May is Mental Health Awareness month. When mental illnesses affect 1 in 5 Americans and half of those go untreated we need to bring mental wellness to the conversation.

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling or mood. Such conditions may affect someone’s ability to relate to others and function each day. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis.

Recovery, including meaningful roles in social life, school and work, is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process.

As of 2014, most individual and employer provided health plans provide coverage and access to ongoing Mental Health services; however, in-network providers and coverage levels vary by plan. if you need help understanding how your plan covers mental health, contact us by phone 509.674.3766 or online – we’re here to help! If you are uninsured or under-insured there are also free and lower cost resources available.

If you, or someone you know is in crisis, please seek help immediately. Contact the following organizations for information about 24-hour crisis services in your area:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 24 hour toll-free crisis hotline, 1.800.273.TALK (1.800.273.8255) can put you into contact with your local crisis center that can tell you where to seek immediate help in your area.

Those who are uncomfortable with speaking on the phone can text “MHA” to 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor at Crisis Text Line.

The Child-Help USA 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453) crisis line assists both child and adult survivors of abuse, including sexual abuse. The hotline, staffed by mental health professionals, also provides treatment referrals.

In areas where 211 is available, dialing this number can connect you with mental health crisis services in your area or help you find where to seek immediate help in your area.

#4Mind4Body #AholaBenefits