988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 (free, 24/7) for suicide, self-harm, or any emotional crisis. Spanish, ASL, and LGBTQ+ specialty lines available.
VisitMental health care that your insurance will actually cover
Federal parity laws require insurers to cover mental health on equal terms with physical health — but in practice, getting an in-network therapist, an approved medication, or a fair claim takes work. Here's how to find providers your plan will pay for, lower medication costs, and push back when you're denied.
In a crisis right now
Call or text 988 — free, 24/7, confidential. You don't need insurance and you won't be reported. For an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor. Free and confidential.
VisitSAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357). Free, 24/7 treatment referral for mental health and substance use — they'll find providers covered by your insurance.
VisitVeterans Crisis Line
Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255. For veterans, service members, and their families.
VisitFinding in-network providers
Most insurers carve out behavioral health to a separate network — ask which one (Optum, Magellan, Carelon, Beacon, etc.) and use their directory, not the main one. Always re-confirm the therapist is taking new patients on your plan before booking.
Psychology Today — Find a Therapist
Largest U.S. therapist directory. Filter by insurance, specialty, sliding scale, telehealth, and identity (LGBTQ+, BIPOC, faith).
VisitYour insurer's mental health directory
ALWAYS confirm 'in-network' on your specific plan before the first visit. Behavioral health is often outsourced to a separate network (Optum, Magellan, Carelon) — ask which one runs your benefit.
VisitHeadway
Books in-network therapists and psychiatrists; handles insurance billing for you. Major insurers supported.
VisitAlma
Similar to Headway — in-network mental health bookings with most major U.S. insurers. Sees clients in all 50 states via telehealth.
VisitInclusive Therapists
Directory focused on BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent-affirming therapists. Insurance and sliding scale filters.
VisitOpenPath Collective
Therapy for $40–$70/session (cash, no insurance) for those who can't access in-network care. One-time $65 membership.
VisitMedication help
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, ADHD meds, and mood stabilizers are often denied for "prior authorization" or "step therapy." These resources help reverse denials and lower out-of-pocket cost.
NAMI HelpLine
1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Free guidance on psychiatric medications, side effects, prior auth fights, and finding affordable care.
VisitGoodRx — Mental Health Meds
Discount coupons on antidepressants, antipsychotics, ADHD meds, and mood stabilizers. Often cheaper than insurance copay.
VisitNeedyMeds — Patient Assistance Programs
Searchable database of manufacturer programs for psychiatric drugs — many are free for uninsured/underinsured patients.
VisitRxAssist Patient Assistance Directory
Comprehensive directory of free and discounted medication programs, including most brand-name psychiatric drugs.
VisitSpecialty drug assistance (on this site)
Manufacturer PAPs and foundations for high-cost psychiatric meds like Vraylar, Latuda, Abilify Maintena, and Spravato.
OpenPrior Authorization help — your prescriber
Most denials are reversed when the prescriber files a Letter of Medical Necessity. Ask their office to file it — and appeal in writing if denied.
VisitYour parity rights
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act says insurers can't cover mental health more restrictively than physical health. Use this when fighting a denial — and report violations.
Mental Health Parity Act — Plain English
Federal law requires insurers to cover mental health no more restrictively than physical health — including visit limits, copays, and prior auth. Know this when fighting denials.
VisitFile a Parity Complaint (DOL)
If your insurer denies mental health care more strictly than physical care, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor.
VisitYour state's Insurance Commissioner
Fastest way to get an insurer's attention. State complaints often resolve denials within 30 days.
VisitGhost Network Protections (CMS)
If your insurer's directory lists therapists who aren't actually accepting new patients ('ghost network'), report it — federal rules require accurate directories.
VisitStep-by-step: get in-network mental health care
- Call the member services number on your insurance card. Ask: "Who manages my behavioral health benefits?"
- Use that network's directory (Optum, Magellan, Carelon, etc.) — not your insurer's general one.
- Call 3–5 therapists. Confirm: in-network on your plan, accepting new patients, your copay amount, telehealth available.
- If no one is available within 30 days or a reasonable distance, request a single-case agreement with an out-of-network provider at in-network rates — federal parity rules often require this.
- If denied, file a written appeal citing the Mental Health Parity Act.
- Still stuck? File a parity complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor and your state's Insurance Commissioner.
- For meds, ask your prescriber's office to handle the prior auth — and apply to a PAP if you're uninsured or facing a high copay.
Need help right now?
Tell the advocate your insurance plan, ZIP code, and what kind of care you need (therapy, psychiatry, medication help, denial appeal). It can shortlist in-network providers, draft a parity appeal, or match you to a manufacturer assistance program.
Get mental health help