People are often concerned about their own or another's emotional health or behavior but they don't know where to start to get help. The mental health system can sometimes be complicated and difficult to understand. An single individual's emotional distress often causes disruption in the lives of many others. Sometimes those close to a person with social and/or emotional problems may have difficulty being objective. They may blame themselves or worry that others such as teachers or family members will blame them.
        If you are worried about your own or another person's emotions or behavior, you can start by talking to friends, family members, or your spiritual leader. If the person you are concerned about is a child you may wish to talk to the child's school counselor or the child's pediatrician or family physician about your concerns. If you think you or the person you are worried about needs help, you should get as much information as possible about where to find help. In general you should be cautious about using Yellow Pages phone directories as your only source of information and referral. Other sources of information include:

	Health Care Insurance carrier through your employer
	Employee Assistance Program through your employer
	Local mental health association
	County mental health department
	Local hospitals or medical centers with psychiatric services
	Department of Psychiatry in nearby medical school
	National Advocacy Organizations (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, National Mental Health Association)
	National professional organizations (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, National Association of Social Workers)

        The variety of mental health practitioners can be confusing. There are psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, counselors, pastoral counselors and people who call themselves therapists. Most areas regulate the practice of psychotherapy, so almost everyone who provides a mental health service should have a license from their respective area. If not seek those professionals who are members of national mental health associations. Select a mental health provider after you have gathered some information from the sources listed above. A fee for service is typically assessed for professional mental health services.
        Below is identifying information about locating substance abuse treatment facilities for the U.S.