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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mental Health
What is mental health? What is a mental health diagnosis?
The term “mental health” refers to our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects almost every aspect of our lives, from our relationships with others to our ability to handle stress.
The terms mental illness and mental health diagnosis (our preferred term) refer to health conditions that primarily affect people’s mental health, such as anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. Mental health conditions can be chronic (long-lasting or recurring) or short term.
How common are mental health diagnoses?
Mental health conditions are very common! According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) more than fifty percent of Americans will receive a mental health diagnosis at some point in their life.
How do I find a therapist?
Check out Mental Health America’s guide to finding a therapist or psychiatrist here.
If you are concerned about cost, we also suggest looking at The Open Path Psychotherapy Collective, which helps individuals, couples and families find qualified therapists at significantly reduced rates.
Mental Health Resources
Below is a list of free Mental Health resources available in the United States. Unless otherwise noted, all hotlines are available 24/7/365.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 or chat with them on Facebook
The Crisis Text Line offers text-based mental health support and crisis intervention from trained volunteers.
Elder Abuse Reporting
The Elder Protection Center offers a directory of state elder abuse hotlines here.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
Find their available hours on their website here.
National Child Abuse Hotline
Call or text 1-800-422-4453 or live chat on their website
The National Child Abuse Hotline provides resources on all types of child abuse. Calls are confidential and support is available in over 170 languages.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call or text START to 1-800-799-7233 or live chat on their website
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential and compassionate support in over 200 languages.
National Eating Disorder Association Hotline
Find their hours on their website.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255 or live chat on their website.
Substance Abuse Support
Call 1-800-662-4357
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
The Trevor Project (LGBT Youth)
Call 1-866-488-7386
Text START to 678678
Live chat on their website
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
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