resource is Open Path Collective. This nonprofit organization connects clients with a network of vetted therapists who have agreed to provide sessions at significantly reduced rates. Clients pay a one-time lifetime membership fee of $65, which grants access to individual therapy sessions for $40-$70 and couples/family sessions for $40-$80. This model provides a clear and predictable pathway to affordable care.
Many therapists offer sliding-scale options, but they often have a limited number of these slots available, so persistence may be necessary.
University Psychology Clinics
Many universities with doctoral programs in clinical psychology operate on-campus training clinics that provide high-quality, low-cost mental health services to the public.
The university clinic model:
Care from supervised trainees: Therapy and assessments are provided by graduate students in doctoral programs. These students are closely supervised by licensed clinical psychologists who are faculty members at the university.
Benefits: The primary benefit is affordability. These clinics typically offer services on sliding scales, with fees significantly lower than private practice. Because they are academic institutions, these clinics are committed to providing evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and often utilize the latest findings from psychological research.
How to find a clinic:
Search locally: Use internet searches for terms like “[Your City] university psychology clinic” or “[Name of a nearby university] psychology training clinic.”
Use a national directory: The Association of Psychology Training Clinics (APTC) maintains a directory of member clinics across the U.S. and Canada on its website at aptc.org. This can help identify university-based clinics in your state.
While university clinics are excellent resources, they may have waitlists for services, so it’s advisable to inquire about availability when you call.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
An Employee Assistance Program is a workplace benefit offered by many employers to help employees deal with personal problems that might impact job performance, health, and well-being.
How EAPs work:
Free and confidential: EAPs are paid for by the employer and are free for employees to use. Critically, the service is confidential. Your employer is not informed that you have used the EAP or of the nature of your conversations.
Scope of services: EAPs can help with a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, and substance use.
Accessing the service: To find out if your company offers an EAP, contact your Human Resources department. They can provide contact information for the EAP provider. EAPs typically offer a limited number of free counseling sessions (often between 3 and 10) and can provide referrals for longer-term care if needed.
Other Community and Faith-Based Support
Local communities often have additional sources of support. Social service agencies like Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, or other local family service agencies may offer counseling on sliding scales. Some clergy members or faith-based organizations provide pastoral counseling or host support groups that can be sources of comfort and community, often at no cost.
Navigating Digital Mental Health
The mental health care landscape has been transformed by online therapy platforms and mobile applications. These digital tools promise convenience and affordability, but they exist in a largely unregulated market. This places the burden on consumers to be critical and informed.
While these tools can be highly beneficial, it’s crucial to look past the marketing and actively investigate their privacy practices and effectiveness to ensure they are safe and credible.
Online Therapy Platforms
Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Amwell have made therapy more accessible by offering services via video, audio, and text messaging, often on weekly or monthly subscription basis.
Affordability and insurance
The cost of these platforms varies widely, with weekly subscriptions often ranging from $65 to over $100. While some platforms are beginning to partner with insurance companies, many operate on a self-pay basis. For someone paying out-of-pocket, a subscription may be more affordable than traditional therapy. However, for someone with good insurance coverage, using an in-network traditional therapist may be less expensive.
Privacy and HIPAA compliance
In the United States, sensitive health information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Any healthcare provider or platform that handles this information must comply with its strict privacy and security rules.
For an online therapy platform to be HIPAA compliant, it must:
- Use end-to-end encryption for all communications
- Have secure data storage and user authentication protocols
- Sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with its therapists—a legal contract that obligates the platform to protect patient information according to HIPAA standards
How to verify compliance:
Before signing up for a platform, carefully review its website and privacy policy. Look for explicit mentions of “HIPAA compliance” and their willingness to sign a BAA with providers. If a platform doesn’t clearly state its HIPAA compliance status, it’s a significant red flag, and it may not be a secure place to share confidential health information.
Mental Health Apps
App stores are flooded with thousands of apps claiming to help with anxiety, depression, meditation, and more. While some are excellent, many are not regulated, not based on evidence, and may have weak privacy protections.
A framework for evaluating mental health apps:
Use this three-point checklist, based on recommendations from experts at the American Psychiatric Association and other research bodies, to evaluate an app before using it:
Credibility and effectiveness: Does the app have proof that it works? Be skeptical of vague claims like “based on science.” Instead, look for transparency. A reputable app developer will often link to peer-reviewed research studies on their website that have tested the app itself. Was the app created by a trusted source, such as a university, major hospital, or government agency like the Department of Veterans Affairs?
Privacy and security: Does the app have a privacy policy, and is it easy to find and understand? The policy should clearly state what data is collected and how it is used or shared. If an app has no privacy policy, don’t use it. Be cautious about the personal information you enter and the permissions you grant the app.
User experience: Is the app well-designed, intuitive, and engaging? An app that is confusing, buggy, or frustrating to use is one you’re unlikely to stick with long enough to see any benefit. Read user reviews and look at screenshots in the app store to get a feel for the experience before downloading.
Where to find vetted apps:
Some organizations do the vetting work for you. The American Psychiatric Association’s App Advisor provides a framework for evaluating apps. Additionally, the VA has developed a suite of high-quality, evidence-based mental health apps that are free and available for anyone to use, covering topics like PTSD, mindfulness, and insomnia. These can be excellent and trustworthy starting points.
Staying Informed About Mental Health Resources
Mental health resources and policies change frequently. New programs launch, funding shifts, and eligibility requirements evolve. Staying informed about these changes can help you access the best available resources for your situation.
Government updates: Subscribe to newsletters from SAMHSA, your state’s mental health department, and local health departments to receive updates about new programs and services.
Advocacy organizations: Follow organizations like NAMI and Mental Health America on social media or subscribe to their newsletters for information about policy changes and new resources.
Healthcare providers: If you have a primary care provider or therapist, they often stay informed about local resources and can provide updated referrals.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.