Mental Health
Why is mental health important in recovery?
The Importance
Taking care of your mental health is crucial to living a life free from the grip of drugs and alcohol. Addressing past trauma—whether from difficult life experiences or the impact of substance use itself—is essential for true healing.
Drugs and alcohol often serve as temporary escapes from unresolved pain, but they only mask deeper issues. By prioritizing mental health, we can confront and process trauma, including PTSD (from using or life in general), allowing us to build healthier coping strategies.
Therapy and Medications in Recovery
Talk therapy and certain medications can play a transformative role in recovery. Therapy provides a safe space to explore feelings and address:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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PTSD
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Other mental health diagnoses
Medications can help regulate mood and relieve overwhelming symptoms. Together, therapy and medication not only help individuals feel better but also offer the chance to experience a life worth living.
By managing mental health conditions effectively, we can sustain recovery, develop emotional resilience, and embrace a drug-free life with hope and purpose.
Terms to know
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Psychologist – A professional who studies how people think, feel, and behave. They help people understand and cope with emotions and mental health challenges but cannot prescribe medicine. A psychologist can also help figure out what mental health conditions you may or may not have, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or PTSD, by talking with you, asking questions, and using tests to understand your thoughts and behaviors. If needed, they may refer you to a psychiatrist for medication.
Psychiatrist – A medical doctor who specializes in mental health. They can diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe medicine to help with conditions like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.
Therapist – A trained professional who talks with people about their problems and feelings to help them cope, improve their mental health, and make positive life changes.
Counselor – Someone who gives guidance and support for specific issues, like school stress, career choices, or relationships. They help people find solutions to their problems but usually do not diagnose mental illnesses.
Below are resources that can help you manage your mental health needs. To learn more about a specific resource, click the title link to be redirected to the source site.These resources can be used for family members of addicts as well.
Virginia’s Community Services Boards (CSBs) provide low-cost or free mental health services, including therapy, psychiatric care, crisis intervention, and substance use treatment, with costs based on a sliding scale. Services are available to all residents, with priority given to low-income individuals, those on Medicaid, and those experiencing serious mental health conditions.
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective offers affordable therapy services with licensed professionals for individuals and couples. Sessions range from $40 to $70, depending on income, making it an accessible option for those seeking quality mental health care on a budget.
Hims & Hers is an online telehealth platform offering accessible mental health services, including therapy and psychiatry, for those whose insurance does not cover mental health. Therapy sessions are available starting at $99 per session, and psychiatric evaluations begin at $25, with follow-up appointments costing around $85. While Hims & Hers does not accept insurance, it provides an affordable alternative for individuals seeking confidential care and medication management without the need for traditional in-person visits.
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that connects individuals with licensed therapists through video, phone, and chat sessions. With flexible scheduling and a subscription-based model, BetterHelp offers affordable mental health support, including financial aid options for those who qualify.
Mental Health America (MHA) provides a comprehensive resource hub for individuals seeking mental health support, especially those without insurance or in need of affordable care. Their Get Help page offers guidance on finding low-cost and sliding-scale therapy options, community mental health centers, and Medicaid-friendly providers. MHA also provides free, confidential mental health screenings to help individuals understand symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, they offer specialized resources tailored to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, along with self-help tools and peer support networks.
NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers free support groups, educational programs, and resources for individuals affected by mental health conditions. They provide a wealth of information on mental health care and offer access to important hotlines for crisis intervention, peer support, and emergency services. NAMI is dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and helping individuals navigate the mental health system with support and compassion.
Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs is an online pharmacy that offers wholesale-priced medications with a simple, transparent pricing model. Unlike traditional pharmacies, it eliminates middlemen and hidden fees, allowing patients to purchase prescriptions at a flat 15% markup plus a small pharmacy fee—often resulting in significant savings on medications, including antidepressants.
GoodRx is a free service that helps individuals save money on prescription medication, including antidepressants and other mental health treatments. It works by comparing drug prices at pharmacies nationwide and providing free discount coupons that can lower costs by up to 80%.
Phone Numbers
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for free, 24/7 crisis support.
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Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 for confidential support via text.
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline – Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free treatment referrals and information.
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Veterans Crisis Line – Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255 for veteran-specific support.
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211 Shortcut to help on a short notice (homelessness is an example).
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National Human Trafficking Hotline- call 1-888-373-7888 or Text-233733
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The Mental Health Coalition- text- COALITION to 741741 for mental health crisis line.
Polaris Project is a wonderful organization that helps individuals who have experienced trauma due to human trafficking. This organization is top tier in their field. They offer tons of information for survivors, as well as provide resources, like finances, that they may need.
Finding the right mental health provider can feel overwhelming, but Psychology Today makes the process easier by connecting individuals with licensed therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals. Their online directory allows users to search for providers in their local area and filter results based on insurance coverage, ensuring they find professionals within their network. Additionally, individuals can browse by specialty, such as addiction recovery, trauma, anxiety, and more, making it easier to find a provider suited to their specific needs. Each profile includes detailed information about the therapist’s approach, experience, and fees, with many offering sliding-scale payment options for those without insurance.
The Recovery Research Institute (RRI) is dedicated to advancing addiction recovery through science and research. The site offers resources focused on evidence-based treatment options, addiction recovery strategies, and the latest findings in the field. It includes articles, research updates, and multimedia that aim to inform and engage the public in understanding addiction and recovery. RRI also provides opportunities for participation in research and invites individuals to subscribe to their monthly Recovery Bulletin for continued education on these important topics.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides valuable resources for mental health treatment and support. Through their website, individuals can access a treatment locator to find local, low-cost or free mental health and substance use services. SAMHSA also offers guidance on crisis intervention, helplines, and educational materials to support those struggling with mental health challenges. Additionally, SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides confidential, 24/7 assistance for individuals seeking mental health services or resources.
The Mental Health Coalition's Resource Library is an extensive collection of mental health resources designed to support individuals facing various challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, and therapy. It also provides specialized resources for parents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and BIPOC communities. Users can input basic information to receive personalized recommendations tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, the platform offers access to online mental health support groups, allowing individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences.
A mental health resource page that offers links to additional mental health and addiction services. They can also help pay for therapy.
"Mental health is not a sign of weakness; it's a testament to strength, resilience, and the courage to heal and grow."