Iris Healing® Retreat, Woodland Hills, CA

Where to Get Mental Health Help in California

Looking for guidance on where to get mental health help? Discover why Iris Healing is your next step toward mental wellness.

where to get mental health help

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Where to Get Mental Health Help

There are several mental health conditions that affect people worldwide. Depending on your symptoms, their severity, and the potential access to treatment, you may wonder just where to get mental health help from.

You may experience stigma or other barriers for seeking help, lack of resources, or simply not know what kind of mental health treatment you need. However, you don’t have to struggle through your mental health symptoms by yourself. There is help available.

What Kind of Mental Health Treatment Do You Need?

It can be difficult to know where to start looking for where to get mental health help. Iris Healing is here to make sure that you get the treatment you need. We will also answer any questions you may have about your symptoms or co-occurring disorders.  

Mental health treatment is imperative for not only your mental health, but for your physical and social well-being as well. Making sure that you get the care you need can ensure that you live a healthier and happier life overall. 

Where To Get Mental Health Help: Why Is It Important To Get Treatment?

Mental health is as critical as physical health for overall well-being. As such, getting timely and appropriate treatment can make a profound difference.

Here are some reasons why it’s important to get treatment for mental health:

Early Intervention

Mental health issues tend not to resolve themselves without intervention. Like physical health problems, mental health disorders can get worse over time if not treated. 

Early identification and treatment can often prevent symptoms from escalating. It can also lessen the long-term impact. It is important to know where to get mental health help to ensure prompt intervention.

Preventing Complications

Untreated mental health disorders can lead to other complications. This includes physical health problems. 

For example, depression can lead to weight changes, sleep disturbances, and even heart disease. By knowing where to get mental health help, you can prevent these potential complications.

Improving Quality of Life

Mental health disorders often impact a person’s quality of life. Thus affecting their ability to work, study, and maintain relationships. 

Getting the right treatment can help people manage their symptoms. This also works to improve daily functioning and enjoyment of life. It starts with understanding where to get mental health help.

Reducing Risk of Self-Harm or Suicide

Untreated mental health conditions can increase the risk of self-harm or suicide. This is especially true for conditions like depression and bipolar disorder

Accessing mental health treatment can significantly reduce these risks. This is why knowing where to get mental health help is not only crucial but potentially life-saving.

Increasing Life Span

Several studies have found that severe mental health disorders can reduce life expectancy by 10 to 20 years. This is often due to associated physical health problems and a higher risk of suicide.1 

By identifying where to get mental health help and receiving appropriate treatment, people can actively work towards a longer, healthier life.

Empowerment and Self-Management

Receiving mental health treatment empowers people with tools and strategies. They can use these tools and strategies to manage their symptoms and cope with stressors. This self-management is a significant step toward recovery and maintaining good mental health.

Promoting Understanding and Reducing Stigma

When people seek treatment and talk about their experiences, it can help increase understanding and reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders. 

Knowing where to get mental health help and sharing these resources can create a more informed and empathetic society.

Where To Get Mental Health Help: Signs You Should Get Mental Health Help

Recognizing the signs that you or a loved one may need mental health help is the first crucial step toward getting the necessary care.
Here are some signs indicating it might be time to find out where to get mental health help:

Persistent Sadness or Irritability

Everyone has bad days or mood swings. However, if you notice that you or your loved one has been persistently sad, irritable, or in a low mood for a long time, it could be a sign of a mental health issue. 

It’s important to seek out where to get mental health help when such feelings are constant or overwhelming.2

Drastic Changes in Behavior or Mood

This refers to when there are sudden, unexplained changes in behavior or mood. Examples include becoming withdrawn, overly anxious, aggressive, or unusually high-spirited. These suggest that it may be necessary to look for where to get mental health help.

Difficulty Functioning in Daily Life

Signs here include struggling with everyday activities, such as work, school, or social engagements. These signs can be a significant indicator that it’s time to find out where to get mental health help. If mental or emotional issues are preventing normal functioning, professional assistance may be needed.

Changes in Eating or Sleeping Habits

This includes significant shifts in sleeping or eating patterns. Examples include insomnia, oversleeping, overeating, or loss of appetite. 

These might all be symptoms of a mental health condition. When these changes are chronic or distressing, finding where to get mental health help is vital.

Feeling Detached or Disconnected

If you or your loved one is experiencing feelings of being disconnected from oneself or reality, it could be indicative of a mental health issue. This is a crucial time to determine where to get mental health help.

Substance Use Disorder

Using substances like alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings or issues can be a sign of a mental health disorder. If substance use becomes a coping mechanism, it’s important to find out where to get mental health help.

Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it’s vital to immediately seek help. In these situations, knowing where to get mental health help can be lifesaving. 

Important Consideration

Remember, these signs don’t necessarily mean that you or your loved one has a mental health disorder. However, they are indicators that you should seek professional advice. 

It’s always better to reach out and find out where to get mental health help if you’re worried about your or someone else’s mental health.

Types of Mental Health Treatment Available

The field of mental health treatment is diverse. What works best will depend on the person and the nature of their mental health condition. 

That said, some of the common types of mental health treatments will be detailed below.

Outpatient Treatment

This involves seeing a mental health professional. Examples include a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed counselor, for regular sessions. 

This type of treatment is often suitable for people who can manage their symptoms in their everyday life. 

Outpatient treatment can involve various therapeutic approaches. Examples include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Inpatient Treatment

This is typically reserved for individuals with severe symptoms or in crisis situations. Inpatient treatment involves staying in a mental health facility for a period. Here, the individual has access to 24/7 care from a team of mental health professionals.

Medication

Depending on the nature of the mental health disorder, medication might be an essential part of treatment. 

For instance, people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia might benefit from medication to manage their symptoms. This might include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, or antipsychotic drugs.

Support Groups

Peer support can be a crucial part of the recovery process. Support groups involve people with similar experiences coming together to share their stories, strategies, and hope. 

These groups can be in-person or online and are often moderated by a mental health professional or trained peer facilitator.

Psychotherapy

This is also known as talk therapy. Psychotherapy is a broad term encompassing a variety of treatment techniques. 

It involves discussing feelings, thoughts, and behaviors with a mental health professional to understand and manage them better. 

Some common types include interpersonal therapy (IPT) and psychodynamic therapy.3

Psychiatric Rehabilitation

This approach aims to help people with persistent and severe mental illnesses to manage their daily activities. 

It might involve helping the person improve skills for dealing with stress. It may also include helping them to communicate effectively, manage their illness, and get a job or return to school.

Holistic Therapies

These include techniques like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), yoga, and other relaxation methods. The aim is to treat the whole person and promote overall well-being.4

Teletherapy or Online Therapy

This type of therapy has become increasingly common, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It involves providing mental health counseling over the Internet. 

This can be helpful for those with limited access to in-person therapy, such as those living in remote areas.5

Things To Consider When You’re Looking For Where To Get Mental Health Help

When you or a loved one is seeking mental health help, there are several important factors to consider. 

Some of these factors include:

Type of Care Needed

The kind of mental health care you need depends on your specific situation. If you’re dealing with mild to moderate symptoms, an outpatient program with a therapist or counselor might be sufficient. 

However, severe or complex mental health conditions may require a more intensive inpatient program. They may also require specialized care.

Availability and Accessibility

Consider the location and hours of operation of the mental health facility or professional. You’ll want to ensure that the services are accessible in terms of transportation, scheduling, and also in the format of the therapy (in-person, online, etc.).

Insurance Coverage

It’s crucial to consider what mental health services your insurance covers. Some plans may limit the number of sessions or the types of therapies they cover. If you don’t have insurance, check to see if the facility offers a sliding fee scale or other financial arrangements.

Qualifications and Expertise

Ensure the mental health professionals are licensed and have expertise in the specific issues you’re facing. 

If you have a specific condition like bipolar disorder or an eating disorder, it’s important to find a provider experienced in treating these conditions.

Treatment Approach

Different mental health professionals may use different treatment methods. Examples of treatment approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, medication management, etc. Research these approaches and consider which might be the best fit for you.

Comfort Level

It’s essential that you feel comfortable with your mental health provider. You should feel like they understand you, respect your thoughts and feelings, and are genuinely invested in your well-being.

Referrals and Reviews

Ask your primary care doctor, friends, or family members for referrals. You can also look at reviews online to get a sense of others’ experiences with the provider or facility.

Aftercare and Support

Mental health treatment doesn’t end when a therapy session or program ends. Look for providers or facilities that offer aftercare programs, follow-up sessions, or ongoing support.

Remember, it’s okay to take time to find the right fit for your mental health needs. The important thing is that you’re taking the first step toward seeking help.

where to get mental health help

How Can Iris Healing Help?

Knowing where to find mental health help can seem like a scary step. However, you don’t have to go through the healing process alone. At Iris Healing, we offer several supportive and comprehensive mental health services.
Thanks to our patient-focused treatment plans, we ensure that your unique needs are at the forefront of your healing process. Our holistic approach integrates traditional therapies with innovative wellness practices, catering to both your mind and body.

What Do We Offer?

We offer multiple types of treatment options depending on what kind of care you need. 

This can include: 

Get in Touch With Us Today

Don’t wait to start your journey to better mental health. Reach out to Iris Healing today and experience the transformative power of comprehensive, compassionate care. We will work with you every step of the way. 

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