Kinds of care
Care comes in levels, like stepping stones. Most people start with the first two, and you can move up or down at any time.
Levels of care
- Peer supportSupport groups, warmlines, and peer specialists who have been there.
- Talk therapyWeekly or every other week sessions, in person or by video.
- Medication careA prescriber who can diagnose and treat with medication, often with therapy.
- Intensive programsSeveral hours a day, several days a week, home at night (IOP or partial hospital).
- Crisis care988, mobile crisis, crisis centers, and hospital care.
Who does what
| Professional | What they do | Can prescribe? |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed counselor (LPC, LMHC) | Talk therapy for many concerns | No |
| Clinical social worker (LCSW) | Talk therapy, plus help with resources and services | No |
| Marriage and family therapist (LMFT) | Therapy for couples, families, and individuals | No |
| Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) | Therapy and testing, like ADHD or learning evaluations | In most states, no |
| Psychiatrist (MD, DO) | Diagnosis and medication, sometimes therapy | Yes |
| Psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) | Diagnosis and medication | Yes |
| Peer specialist | Support from someone with lived experience | No |
| Primary care doctor | Can start some medications and refer you | Yes |
Ways to get care
- In person at an office or clinic.
- By video or phone from home. Many insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare cover it. Ask your plan.
- Groups, which can cost less and help you feel less alone.
- At school or work: school counselors, college counseling centers, and employee assistance programs (EAPs).
- In primary care: many doctors' offices now have a behavioral health provider on site.
Community clinics
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) offer mental health and substance use care, crisis help, and care coordination. They serve people regardless of ability to pay. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing counted 539 CCBHCs in its 2026 report.
Find a CCBHC, or search for community mental health centers in your state on the Atlas.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Programs, phone lines, and rules change. Check with the program named on this page. Report outdated or wrong information.