When you need mental health support, the last thing you want are obstacles getting in the way. Mental health needs have significantly increased over recent years, but the stigma surrounding mental health issues can still make it hard for those struggling to seek help.
Fear of judgment, financial obstacles, and lack of access to care can leave many people feeling isolated, but help is out there. Whether you’re seeking professional support or self-care strategies, knowing where to find resources is crucial to meeting your mental health needs. To make that easier, we’ve rounded up a few to help make that support more accessible.
Free and low-cost mental health resources
988 Lifeline: In 2022, 988 was designated the federally mandated crisis number and became available to all landline and cell users at no charge. 988 invites anyone struggling with mental health concerns to call, text, or chat online with an experienced counselor.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): AFSP provides information about suicide prevention efforts, data about suicide in the United States, resources for those affected by suicide, and firsthand testimonies from those with lived experience.
Emotions Matter: Emotions Matter is an organization committed to supporting and advocating for those living with borderline personality disorder (BPD). They offer free peer support groups and resources, informational videos and podcasts, and education workshops for professionals working in the mental health space.
Finch: Finch is a self-care app designed to help users build healthy habits, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being through daily check-ins, goal-setting, and guided exercises, all while caring for a virtual pet that grows as they progress.
Headspace: Headspace is a low-cost mindfulness and meditation app. It helps users reduce stress, improve focus, and sleep better through guided meditations, breathing exercises, and mental wellness programs.
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): The IOCDF is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They offer recovery and support resources, information and training for mental health professionals, and a search tool that allows users to find a therapist who specializes in OCD.
LBee Health: LBee Health is a 50-state virtual mental health practice that offers accessible, low-cost support groups for both individuals and mental healthcare professionals in need of support.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is an organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by mental illness through advocacy, education, and free resources. On their website, you can find support groups, helpline numbers, and public awareness campaigns.
Psych Central: Psych Central offers expert-reviewed mental health information and self-help tools to support individuals in gaining a better understanding of their mental well-being.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA is a U.S. government agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. It provides people with free resources, connects them to treatment programs, and funds community services across the United States.
For Mass General Brigham Health Plan (MGBHP) members
Optum: Optum is one of the largest behavioral health networks in the United States. Available to all MGBHP members, Optum helps you connect with licensed care managers, find self-care tools, and schedule virtual visits through their platform.
Lyra: Lyra, which is available to some MGBHP members depending on their plan, exists to support employees and their well-being through therapy, coaching, digital tools, and medication management. It offers easy-to-access personalized care for members and their families.
Finding support for your mental health is vital to your overall well-being. We hope that these resources provide you with the support and guidance you need. No matter where you’re at in your mental health journey, just remember, you’re not alone. Help is available, and you deserve it.
If you’re a member of Mass General Brigham Health Plan, visit our behavioral health resources web page to learn more.
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