How to get mental health help and support

Guidance on what you need to know to support your mental health journey

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Navigating mental health care: the importance of consistent support

Figuring out how to take care of your mental and emotional health can feel confusing and even a bit scary. The good news? With the right help and some steady support, you can find your way and start feeling better. Here are some tips for getting started and why having people in your corner makes all the difference.

 

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Getting started

The first thing is to realize that you might need some help—and that’s totally okay. It’s normal to worry about what others might think, but reaching out is really a sign of strength, not weakness. Admitting you could use a hand is the best first step when thinking about how to get mental health help.

Finding the right licensed mental health professional

Once you know you’re ready for support, it’s time to look for someone who can help. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or counselor. Each mental health specialist does something a little different. For example, psychiatrists can help with medication, while therapists and counselors mostly focus on having conversations to work through problems. Take a little time to read up on the different types of mental health professionals so you can find someone who feels like a good fit.

 

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Making therapy work for you

After you’ve chosen someone to talk to, building a good relationship with them makes all the difference. Being honest about how you’re feeling and what you’re going through helps them help you. Don’t be afraid to switch to someone else if you don’t feel comfortable or if things aren’t clicking. That’s perfectly okay.

Consistent support is super important while you’re figuring things out. This doesn’t just have to come from professionals—your friends, family, support groups, or even the mental help hotline number  all count. A lot of the time, just having someone who’s willing to listen can be a huge relief. Don’t be shy in telling your support system what you need from them.

It also helps to set some goals for yourself. Try to keep them small and doable—they’ll help you see progress and give you something to celebrate along the way. Little wins can build your confidence and keep you motivated. And remember, the people in your support system can cheer you on and help you hit those goals.

Finally, the more you know about what you’re dealing with, the better. Read up on your mental health condition so you can spot triggers, understand your symptoms, and stick with your treatment plan. Books, websites, and support groups can be great resources for learning and connecting with others. 

How employers can help

Employers can foster awareness and acceptance in the workplace by openly acknowledging that mental well-being at work is as valuable as physical health. This can start with leadership sharing messages that normalize conversations around mental health and reassure employees that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

 

Encourage a culture of openness and support

Employers can help reduce the fear and confusion around seeking support by building a culture that values honest, nonjudgmental conversations. This includes:

  • Training managers to recognize signs of distress or worker burnout, approach conversations with empathy, and direct employees to resources

  • Creating channels for employees to safely share their concerns, such as anonymous surveys or designated mental health liaisons

  • Allowing flexibility in work schedules when employees need time to attend appointments or focus on self-care 

  • Providing a mental health day off work

     

Promote consistent peer and community support

Consistent encouragement—from professionals and personal networks—makes a meaningful impact. Employers can facilitate this by:

  • Establishing peer support groups or employee mental health programs

  • Encouraging team-building activities that foster trust, communication, and a sense of belonging

  • Providing resources like helplines, online forums, or access to workplace wellness apps 

     

Promote education and destigmatization

Employers can provide educational opportunities by:

  • Sharing articles, books, webinars, or lunch-and-learns on mental health topics

  • Highlighting resources and success stories that demonstrate the benefits of treatment and ongoing support

  • Offering training to combat stigma and increase empathy among all staff 

Employers play a crucial role in helping employees navigate mental and emotional health challenges. By offering resources, creating a supportive culture, encouraging open conversations, and celebrating progress, organizations can empower employees to seek help and thrive—turning the workplace into a cornerstone of steady support and growth.

More ways to better support you

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