1-800-999-9999 (Covenant House’s “Nine Line”)

Fast Options, But May Have Waiting Lists

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the medical assessment and treatment of mental health disorders. Not all psychiatrists see teens, and those who do may list adolescent or pediatric psychiatry as a specialty.

Private Therapists or Counselors

These practitioners are not usually affiliated with a school, but practice in the community. There are many types and may have many different titles, including Doctoral-level psychologists (Ph.D.), Master's-level psychologists (M.S., or M.A.), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), pastoral or Christian-based counselors (usually M.Div,), and psychiatric nurse practitioners (CNP). Some psychiatrists also counsel or offer therapy in addition to medication management.

Community Mental Health Centers

These organizations are not-for-profit and funded in part by government resources. They work on a sliding-scale fee basis, and have an obligation to serve people who live in their "catchment area," or geographic region. The number for your community mental health center can usually be found in the government section of your telephone book, under the section related to public health or your state department of mental health.