What help is available
What kind of help is available for individuals with mental health or substance misuse problems?
There are many different kinds of help available for people with possible mental health or substance misuse problems. The primary types of help include the following:
- Self-help books and websites inform readers about a wide range of topics such as anger or stress management, improving relationships, assertiveness, perfectionism, grief, ADD/ADHD, depression, etc. Some materials provided by these sources are prepared by professional counselors or treatment specialists while others are written by individuals with “life experience” or a special interest in the subject. For helpful information and websites, visit the Learn More, Tools and Strategies and Where to Go for Help sections.
- Self help and support groups in both in-person and on-line forms offer assistance for a wide range of topics — for example, grief, depression, addiction, eating disorders, parenting, etc. Some groups are offered through local religious organizations; others are independent organizations (such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, the National Alliance on Mental Illness or the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.) Other programs are available through professional programs associated with professional social service or health care agencies. The latter groups tend to be led by professional mental health counselors. Some groups are free of charge but others entail fees; the costs of some professionally run groups may be covered by your health insurance plan. For information on local self-help and support groups, visit Where to Go for Help
- Individual counseling by professional mental health counselors/therapists is available for the full range of mental and emotional health concerns as well as substance misuse problems. While a variety of individuals may call themselves counselors or therapists, those licensed in Michigan and authorized by most health insurance plans include social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Most treatment is provided on an outpatient basis, but serious conditions might require some inpatient or partial inpatient care. Costs may be private-pay or covered by your health insurance plan.
- Medication is available to help individuals overcome mental and emotional health problems and substance abuse. Medication can be prescribed by primary care physicians or psychiatrists.
- A combination of medication and talk therapy (individual or group) is often very effective.
If I want to talk with a professional counselor, with whom should I meet?
- Free, confidential counseling for emotional and mental health concerns is available through FASAP and UMHS EAP.
- Mental health professionals in the community include social workers, psychologists, or psychiatrists.
- In selecting a counselor, refer to your health insurance plan. It is also important for you to know that U-M policy (Sick Time Pay - SPG 201.11) (pdf) requires that if you are away from work for an extended period of time because of a mental health problem, medical documentation must be provided by either a psychiatrist or a psychologist with a Ph.D.
If you want help with a problem or want to understand more about your situation, it is a good idea to talk with a mental health professional.
The University provides free, confidential counseling for emotional and mental health concerns through FASAP and UMHS EAP or you can consult mental health professionals in the community. Because FASAP and UMHS EAP counselors are quickly accessed and familiar with University and community resources, they are a good place to start.
The professional counselors at FASAP and UMHS EAP provide short-term counseling (up to 5 sessions) for personal, family or work-related problems. They can also help you find a therapist in the community if you wish or need to see someone for longer term counseling. Your dependents are also eligible for services at FASAP and UMHS EAP.
If you want to address your concerns without FASAP or UMHS EAP assistance and are wondering which professionals to consult, you can talk with a qualified mental health professional such as a social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Social workers and psychologists can help you resolve your feelings or work at problem resolution through counseling or traditional “talk therapies.” Some psychiatrists will also provide therapy, though many of them now primarily prescribe medications. Primary Care Physicians can also prescribe psychiatric medications. If you are thinking of consulting a mental health professional, it is always a good idea to ask if you will need to see a separate professional for either medication or counseling.
In selecting a counselor, you should refer to your health insurance plan. Different plans authorize different professionals to provide care to their policy holders. If you see a provider authorized by your health care plan, your costs will be limited to your co-pay for a stipulated number of sessions; if you see a provider not authorized by your insurance plan, you may have to pay the full cost of each visit. You can consult directly with the “customer service” division of your health care plan to identify their authorized providers and learn how to access them. You can also consult, free of charge, with counselors at the FASAP or UMHS EAP who can help you locate counselors who are authorized by your health care plan.
It is also important for you to know that U-M policy (Sick Time Pay - SPG 201.11) (pdf) requires that if you are away from work for an extended period of time because of a mental health problem, medical documentation must be provided by either a psychiatrist or a psychologist with a Ph.D.
How do I know if I need counseling or medication?
Your counselor/treatment provider will discuss treatment options with you.
Most mental health conditions respond well to medication or counseling, or a combination of medication and counseling. Not everyone wants to take medications, and not everyone can take some medications. Your counselor/treatment provider will discuss treatment options with you.
