Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. Article by the American Psychological Association addressing the fundamentals of therapy, and an excellent starting point for anyone looking to start treatment for their mental illness. Covers how the process works, how to find a therapist, and what to expect when you see a therapist.
Think Going to Therapy Makes You Weak or Weird or Wrong? Unfortunately, this is a notion many people live with, and it prevents people from getting potentially life-saving treatment. Read this article to find out why going to therapy makes you strong, not weak.
Types of Psychotherapy for Depression. There are many different types of therapy that can treat depression. Use this list, which is based on clinical research, to help you determine which type of therapy is best for you. If you’re still not sure after reading this list, ask your psychiatrist what they think.
Don’t have healthcare? Struggling financially? Here are some affordable ways to receive counseling.
Are you a student? You may have access to free mental health services. Check your on-campus guidance office or health center for information on counseling services.
Employed? See if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program. EAPs provide a wide range of services, including mental health services.
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective. Serving the US and Canada, this non-profit provides therapy at a reduced cost. Open Path therapists can only charge between $30-$50 per session, compared to $80-$200 for current market rates. Online and in-person therapy is available.
Your Local 2-1-1. In the US and Canada, dialing 2-1-1 can connect you with local mental health and social services of all types, including affordable ones.
Woebot and Wysa. Free, AI-supported therapy bots for iOS and Android devices. While not a better option than a live therapist, these are clinically safe resources for mental health support that are at your disposal daily. (Note: For Woebot, use access code cfgen for access.)
How SSRIs Work. Mayo Clinic page overviewing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common type of medication prescribed to those with depression.
Fears and Facts About Antidepressants. Many people are skeptical about antidepressants and whether or not they are a good treatment option. This article addresses common fears associated with antidepressants.
Zocdoc.com. To get a prescription, you need to talk to your doctor. If you don’t have a doctor, Zocdoc has a search engine that helps you find the right doctor for you based on your condition, zip code, and insurance. You can even specifically look for a psychiatrist.
Alternative & Supplementary Treatment Options
Science says that some combination of therapy and medication are the best ways to combat depression. Not sold on the idea? Waiting on that appointment to get the process started and need help in the meantime? Already receiving treatment but want to do all you possibly can to work on yourself? Here are some other treatment options.
A list of the best apps for managing depression. From online communities to mood journals to even a game designed to help improve your mood, this list has a variety of accessible tech solutions.
Woebot and Wysa. Free, AI-supported therapy bots for iOS and Android devices. While not a better option than a live therapist, these are clinically safe and anonymous resources for mental health support that are at your disposal daily. (Note: For Woebot, use access code cfgen for access.)
The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ+ young people in the United States. Text START to 678678 or call (866) 488-7386. You can also chat via the Trevor Project website.
The LGBT National Hotline provides a confidential safe space for LGBTQ+ people of all ages in the United States. Adults can call at (888) 843-4564. People ages 25 and younger can call (800) 246-7743. You can also email help@LGBThotline.org. For more info and resources, check out the LGBT National Help Center website.
Trans Lifeline is a crisis hotline run by and for trans people, serving the US and Canada. For the US hotline, call (877) 565-8860. For the Canada hotline, call (877) 330-6366. For more info and resources, visit the Trans Lifeline website.
NAMI’s LGBTQI Section. Provides information on why LGBTQIA+ people can have unique difficulties with mental health and provides links to LGBTQIA+-friendly resources.
CMHA’s LGBTQ Section. Information and resources for LGBTQ people in Canada struggling with their mental health.
Find a Helpline can connect you to helplines of all sorts, including LGBTQ+ support, regardless of where you live.
Resources for People of Color
NAMI’s Black/African American Resource Page. Includes information specific to the Black experience with mental health and provides links to resources for Black individuals.
The Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA)is an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of Black people and their communities. Also has a “Find A Therapist” tool.
Black Mental Wellness works to decrease mental health stigma in the Black community, train Black mental health professionals, and provide more mental health resources to the Black community.
South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network is an organization that serves the South Asian community in the United States by removing stigma, providing support groups, doing research, and more.
Brown Girl Therapy is a mental health community on Instagram for children of immigrants.
NAMI’s Indigenous Resource Page. Includes information specific to the Indigenous experience with mental health and provides links to resources for Indigenous peoples.
WeRNative provides a variety of resources for Indigenous youth in America, including mental health resources.
NAMI’s Hispanic/Latinx Resource Page. Includes information specific to the Latinx experience with mental health and provides links to resources for Latinx individuals.
Therapy for Latinxis a resource that helps Latinx people find a therapist.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Support International (PSI)is an organization dedicated to education and support for people facing mental health challenges related to birth.
The National Association for Rural Mental Health.Studies show major mental health disparities between urban and rural people. Among other causes, this is often due to a lack of mental health resources in rural areas.
Balanced Mind Parent Network is an online support group for parents of children with mood disorders by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
Erika’s Lighthouse is an organization dedicated to bringing mental health education to middle and high schools. If there is a need for mental health education in your child’s school, find out how you can get involved.
NAMI Ending the Silence is a 50-minute mental health presentation that can be brought to middle or high schools in the United States, free of charge.
YoungMinds is a mental health charity with resources for young people living in the UK.
Mental Health Literacy’s Youth Advisory Council. If you live in Canada, you or your child may be able to get involved in the YAC, where work is done to improve mental health literacy in communities.
Meet Little Monster. Link leads to a downloadable PDF (in both English and Spanish!) of a coloring book for children to learn about mental health and emotions and how to deal with them.
Mental Health Literacy is a project dedicated to providing accurate information on mental health to the masses.
NAMI’s Mental Health Education page provides several classes in mental health management, including those designed for military families, religious people, middle and high school aged children, and more.
Did I miss something? Any of the links no longer working? Have an idea on how I can improve this list? Recommend resources or give me feedback by emailing me (cooklin) at anhecomics@gmail.com or DMing me on Instagram at @anhecomics.