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Mental Health Resources

If you’re dealing with an emergency, please go ahead and dial 9-1-1

One of the most common questions we receive in our inbox is about resources and where to turn during a mental crisis, a life crisis, or simply wanting to begin the journey of therapy and mental and spiritual growth. One of the many reasons people do not get the help they require is that they do not know where to begin or feel overwhelmed by where to get started.

So we created this page to serve as a resource hub, and will continue to add to it as new services become available.

Something to keep in mind when looking for a mental health professional to assist you with your process:

Building a therapeutic relationship takes time, and that’s okay. Let’s face it, you’re about to meet someone you’ve never met before and are about to reveal some of the darkest secrets you’ve never shared before.

The person you’re seeing will hopefully make you feel safe and comfortable enough to do so. However, I caution against dismissing therapy because it isn’t working right away. It takes time, as with most relationships. It’s time for them to assess where you are and for you both to build a genuine and authentic relationship.

Give yourself that much time, you’re worth it. And remember, as discouraging as it can be, if it’s just not working out, commit to your recovery by continuing to look for someone who might be a better fit for you. It occurs. Having said that, here are a few resources to look into.

How to Begin?

Should I see a therapist, a psychiatrist, or a mental health social worker? One of the most common sources of confusion is the type of service that should be investigated. So, from therapists to psychiatrists, here is a list of the various types of mental health professionals and the services they provide for your specific needs.

Insurance:

One of the most common places to start your search for immediate assistance is with your insurance provider, who can refer you to mental health services that are covered by your policy. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out what mental health services and professionals are covered by your insurance in your area. Your primary care physician may also be able to refer you.

If you or a loved one is a college student, most institutions have clinicians on staff who can provide counseling as part of student services. For more information, contact your school’s health center. They usually limit the number of visits per semester and can refer you to more local help if you require services that go beyond what they provide.

In the United States, go to HealthCare.gov to see if you or a loved one is eligible for free or low-cost insurance that includes mental health services.

211- United Way, also known as 2-1-1, is a free and confidential service that assists people throughout the United States and many parts of Canada in locating the local resources they require. They are here to help you find services in your area if you are in a mental crisis, a housing crisis, a disaster, or have employment, health, or food needs. They are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by dialing 211.

Our Recommended Mental Health Resources for Florida and Nationwide

Immediate-Risk Crisis Resources:
  • Dial 9-8-8. This has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and is now operational across the United States.

  • The Crisis Text Line provides free, 24-hour crisis support via text message. When someone is in a crisis or distressed, they can text HOME to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor.

  • For NAMI’s text crisis line, text NAMI to 741741.

  • 1-800-DONT CUT is a self-harm hotline (1-800-366-8288)

  • Web Poison Control provides an interactive website, hotline, and app triage tool that assists users in the event of a poison emergency, particularly if someone has taken something potentially harmful.

Addiction and Recovery:
  • Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship (religious or higher-power based) of people who come together to solve their drinking problem.  Attending A.A. meetings is free of charge. There are no minimum or maximum age or education requirements to participate. Anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem is welcome to join.

  • Al-Anon Family Groups Call (888) 425-2666 Al-Anon Family Groups for information about Al-Anon and how to find local support groups for people who have a family member with a substance use disorder.

  • Drug Rehab helps patients and families obtain the best information, resources, and tools for overcoming addiction and pursuing lifelong recovery.

  • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) is the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, which is a confidential and anonymous source of information for people looking for treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use, addiction, and/or mental health issues.

  • Start Your Recovery provides useful information for people dealing with substance abuse issues, as well as their family members, friends, and coworkers. At any stage of their recovery journey, they provide a single source of relatable, reliable information.

  • SMART Recovery is an evidence based and non-religious alternative to AA. They offer free in-person and online meetings that focus on a science-based approach that emphasizes self-empowerment and self-reliance. There’s no lifetime commitment; you decide when the time is right to move on.

  • We Recover helps you find rehabs that are a good fit for your clinical needs, budget, and insurance.

Culture-Based Resources:
  • Asian Mental Health Collective has an Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Therapist Directory. They raise awareness about the importance of mental health care, promote emotional well-being, and challenge the stigma concerning mental illness among Asian Diasporic communities worldwide. 

  • Therapy for Black Girls is a website dedicated to promoting the mental health of Black women and girls, complete with a directory of black female therapists. If you are in Georgia, Illinois, or Indiana, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND Brittany Jackson.

  • MyTruCircle is a resource for finding an African-American therapist for online or in-person therapy.

  • Therapy for Black Men is a resource for men of color looking for a therapist. Men can search the directory by therapist location and specialization.

  • Latinx Therapy is a bilingual database that connects people with therapists and other service providers all over the country. The goal is to assist you in locating a provider who speaks your preferred language and is within your budget.

  • Therapy for Latinx is a database of culturally affirming therapists that can help you understand the process of finding mental health resources and finding the right therapist for you.

Eating and Body Image Help:
  • National Crisis Line for Anorexia and Bulimia: 1-800-233-4357

  • National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is the largest non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with eating disorders and their families. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

  • Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA) is a 12-Step fellowship of individuals (founded in 2000 by sober AA members) who share their experience, strength, and hope with one another in order to solve common problems and assist others in recovering from eating disorders.

  • National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders Individuals and families affected by eating disorders are supported and educated. Their helpline is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, and messages left outside of those hours will be returned. (630-577-1330).

  • MyPlate offers nutritional education and online tools to assist in the development of healthy eating habits, one goal at a time.

Affordable Therapy Resources:
  • Check out PsychologyToday.com, Find a Therapist, for a search of different mental health professionals in your area. You can see what they specialize in and what types of services they offer, as well as what types of insurance they accept.

  • Warm lines were created to give people support when they just need someone to talk to. These calls are typically free, confidential, and you don’t have to be in a crisis to make them. The link above is a list of warm lines you can call by state.

  • Open Path is a “non-profit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing in-office mental health care—at a steeply reduced rate—to individuals, couples, children, and families in need.”

  • Low Cost Help is a national directory of affordable and sliding scale counseling services.

  • Mental Health America provides free online mental health screenings to help determine if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. This is NOT to be used as a diagnosis but as a way to identify and make sense of the symptoms you’re experiencing and see if speaking with a mental health professional would be helpful.

  • The NAMI helpline (based in the United States) at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org can help answer questions about mental health issues such as:

    • Signs of mental health problems

    • Treatment alternatives

    • Community support groups and services

    • Education programs

    • Assistance with treatment for family members

    • Job placement programs

    • Legal issues (the NAMI Legal Resource Service can connect individuals with attorneys in their area)

    • You can also visit NAMI.org and click Find Support for resources in your area.

  • Postpartum Support International provides information about postpartum life and complications, including the loss of a child, and other related struggles. 1-800-944-4773 or text 503-894-9453

  • Psychologist and Counseling Training Clinics Most of these clinics are at universities and colleges that train graduate-level students to become licensed therapists. These are typically low cost and overseen by professionally licensed supervisors. Consider doing a local search online.

Partner and Domestic Abuse:
  • The National Domestic Abuse Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence live their lives free of abuse. Text START to 88788 or Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)

  • myPlan If you or someone you care about is experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship, this tool can help you make safe decisions. It can assist you in identifying, navigating, and locating resources for a variety of relationship abuse issues.

  • Workplaces Respond provides employers, survivors, coworkers, and advocates with resources, training, and technical assistance to prevent and respond to workplace domestic violence, sexual harassment and violence, and stalking.

Sexual Abuse:
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) is a referral service that can put you in contact with your local rape crisis center. You can call the Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or access RAINN’s online chat service.

  • Women’sLaw.Org Provides legal information for male and female survivors of domestic or sexual abuse, such as filing criminal and civil charges, what to expect in court, obtaining restraining orders, and locating a lawyer.

  • Ride-Sharing Sexual Assault Safety Guide This comprehensive guide discusses the prevalence of sexual assault in ride-hailing apps, lawsuits and legal action against major ride-hailing platforms, and safety precautions that Lyft and Uber passengers can take to avoid unwanted sexual contact.

  • A Guide for Friends and Family of Sexual Violence Survivors PDF

Sexual Identity Discrimination and Abuse:
  • Please see our blog on LGBTQ Therapy and Supports

  • Translifeline connects trans people to the community support and resources they need to survive and thrive. Call US (877) 565-8860

  • National Gay and Lesbian Task Force advances full freedom, justice, and equality for LGBTQ people. We are constructing a future in which everyone is free to be their true selves in all aspects of their lives. Despite all of our progress toward equality, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives, including housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These impediments must be removed. That is why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across the country to create a world in which you can be yourself.

Our Team

Elena Engle, LMHC-S

Founder & EMDR Consultant

Elena founded our practice in 2021. As a therapist, she finds that specializing in EMDR therapy elevates her abilities to help individuals with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Passionate about freeing people from years of negative thoughts and destructive habits, Elena is a Transformational EMDR Certified Therapist committed to helping individuals find liberation from their past, embracing their truest selves.

Robert Engle, LMHC-S

Co-Founder & EMDR Therapist

Robert joined the practice in 2022 to help neurodivergent individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and depression find freedom and enjoy life through counseling. He is currently working towards becoming a Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP). Trained in EMDR therapy, he excels at understanding the intricacies of ADHD and Trauma. As a private practice coach, Robert excels at helping therapists expand their impact.

Katelin Koontz, RMHCI

EMDR Therapist

Katelin is well-versed in working with individuals who are living with trauma, anxiety, stress, burnout, grief, depression and relationship issues. Passionate about guiding clients through the process of self-discovery and finding inner peace, she specializes in using yoga, mindfulness-based approaches and EMDR to help clients shift negative beliefs and experience rapid, lasting relief.

Erin Brewer, LMHC-QS

EMDR Therapist

Erin is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and EMDRIA-approved EMDR provider with over 12 years of experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and families overcome significant mental health challenges and life transitions. Known for her empathy, creativity, and humor, Erin creates a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to embrace growth and lasting change.