The United States is experiencing a mental health crisis. Prior to COVID-19, 1 in 5 Americans had a mental health condition. During COVID-19, 40% of adults reported they experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression. Despite these high numbers of individuals in need, there is a shortage of mental health providers. People could be waiting months to see a provider in their area. A silver lining has risen from the pandemic, though — it brought a rise in online mental health services. Online mental health services can make it easier for those in need to seek same-day care. 

When to seek mental health care

Seeking help early when you are experiencing mental health issues can make a huge difference. You should never feel embarrassment or shame for seeking help. Everyone experiences struggles. Reasons to seek mental health help can include:

• You feel like life is no longer worth living. You are consumed with hopelessness and have reached the end of your rope and believe you cannot handle any more. You would rather die than feel pain.

• You feel like your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors are out of control. They are affecting your work, your well-being and your relationships.

• You are struggling with major life changes. Dealing with illnesses, losing a loved one, going through a divorce or losing your job can all leave you feeling unsure of your place in the world.

• You are struggling with substance use. Drugs and alcohol can seize control of your life. They can wreak havoc on your health, your relationships, your employment and more.
  
• You are experiencing auditory or visual hallucinations or experiencing overwhelming paranoia.

• You are feeling overwhelmed and confused by the things happening in your life. You need an unbiased person to help you sort through the difficulties you are facing. 

What kind of help do you need?

The longer you go without treatment, the more serious your symptoms may become. If you are experiencing symptoms of psychosis, suicidality or self-injury, not seeking treatment can have dire consequences. How do you determine what kind of help you need? Mental health services can meet a variety of needs. Services can also be provided in a number of ways. 

Same-day mental health service appointments can be in person or via telehealth services. These appointments can be for conditions needing immediate mental health support. Individuals seeking these services may or may not be under the care of a provider. Occasionally those who are regularly seeing a provider need additional support between appointments. Conditions that can benefit from same-day services can include:

• Moderate to severe anxiety or panic disorder
• Moderate to severe depression
• Overwhelming stress due to your job or school
• Bipolar disorder
• Grief 

Same-day appointments are an asset to assisting those in a mental health dilemma. They can be beneficial in encouraging someone to seek help they need, reducing stigma around seeing a therapist, and helping to reduce the strain on emergency services for urgent but noncrisis mental health care. Same-day psychiatric appointments can be through:

• In-person appointments
• Telephone call from your licensed mental health professional
• Telehealth video call with your licensed mental health professional
• Secure messaging services with your licensed mental health professional 

Some conditions require immediate assistance and are more urgent than a same-day appointment. These should be addressed promptly, and seeking emergency care is vital. These mental health care needs should not be put off. These issues can include:

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts or actions
• Assault or the threat of assault to others
• Auditory or visual hallucinations
• Substance use or overdose
• Delusions
• Severe medication side effects

When an individual needs to speak to a mental health professional regarding an issue that is pressing but not an emergency, a same-day appointment is a good option. For more prolonged treatment options, intensive treatment in an in-patient setting may be necessary. In-patient, or residential services, allow clients to better focus on their mental health in a supportive setting. These services are intended to help each client learn, grow and thrive again. 

Find the mental health care you need at Lightfully Behavioral Health 

At Lightfully Behavioral Health, we’re here to help if your mental health needs go beyond the need for a same-day psychiatrist appointment. We provide a number of services where we will work together over the long term to help you reclaim your quality of life. Our clinical approach is unique and we see you as a whole person, not just your diagnosis or struggle. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.