Where to Get Help for Depression: A Guide to Taking the First Step in the US

In this guide, we explain who you can turn to, what each option offers and how to choose the one that fits your situation.

What does getting help for depression mean?

Getting help for depression means talking to a health professional who can assess what you are going through and recommend treatment. Depression is a treatable medical condition. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the most common treatments are psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both, and most people improve with the right care.

If you are in crisis: immediate help

If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or feel you can’t go on, don’t wait. These options are available 24 hours a day, every day:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988. You can ask for support in Spanish.
• 911 or the nearest emergency room if your life or someone else’s is in danger.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free and provides confidential support, subject to certain safety exceptions. You do not need health insurance to contact 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Where to get help for depression: your options

1. Your primary care doctor or clinic

A general doctor can ask you questions to screen for depression, rule out physical causes (such as thyroid problems) and refer you to a specialist. If you already have a doctor, this is a good place to start.

2. Community health centers

HRSA-funded health centers serve everyone, even if they cannot pay, and adjust their fees based on your income and family size. Many offer mental health services with therapists and social workers. You can find the nearest one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

3. SAMHSA National Helpline

At 1-800-662-4357 you can get information and referrals to mental health services in your area. It is free, confidential, open 24 hours a day and available in English and Spanish.

4. Your employer’s assistance program (EAP)

Some employers offer an employee assistance program with free, confidential sessions. Ask human resources whether your workplace has one.

5. Your health insurance, if you have it

If you have insurance, your insurer has a directory of covered providers. The challenge is often finding someone who speaks Spanish and has availability soon.

6. Online therapy in Spanish

For many immigrants, insurance simply isn’t an option because they don’t have access to it. Direct-pay online therapy lets you talk to a professional licensed in your state, in your language, without relying on insurance. Sessions are virtual, so you can have them from home or on a break at work.

Who to talk to: psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist?

• Licensed psychologist or therapist: provides psychotherapy, meaning sessions to understand what you feel and learn tools to manage it.
• Psychiatrist: a medical doctor who can prescribe medication if you need it.
• General doctor: can do a first assessment and refer you.

For many people, the first step is therapy. If your therapist thinks you could benefit from medication, they will recommend you see a doctor.

How to choose the right option for you

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I need help right now? If so, call or text 988.
• Do I have insurance? If not, consider a community health center or direct-pay therapy.
• What language am I most comfortable talking about my feelings in? Expressing yourself in your own language makes a big difference.
• How much time do I have? Virtual sessions save you travel.
• Do I want someone who understands my experience? A professional who knows Latino culture and the experience of migrating can help you feel understood.

What might hold you back (and why it shouldn’t)

It is common to think “it’s not that bad”, “I just have to push through” or “it will pass”. In many Latino families, asking for emotional help is still seen as weakness. But depression is not a lack of willpower. It is a condition that affects sleep, energy, concentration and relationships, and it improves with treatment. Asking for help is a way of taking care of yourself and the people you love.