Clinical Contributors to this story:
Jessica Yao, M.D.
Community First Chief Medical Officer
Mary H. Garcia Holguin, MD
Community First Medical Director
Everyone needs help sometimes, and getting professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor for your mental health is a smart way to take control of your mental health. Part 5 of our blog series for Mental Health Awareness Month highlights when and why seeking professional help is necessary and important.
To read the rest of our series, parts 1-4, on ways to improve our mental health, find them here:
People see therapists for a variety of reasons, including self-doubt, anxiety, feeling different from others, wanting better communication or coping skills, feeling lonely, or mentally isolated. Therapy is for everyone. You deserve to be happy!
Getting professional help can help you better understand your feelings or condition and set you on the path to improved mental health. Do it for yourself and for your loved ones. Therapy can be a win-win for everyone involved!
Some mental health issues, like depression, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), can be much harder to work through alone. Treatment for such disorders is important. Treatment options may include a combination of medication and therapy. Some advanced disorders may require more intensive support, including a stay in a rehabilitation facility.
Benefits of Therapy
No longer struggling alone: Just sharing your burden with someone who is neutral and there to help is a relief.
Getting official diagnosis and treatment: Having a trained professional diagnose your disorder and making a plan to treat it can validate feelings you have had that something was wrong that you couldn’t fix alone.
Feeling empowered: Therapy gives you tools to take control of your mental health, which is empowering!
Learning coping strategies: A therapist can offer ways to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and more in a way that you can put into action in your life.
Building better relationships: Learning coping strategies and gaining tools to deal with your mental health challenges usually leads to better communication skills in your relationships.
Reducing stigma: Some people may feel embarrassed or unsure of seeking help. This can be because of personal or cultural pressure to act a certain way and “handle it” on our own. However, nowadays most people understand that getting help makes you stronger, not weaker.
Higher self-esteem: Dealing with your mental health can boost your self-esteem.
Reducing anxiety: Understanding what causes your anxiety and learning how to avoid triggers and apply coping skills can give your anxious brain a much-needed release.
Improved job performance: Understandably, working on your mental health can improve your quality of life in all areas, including at work.
Overall health: Improved mental health leads to improved health outcomes.
Sometimes, no matter what you do, it can be too difficult to overcome feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Help is available! If you are depressed but not violent or suicidal, call a mental health professional who can talk to you and discuss treatment options.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, call 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to talk to a trained mental health professional immediately.
Everyone’s mental health journey looks different, but adding healthy habits to your day, like journaling, getting plenty of sleep, and staying active, can help you feel better.
From May 5 to June 30, Community First Members can earn a FREE Smart Sports Bracelet by participating in our Healthier You! Mental Fitness Member Activity and sharing how you care for your mental health.
Mental Health Support for Community First Members
Community First offers several resources for Members of all ages in need of mental health support. Members do not need a referral for mental health or substance use services.
Counseling/Therapy
Community First offers access to many contracted outpatient mental health professionals. You can search for a mental health provider by using our online directory or call Member Services at the number listed on your Member ID card for help making an appointment. If you have a Case Manager or Service Coordinator, you can also contact them directly.
Community First Health & Wellness Programs
Community First Members can join our focused Health & Wellness Program, Healthy Mind: Behavioral Health Program, at no cost, for help finding the right mental health professional and for other help and resources.
Behavioral Health & Substance Use Support Lines
Community First Members can also call our toll-free Behavioral Health & Substance Use Support Line, available 24 hours a day/7 days a week:
| STAR KIDS/STAR+PLUS Members | All Other Health Plan Members | 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline |
| 1-844-541-2347 | 1-877-221-2226 | 988 |
Sources
Mannarino, M., Arañez Litam, S.D. $ Signs It May Be Time To Seek Professional Mental Health Help. Forbes Health. Forbes.com/Health/Mind/Professional-Mental-Health. 4/18/2025.
The Importance of Seeking Mental Health Help: Why You Shouldn’t Suffer Alone. AP Psychology. APPsychology.com/Importance-of-Seeking-Mental-Health-Help. 4/17/2025.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2023, April 11). Psychotherapy. Mayo Clinic. MayoClinic.org/Tests-Procedures/Psychotherapy/About/PAC-20384616. 4/17/2025.
Olivine, A., Dexter, G. (2024, August 1). What Are the Different Types and Benefits of Therapy? Verywell Health. VerywellHealth.com/Benefits-of-Therapy-5219732. 4/16/2025.