The BMS Project

NATIONAL MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HELP OUTSIDE OF KANSAS CITY & NASHVILLE REGIONS

The information here includes a brief list of valuable and useful resources for you, if you need to locate mental health care services on a National and/or Regional Basis outside of Kansas City or the Nashville Regions, or within those regions.  As you search for help, one of the best sources of information may be someone that you know, such as a friend who has found help, already, and that can give you the name of the counselor or therapist.

Online locator services: 

SAMHSA is the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, (SAMHASA)   

Website:  https://www.samhsa.gov/

Phone assistance:  SAMHSA’s National Helpline,1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Servisce) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889

SAMHSA is a component of the government of the United States.  SAMHSA provides a wide range of services is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.  This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Health Information Network (SHIN) has a Mental Health Facilities Locator that can also help you find community outpatient, inpatient and residential treatment facilities, including affordable mental health services in your area.

The SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator and the SAMHSA 24/7 Treatment and Referral line at 1.800.662.4357 provide referrals to alcohol, substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment facilities, including facilities that offer sliding scale fees and other special payment arrangements. Dual diagnosis services provide integrated treatment for individuals who have both an alcohol or substance abuse problem and a mental illness. Use the detailed search option on the left hand side of the page to find the facilities that most closely match your needs.

Mental Health America (MHA)  

Website:  https://www.mhanational.org/finding-therapy

MHA is a nonprofit organization.  The federal government enacted The Community Mental Health Centers Act.  The act established a network of community mental health centers.  As community-based agencies, they are located in or near almost every community in the country.  Your local Mental Health America affiliate is an excellent resource for information about local programs and services including affordable treatment services.

Psychology Today’s Therapy Directory.

Website:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/

If you search online, begin with “Psychology Today” and add terms that fit your individual needs.  For example, if you enter “Psychology Today, Joplin, Missouri, grief counseling,” you will likely locate several counselors whose services include grief counseling.  In many locations, if you enter your zip code and the services you need, such as substance abuse counseling or child counseling, the sites that appear on your screen will include those from Psychology Today.

Additional Sources for Help:

Other helpful resources are plentiful.  In addition to those listed above, you may contact your primary care physician for assistance with locating mental health care.  Or, if you have private insurance or public insurance, such as Medicaid or Medicare, they have easily located contact information that will lead you to offices with personnel who can help you to find mental health care providers who work with your insurance.  For low-cost or free treatment, institutions, such as hospitals or universities, you may locate individuals who are being trained to deliver mental health care .