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This can happen to any of us. One week we feel good, the next we are overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety, lethargy, even depression. Or maybe a behavioral change occurs in someone we know or care about – our spouse or our child may be suffering from stress, depression or addiction. In fact, one in five American adults are affected each year by a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder.1
Knowing how and where to get help for oneself or others can be daunting. People who have mental health or addiction problems may be reluctant or embarrassed to seek help. Others are unable to find, go to or provide care. In 2016, less than half of US adults with a mental health problem received mental health treatment.2 The good news is that local mental health resources such as confidential and free crisis hotlines and online support are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those in need.
Do not neglect another possible option. People covered by employer-sponsored benefit plans often have access to mental health care. Support can range from confidential help to employee assistance programs to help mental health providers go in person or online for personal issues such as depression, addictions, management grief and loss and medication management. challenges.
Difficult mental health issues can be treated in the same way as other health problems: making a call or going online and connecting to care. To better understand the benefits and resources available to you, call the number on the back of your health plan's ID card to talk to a lawyer or visit a member portal to get information that may be needed. help you:
- Look for care options. Advocates and 24/7 online tools can provide information on where to find care near you. Many plans offer the opportunity to see a networked provider or schedule a confidential virtual tour via smartphone or computer.
- Understanding the cost of care Although costs may vary, some mental health services are included in your health insurance plan. This could include looking for a reference or help to see a provider in the network that could result in savings.
- Shorten the waiting time to see a provider in the network. Some benefit plans can help members get an appointment within five days.
Knowing where and how to get help for mental health issues is one of the best things we can do for ourselves or for those of our interest. Take a few minutes today and check in local crisis phone lines, 24/7 online support or employer benefits available.
To be more effective in crisis situations, it is important to stay calm and collected. If there are imminent safety issues, the person should be transported to an emergency room if possible. If they are not safe for personal transportation in the emergency, calling 911 may be necessary.
For more information and links to mental health support resources in your area, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or call the NAMI HelpAM at (800) – 950-NAMI (6264).
- National Institute of Mental Health. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml#part_154785
- National Institute of Mental Health. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml#part_154790
Dr. Tony Sun, MD, is Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare of Kansas.
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