For people experiencing unusual or distressing thoughts, feelings or behaviour, mental health services exist both for people who seek help themselves (voluntary treatment) and for those who need to be treated even without their agreement (compulsory treatment) because their condition could put them or others at risk.
If you or someone you care for needs immediate help, call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) immediately.
Taking the first step#
If you feel that something is not quite right with your thoughts, feelings or behaviour, and you think it could be the start of a mental health problem, a good first step is to visit your doctor or contact a mental health helpline.
Talking through your situation with a mental health professional can help you decide what to do next. In less severe cases, this might mean small lifestyle changes, such as making more time for yourself. In more severe cases it might mean a referral to a psychiatrist for treatment that includes medication.
Seeing your doctor#
Your doctor is well placed to make an initial assessment. To do this, they are likely to assess your mental health through a short interview, a physical examination and possibly some laboratory tests. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, any family history of mental illness, and anything in your life that may be causing anxiety or stress.
Depending on your needs, the doctor might refer you to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Counselling and talking therapies#
Counselling is a therapeutic treatment offered by a range of professionals, including psychologists, primary care doctors, psychiatrists and social workers. Counsellors help people to recognise and understand their emotional, mental and lifestyle problems, and to understand themselves and their behaviour better. They do this by:
- explaining the available options
- helping set goals
- providing therapy
- supporting people to take action
Your doctor may be able to provide some counselling, or refer you to another service if your needs call for a different approach.
Immediate mental health help#
For people who need urgent help in a serious mental health crisis, call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) . In some areas a doctor or local mental health service can also arrange urgent assessment and care.
Paying for mental health services#
If your doctor works with you to develop a mental health care plan, you may be able to access subsidised sessions with mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. Programs of this kind commonly cover conditions such as:
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- anxiety-related conditions, including panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and generalised anxiety disorder
The number of subsidised sessions, eligibility and any out-of-pocket cost depend on the programs available where you live. For many people there is little or no cost. Where treatment is compulsory, there is generally no charge to the person being treated. Ask your doctor or local health service what support you may be eligible for.
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.