Scroll down or choose from the menu for answers to frequently asked questions about seeking mental health support and links to resources you can access anonymously 24/7 on the phone or online.
{{anchor_select}}
Other WRAL Top Stories
Is there any benefit to bringing up the past or talking about things I can't change?
Since past events and current stressors impact our thoughts, feelings, and behavior, mental health care presents an opportunity to understand how these experiences impact us, develop goals for change, and identify options for doing so.
If I tell a therapist I have thoughts about dying, will I have to be admitted into a psychiatric hospital?
When people feel utterly miserable and hopeless, they sometimes wonder if death is the only way to get relief. Mental health care presents a helpful opportunity to understand the causes of misery and hopelessness and to get help with finding ways to feel less overwhelmed, restore hope, and improve a person’s quality of life.
For people who report an active plan to harm themselves or others, a provider will likely discuss whether psychiatric hospitalization is needed to stabilize emotions and assure safety so the person can engage in services to manage their lives effectively.
If I start therapy, will I have to take medication?
Many people are surprised by the benefits of sharing their concerns with someone who listens and cares. These conversations lead to increased understanding and identification of options to create change. When providers and clients wonder if medication might help, they can discuss the reasons and consider a referral.
If I use insurance through my job, can my employer access my records?
All mental health professionals are bound by HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), professional practice laws, and their respective codes of ethics to protect client privacy and confidentiality. Unless you authorize the release of information, your mental health professional cannot disclose your protected health information to any third party, unless there is an active situation (e.g., a plan for suicide, homicide, etc.) that would necessitate an exception to ensure safety.
If I have a telehealth appointment, I can drive while I have a session, right?
Since mental health care addresses sensitive topics that require focus and processing, please do not plan to drive when you have a mental health appointment. Please plan to complete these appointments in a quiet, private space without driving.
Where else can I find mental health support in North Carolina?
Hope4NC Helpline:Whether they have insurance or not, callers can contact the Hope4NC Helpline at 855-587-3463 for additional support and referrals. This service is available 24/7. Callers can speak with a live person, and all calls are confidential.
HopeLine:To access trained volunteers (who are not licensed mental health professionals) who offer free and confidential supportive and non-judgmental active listening, gentle and understanding discussion of crisis resolution, and referrals to appropriate community resources, callers can contact the HopeLine by calling or texting 919-231-4525 or 877-235-4525. The Crisis Line is available 24/7. The text line is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hope4Healers Helpline: The NC Department of Health and Human Services and the NC Psychological Foundation created the Hope4Healers helpline (919-226-2002) to connect front-line workers (childcare, healthcare, education and first responders only) to licensed mental health professionals. The help line is available 24/7, and all calls are confidential.
How can I find and choose a mental health professional?
Personal insurance: Callers who have insurance can visit the insurance company’s website, or call the number listed on their insurance card.
Employee Assistance Program Benefits: Callers who have Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits can contact the employer’s Human Resources’ Department for directions on accessing an authorization.
Psychology Today: Callers can visit www.psychologytoday.com
The NC Psychological Association: To find a psychologist, callers can visit www.ncpsychology.org
Hope4NC Helpline: Whether they have insurance or not, callers can contact the Hope4NC Helpline at 855-587-3463 for additional support and referrals. This service is available 24/7. Callers can speak with a live person, and all calls are confidential.
What are other sources of support, over the phone or in person?
HopeLine: To access trained volunteers (who are not licensed mental health professionals) who offer free and confidential supportive and non-judgmental active listening, gentle and understanding discussion of crisis resolution, and referrals to appropriate community resources, callers can contact the HopeLine by calling or texting 919-231-4525 or 877-235-4525. The Crisis Line is available 24/7. The text line is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Alcohol/Drug Council of NC Helpline: 800-688-4232. The line is open 24/7 and assists with the treatment of alcohol and/or substance use disorders.
NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Visit https://nccadv.org/get-help to search for resources by county.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255. They offer free, confidential support 24/7.
National Domestic Violence Hotline:800-799-SAFE (7233). They offer free, confidential support 24/7.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):800-622-HELP (4357). They offer free, confidential support 24/7.