How To Navigate Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 1,906,000 Ohioans have a mental health condition such as depression, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorder (also called drug addiction). 

If you or someone you love is facing a mental health concern in Ohio, it’s important to learn how to navigate the state’s treatment services. 

In the state of Ohio, people with mental health conditions can access short-term crisis services as well as long-term treatment services, depending on their needs. 

Crisis Services In Ohio

In terms of mental health care, a crisis is any circumstance in which your behavior poses a threat to yourself or others. For example, you may become so depressed that you experience suicidal thoughts and struggle to meet your basic needs. 

People in crisis need immediate support. That’s why the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) created the Ohio CareLine. 

This hotline connects you with trained crisis counselors who provide free, confidential support. They can also refer you to behavioral healthcare providers in your area if you need long-term mental health treatment. You can reach the Ohio CareLine by calling 1-800-720-9616. 

You can also reach Ohio’s Crisis Text Line by texting “4hope” to 741 741. Like the Ohio CareLine, the Crisis Text Line was created by OhioMHAS to connect Ohioans with trained crisis counselors.

Long-Term Treatment Services In Ohio

If you live with a mental health condition such as addiction, depression, or schizophrenia, you should seek long-term treatment. This type of treatment helps you build skills to manage your mental health throughout your life.  

Like other states, Ohio has various long-term mental health treatment programs. You can find a program by searching online or asking for a referral from your healthcare provider, a crisis counselor, or your insurance provider. 

When choosing a program, make sure it meets your individual needs. For example, you should consider whether you need inpatient or outpatient care.

Inpatient Treatment Programs

In an inpatient program, you will live at a treatment center and receive 24/7 care. These programs typically last between a few weeks and a few months, depending on your needs. They are usually recommended for people with moderate-to-severe mental health conditions. 

After completing inpatient treatment, most people will transition to outpatient treatment.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

In an outpatient program, you will regularly visit a treatment provider while living at home. Because it’s less intensive, outpatient treatment generally works best for people who have less severe mental health conditions or who have already completed inpatient treatment. 

Some people only need outpatient treatment for a few months. Others need it for years, sometimes the rest of their lives. It depends on the severity of the person’s condition.

Evidence-Based Treatment

Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient care, look for a program that offers evidence-based treatments. An evidence-based treatment is a service that has been scientifically proven to help people recover from mental health conditions. Examples include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in which a therapist can help you change unhelpful beliefs and behaviors that worsen your mental health
• family therapy, in which a therapist can help you and your family members resolve conflicts and support your long-term recovery from mental illness
• medical detox, in which doctors can help you stop abusing drugs and manage any withdrawal symptoms in a safe, supportive environment 
• medication-assisted treatment, in which doctors can prescribe medications to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with certain types of drug addictions

Aftercare Planning

You should also choose a treatment program that offers aftercare planning. That means that before you leave the program, your treatment providers will help you plan strategies to strengthen your mental health over the long term. 

Depending on your needs, these strategies may include:

• ongoing therapy
• medications
• support groups
• wellness activities such as exercise, meditation, and journaling
• assistance with education, employment, or housing

How To Pay For Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services

While crisis services are usually free, most long-term treatment programs have a cost. In 2020, about 537,000 Ohioans who needed mental health treatment did not receive it. Of those individuals, 35.4% cited cost as the main barrier to treatment. 

If cost is a barrier for you, you have options. First, note that many Ohio mental health and addiction treatment programs are covered by insurance. To determine how much coverage you will receive, contact your insurance provider and the treatment center you are considering.

If you do not have insurance or are underinsured, you could:

• ask family or friends to help you pay for treatment
• start an online fundraiser using a site such as GoFundMe 
• apply for a medical loan from an organization such as Prosper or LightStream
• apply for a medical scholarship from an organization such as 10,000 Beds

All of these options can help you get the support you need as soon as possible.

To learn more about Ohio’s mental health and addiction treatment services, please reach out to Ohio Recovery Center. Our inpatient treatment programs offer comprehensive, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one stay drug-free.