Where to Start
When you or someone you love needs help with mental health, it is difficult to know where to begin.
Know the Warning Signs
Every mental illness has its own list of symptoms. There are common warning signs that could indicate help may be needed. These include:
Loss of appetite
Thinking negative thoughts about yourself
Frequently feeling anxious or worrying a lot
Irritability or moodiness
Having trouble concentrating
Not enjoying life as much as you used to
Finding day-to-day life difficult (getting out of bed, going to work, etc.)
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
Take a Mental Health Test to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Medical Evaluation
Schedule an appointment with a medical doctor to share all that is occurring and rule out underlying medical causes (i.e., thyroid issues, brain health, chemical issues).
Start the Conversation Checklist can be used as a starting point. Just print it off, fill it out before your appointment, and take it with you. You can give it to your doctor to read or use it as a reference when you’re talking about your symptoms.
Psychiatry and Psychology Services
When symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems interfere in your everyday life, you may benefit from a trained professional. Brain health professionals can assist in diagnosing any mental and or brain health issues.
Finding the Right Mental Health Care for You: Mental Health America
Spokane area: Frontier Behaviorial Health
Find a Therapist, Psychologist, Counselor - Psychology Today
Contact your health insurance company for a list of providers in your network.
Substance Abuse
It is never too early to talk to your child about drug use. If you suspect your loved one is experimenting with or abusing substances here are some resources:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and website. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Healthy Nutrition
Food affects your overall health and wellness. Consult with a nutrition specialist to help with nutritional strategy to aid with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, food sensitivities, and chemical composition issues (i.e., food dyes, additives that can affect good brain health).
Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, including herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling. The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. It also aims to heal the root causes of an illness, not just stop the symptoms.
Personal recommendation is an invaluable tool when looking for a naturopath. Ask friends, family, colleagues and other health practitioners. Find out if the naturopath has experience treating your particular health issue.
Therapeutic Educational Consultants
Therapeutic educational consultants are professionals who provide advocacy, assessments, guidance and support for families who are researching behavioral or mental health treatment for their struggling pre-teen, troubled teen or young adult.
Finding a therapeutic consultant:
Programs to help with financial assistance for treatment options:
