There is no time like the present to check in with your mental health and learn what support is available. During our recent info session, our experts Keri Coy, LICSW (Senior Director, Care Management) and April Craft, LMHC (Clinical Director, EAP) shared simple ways to understand mental health benefits and take the first step toward care.
Here are some key takeaways to help you get started.
“Early support can help you manage the symptoms before they become even more serious, and can really improve your overall well-being.”
April Craft, LMHC – Clinical Director, EAP
You are not alone
About 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental health condition each year. Even so, many people delay care. Learning how to access support can make a big difference in how you feel day to day.
Know when to seek support
Everyone has stress. But there are times when extra help can make a real impact. During the session, experts shared common signs to watch for, including:
- Feeling sad or down most days
- Constant worry or racing thoughts
- Pulling away from friends or family
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Increased use of alcohol or substances
When these feelings last for a long time or start to affect daily life, it may be time to reach out for care.
“Early support can help you manage the symptoms before they become even more serious, and can really improve your overall well-being,” Craft shared.
Understand your care options
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health care. The session reviewed different types of providers and levels of care so you can choose what works best for you.
Craft emphasized, “help is available at every state and seeking the right help, seeking the right level of care can make all the difference in your recovery.”
Types of providers include:
- Therapists for talk therapy and coping skills
- Psychologists for deeper assessment and treatment
- Psychiatrists for medication-assisted care
Levels of care range from:
- Outpatient visits once a week
- Half or full-day outpatient programs with more support
- Residential programs with 24/7 care for higher needs
- Inpatient care for crisis support
Each option is designed to meet you where you are.
“The best option is the one that helps you feel more comfortable, supported, and able to fully engage in your mental health journey,” said Coy.
Choose how you want care
You can connect with care in a way that fits your life.
- In-person: Face-to-face and structured
- Virtual: Flexible and convenient
- Phone: Simple and accessible
All options can offer quality support. The best choice is the one that helps you feel comfortable and engaged.
Finding the right provider matters
A strong connection with your provider is key. It is okay if the first match is not right.
When choosing a provider, consider:
- Their specialty and experience
- Whether they accept your insurance
- Location or virtual options
- Your comfort level with them
If it does not feel like a good fit, you can switch. Many people try more than one provider before finding the right match.
As Keri Coy shared, “therapy is a process, and building a strong connection with your provider takes time. The most important thing is to keep looking until you find someone who helps you feel heard, understood, and supported.”
What to expect at your first visit
Your first appointment is a starting point. It helps your provider understand your needs.
You may:
- Fill out forms about your health history
- Talk about your symptoms and goals
- Ask questions about your care plan
You do not need to share everything at once. Care takes time, and progress happens step by step.
“Therapy is a process, and building a strong connection with your provider takes time. The most important thing is to keep looking until you find someone who helps you feel heard, understood, and supported.”
Keri Coy, LCSW – Senior Director, Care Management
Taking the first step
Seeking care can feel hard. But it is a strong and positive choice.
During the session, experts shared an important message: mental health care is a partnership. You and your provider work together to support your goals and well-being.
Take a moment to learn about your benefits and explore your options. Support is available. And you do not have to figure it out alone.
Rachel Jenkins is marketing manager at Lucet.
