Knowing where to start is often the hardest part. This guide summarizes what the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and SAMHSA say about finding a provider, setting up a first appointment and what to expect. It is general education, not medical advice.
By the Exsura Team · October 17, 2026
NIMH says: “In life-threatening situations, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.” It says that if you are suicidal or in emotional distress you can call or text 988 or start a chat online to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24-hour, confidential support. NIMH adds that veterans can call 988 and then press 1.
If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicide crisis, call or text 988. SAMHSA says “911 is the primary contact for emergencies involving medical emergencies, fire, crimes in progress, or other situations requiring immediate physical intervention” and that “988 is for emotional and behavioral health support with minimal law enforcement involvement unless there is an immediate physical safety threat.”
For more on that choice, see 988 vs 911: when to call which.
NIMH says treatment for mental illnesses usually includes therapy, medication, or a combination, and lists many ways to find a provider:
NIMH says a list of questions can help you decide whether a provider is a good fit. It suggests asking:
NIMH adds that treatment works best when you have a good relationship with your provider, and that if you have concerns or feel treatment is not helping, you can talk with your provider, and in some cases you may wish to find a different provider or another type of treatment. It also says not to stop treatment without talking to your health care provider.
SAMHSA says making the call or sending an email can feel overwhelming, and suggests writing a script, writing an email you can reuse, or asking a loved one to help. If you call, it says to ask first whether they are taking new patients and, if not, whether there is a waitlist. It says you may need to contact many places before finding an opening or a professional who matches your needs, and that it is normal to feel discouraged.
SAMHSA lists information you may be asked for, including your name, phone number and age, your type of insurance or whether you want a sliding-fee or hourly rate, what you are having trouble with, what you want to get out of treatment, whether you want telehealth or in-person visits, and the days and times you can meet. It adds that if you can be available during daytime working hours it may be easier to find appointments sooner, and that if you need transportation help or disability accommodations you can ask what the provider offers.
If cost is a concern, SAMHSA says many professionals offer a sliding-fee scale and suggests asking about it when you call. See how to find addiction treatment for the SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
SAMHSA says to be honest with the health care professional so they can get a full picture and make the best treatment plan with you, and that it is normal to feel embarrassed. It says sometimes after the first few appointments you may not feel the treatment is a good fit, that you can give feedback or ask to try something different, and that it is okay to change professionals, though it is also important to give treatment time to work. It says depending on what you are going to treatment for, you may feel better in a few weeks or it may take a few months.
NIMH suggests starting with a primary care provider, who can do an initial screening and refer you, or with the SAMHSA helpline and locator, your county or state health services website, your insurance company, your school health center or your employer's Employee Assistance Program.
NIMH suggests asking about their experience with your issue, how they usually treat it, how long treatment may last, whether they accept your insurance and how much treatment will cost.
SAMHSA says it is okay to change to a different professional or program, but it is also important to give treatment time to work. NIMH says to talk with your provider if you have concerns and not to stop treatment without talking to them.
NIMH describes it as a free and confidential service that your company pays for, which can help employees with issues related to mental health, drug or alcohol use, grief and trauma. Ask your employer's human resources department whether you have one.
Sources last checked October 17, 2026. This article is general education, not financial, legal or medical advice. Rules, fees and programs change, so confirm details with the organization before you act.
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