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How to Get Mental Health Help When You Need it Most

Discover a path to mental wellness and how to get mental health help from Mind Body Optimization.
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Mental Health Support

Asking how to get mental health help can be daunting, but it’s an important step on the journey to a healthier, happier life.

At Mind Body Optimization (MBO), individualized mental healthcare is a priority. Our compassionate team of psychotherapists and medical experts work together to provide client-centric mental health and dual diagnosis treatment.

how to get mental health help

MBO's Approach to Mental Health Conditions

At MBO, an individual’s wellness journey begins with a thorough assessment, exploring their mental state and the unique characteristics of their condition.
We go beyond simply managing symptoms, instead focusing on uncovering the root causes of their struggles. Understanding these deeper layers and working with each individual to set personalized goals allows us to tailor the most effective treatment approach.
We recognize that mental health is far more than just the mind. Because of this mind-body connection, we integrate complementary practices like mindfulness into our treatment plans, fostering complete well-being.

Who We Can Help Heal

Some mental health challenges we treat include:

Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis requires a holistic approach to healing, where we consider both conditions carefully. We work with our clients to know how the two disorders affect each other. After close and definitive assessments, we determine the most effective treatment approach.

How to Get Mental Health Help: The Importance of Seeking Professional Help for Mental Health Concerns

Taking that first step toward sustainable well-being and reaching out for support is a brave act of self-compassion. If you or your loved one are ready to begin this process, know that we’re so proud of you for recognizing the need for guidance.
Here’s why learning how to get mental health help is important:

Developing Healthy and Practical Coping Mechanisms

Professional help can help people handle stress, anxiety, and substance use by offering practical techniques to thrive. Healthy coping strategies foster long-term wellness, but unhealthy approaches only last for short periods.

Building Better Relationships

The effects of good mental health can positively influence relationships with other people by improving how people communicate with their loved ones. In social situations, a good mental state makes it easier to relate with other people.

Growing Self Confidence

Through psychotherapy, individuals are empowered with a renewed sense of confidence and self-worth. Professional therapy helps in challenging and reframing negative thoughts. It also helps people recognize their strengths and accomplishments.

Improved Quality of Life

Poor mental well-being affects every aspect of a person’s life, including school, work, and social relationships. For this reason, learning how to get mental health help is vital. Getting support can help people manage stress better, which improves quality of life.

Factors to Consider When Seeking Help

When researching how to get mental health help, there are some important factors to consider. These include:

Qualifications of Mental Health Treatment Provider

Ensure you’re choosing a mental health treatment center with valid qualifications. At MBO, we have all the necessary qualifications and accreditation, including:
  • ASAM
  • MD
  • LCSW
  • LPC
  • LMFT
  • LCDC
  • PMHNP

Treatment Center’s Approach to Wellness

It’s important to look for mental health treatment centers offering a holistic and integrative approach to wellness. Make sure to also check for the use of evidence-based treatments in their mental health treatment programs.

Comfort Level

Look for a facility like MBO that provides a home-like environment that ensures patients remain comfortable through treatment, allowing a safe space for sustainable healing.

Consistency

The process of healing takes time and patience. Be aware of the time commitment needed for treatment sessions.
Know that there are different treatment opportunities that benefit different struggles. For instance, our outpatient and telehealth services offer structure and support for individuals looking to heal without requiring intensive, residential treatment time commitments.

Personal Preferences

Some people may prefer mental health professionals with a specific gender or identity, who they can feel at ease talking to. At MBO, we prioritize our patients’ personal preferences for the best mental health outcomes.1

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness

An important step to learning how to get mental health help is recognizing the signs of a mental condition. Knowing the symptoms can help with early intervention to prevent crisis.2
Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges include:

Feeling Anxious or Worried

Many get stressed and scared from time to time. But, it becomes a major challenge when it constantly interferes with daily activities and leads to physical symptoms.
Examples of some physical symptoms of anxiety include:
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Headache
  • Sweating
  • Trembling

Suicidal Thoughts

Some people express a desire to hurt themselves when experiencing a mental health condition. They may have harmed themselves before or thought about ways to take their own life.
If you or your loved one are experiencing suicidal or self-harm ideations, it is vital to seek immediate mental health treatment.

High-Risk Behavior

If a person takes in risky activities like unprotected sex, dangerous driving, or crime, there could be a mental health problem.

Emotional Outbursts

Sudden and dramatic changes in mood could indicate the presence of a mental health condition. When a person expresses emotions like extreme anger or distress, it may be important to find out how to get mental health help.

Substance Misuse

When someone uses alcohol or drugs, it could be a sign of a mental health problem. Most use substances as a coping mechanism for another mental health condition.

Sleep Problems

In some cases, a change in sleep patterns could be a symptom of a mental health condition. If someone is experiencing insomnia or sleeping too much, it may be time to consider reaching out for support.

Weight or Appetite changes

For certain people, rapid weight loss or gain could be a sign of a mental health disorder, as some turn to food as a coping mechanism.

Feeling Guilty or Worthless

Negative thoughts like “I’m worthless” and “I can’t achieve anything significant” are possible signs of a mental health disorder.

Neglect and Poor Performance

When a person is in mental distress, they may start to neglect responsibilities. For instance, they could stop taking care of their body like they used to. Some also perform poorly at work or in school.

How to Get Mental Health Help: Overcoming Barriers to Seeking Help

We understand that for many, reaching out is difficult. Understanding and overcoming these feelings is an important first step in the process of how to get mental health help.

Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions Surrounding Mental Health Treatment

Unfortunately, not everyone understands mental health challenges. For this reason, some have misconceptions about a certain diagnosis.
Some ways to fight through stigma and mental health misconceptions include:
  • Providing reliable information: Try showing people (or exposing yourself to) information from reliable sources to help them understand what a diagnosis really means.
  • Becoming more active in treatment: Speak to our therapists or medical professionals about any questions about your treatment. This will help clear up any misconceptions.
  • Speaking about experiences: Sharing stories about struggles with mental health can help people better understand these conditions.

Practical Strategies for Overcoming Internal Barriers and Resistance

Some ways to overcome internal barriers to mental health treatment include:
  • Develop self-awareness: Staying attuned to one’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior is crucial. When someone is self-aware, they’re able to know how important it is to seek help and stay committed to healing.
  • Understand the benefits of seeking help: Gain a clear understanding of how seeking help can start the process of healing. See how it helps relationships with people, work, school, and well-being. 
  • Addressing fear and anxiety: Be open about fears and anxieties. When someone’s open about their concerns, they’ll find help and clarity.

MBO’s Commitment to Creating a Supportive and Non-Judgmental Environment

At MBO, all of our mental health professionals prioritize empathy and active listening. We don’t judge because we understand that mental health conditions can happen to anyone.

Many of our own team have undergone their own mental health challenges. We know what it takes to find peace and healing.

We consciously respect our clients’ autonomy and choices, giving them a chance to explore their feelings and thoughts at their own pace.

We’re here to empower you and to provide a safe space for you to grow.

How to Get Mental Health Help: First Steps

Asking how to get mental health help is an important first step toward getting necessary support. Here’s what to do next:

Exploring Different Avenues for Seeking Mental Health Help

Depending on your preferences, consider the different avenues for mental health support, including:
  • Reading self-help resources
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Therapy and counseling at MBO
  • School counselors
  • Speaking to loved ones

How to Initiate a Conversation About Mental Health with Loved Ones

Be open about your mental health condition with your loved ones, as it helps to foster support and understanding.
Here are some tips on how to initiate a conversation about mental health with loved ones:
  • Choose an appropriate time and place to have the conversation
  • Be specific about any behavioral changes you notice 
  • Express your support and emphasize the importance of seeking help
  • Be open-minded and ask questions
  • Express your concerns with empathy and avoid being judgmental 
  • Avoid pressuring and create a comfortable environment

Resources and Helplines for Immediate Support and Guidance

If you need immediate mental health support, you can:
  • Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
  • Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
  • Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522

How to Get Mental Health Help: Understanding Treatment Options at MBO

For effective treatment planning and to understand our practice, we’ve broken down the treatment options to expect here at MBO.
Our treatment programs include:

Psychiatric Services

We conduct individual psychotherapy sessions using evidence-based therapy modalities to address mental health concerns. Examples of some of these therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).3

Outpatient Programs (OP)

Our outpatient programs often involve therapy sessions weekly with close medical supervision. With these programs, clients can continue work or school. These programs are generally more affordable than inpatient care.

Couples, Family, and Individual Therapy

Our couples, family, or individual therapy all provide a confidential and supportive space for individuals and their loved ones to explore and address unique mental health concerns. Our programs aim to strengthen relationships and promote connection and mutual support.

Tailored Approaches to Address Individual Needs and Challenges

At MBO, our approach to treatment is to understand the unique needs of our clients. To achieve this, we encourage an open and honest dialogue with our therapists. We will take time to reflect on your emotions, experiences, and goals.
After an assessment, we ensure that our approach to treatment suits your needs. We consider your goals, comfort levels, and more when deciding on a treatment modality.

Collaborative and Holistic Treatment Modalities

Our team of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners work together to ensure all-round wellness.

We provide integrative treatment modalities that cater to every facet of well-being, such as:

  • Experiential therapy
  • Harm reduction techniques
  • Meditation and mindfulness
  • Nutritional support (coming soon)
  • Hormone testing (coming soon)
how to get mental health help

How to Get Mental Health Help: Navigating Insurance and Financial Considerations

When considering how to get mental health help, it’s important to factor in the cost of care. At MBO, we employ several different strategies to make mental health care more accessible to everyone.
To cut costs and avoid financial barriers, we have different strategies that help. However, it’s important to understand each of these services to navigate optimally.

Understanding Insurance Coverage and Benefits for Mental Health Services

We accept a variety of insurance plans to cover mental health services. These include:

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna/Evernorth
  • Magellan Healthcare
  • United Healthcare

Exploring Financial Assistance Options

According to a report, 54.7 percent of American adults don’t get necessary mental health help. Many times, this is due to financial struggles.4
If you or your loved one are in need of mental health support, know that there are options accessible to you. We encourage you to reach out to our team for assistance verifying insurance, considering payment plans, or finding a treatment plan that works within your budget.

We're Here to Help You Heal

Remember, you’re not alone in wondering how to get mental health help. The first step to seeking help is contacting a trusted mental health center like MBO.
We craft personalized treatment plans by incorporating integrative care approaches and evidence-based treatments. Our structure goes beyond treating symptoms; it gets to the root of the problem and grows from there.

Contact MBO Today

For more information about how to get mental health help and how we can support you through your journey to wellness, reach out to us today.

Together, we can pave a path worth following. One where we can all find sustainable change.