Finding the right kind of mental health support
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Mental health support looks different for everyone, and finding the right fit is a personal choice. There are many types of professionals and resources available, and you deserve care that respects your experiences, needs, and goals.
Your Boulder care team is here to help you explore your options and connect you with support in your community if and when you're ready. There's no pressure or requirement to seek additional care.
If you're unsure where to start, your primary care provider may be a helpful first step.
People who can support you
Primary care provider. Your primary care provider (a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or doctor) can support both your physical and mental health. If you're experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, they can be a good place to start. They can listen to what you're experiencing and help you decide what feels right for you. This may include exploring medication or connecting you with additional resources.
Counselor, therapist, or psychologist. Counselors, therapists, and psychologists are trained professionals who can support your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Their education, training, and areas of expertise may differ, but they all work to help you better understand what you're experiencing and explore ways to move forward. Support may include one-on-one conversations, group therapy, or learning tools to navigate challenges in everyday life. There are different approaches to therapy, so finding someone you feel comfortable with and who respects your experiences, choices, and goals is important.
Psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in mental health who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. They support people experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns. Psychiatrists can help you explore treatment options, understand how medications may help, and address any concerns or side effects.
Psychiatric nurse practitioner. Like a psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse practitioner can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. They support people experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. They can help you explore treatment options, manage medications, and may also provide individual or group therapy. Psychiatric nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings, including primary care offices and mental health clinics.
Certified or licensed alcohol and drug counselor (CADC or LADC). CADCs and LADCs are professionals with specialized training in supporting people who use alcohol or other substances or are navigating recovery. They can help you explore your relationship with alcohol and other substances, identify goals, and develop strategies to reduce harm. They work in a variety of settings, including inpatient and residential treatment programs, outpatient services, and private practices. Their training and areas of expertise may vary, so it's helpful to ask about their approach to care.
Peer support
Peer support connects you with people who bring their own lived experience with substance use, mental health challenges, and recovery. Support focuses on building connections and creating a safe, judgment-free space where you can show up exactly as you are.
One-on-one. At Boulder, your Peer Recovery Specialist draws on their own lived experience in recovery to support you. Peers can provide a space to talk openly, help you work toward your goals, and connect you with resources. Peer support is also available through recovery community organizations and other local programs.
Peer support groups. These support groups bring together people with shared experiences to connect and offer mutual support. Groups may focus on substance use, mental health, recovery, grief, or supporting loved ones. Examples include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and Recovery Dharma. Each offers a different approach, and participation is always a personal choice.
Mutual aid groups
Mutual aid groups bring people together to support one another through shared resources and practical assistance. They're built on the belief that everyone has something to offer and that communities are stronger when people help each other. These groups may provide support with housing, food, transportation, basic necessities, and other everyday needs. Some also focus on community advocacy, harm reduction, and helping people navigate challenging circumstances.
Putting it all together
Your mental health and recovery journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to support. Alongside your Boulder care team, you may choose to connect with a therapist, explore medication options for mental health, participate in community groups, or use a combination of resources. What matters most is finding support that works for you.
If you're receiving care from multiple providers, coordinating that support can help everyone stay aligned. Your privacy is important, and Boulder protects your health information in accordance with privacy laws. Information may be shared as permitted or required by law, and certain types of coordination require your authorization.
Finding the right fit may take time, and it's okay to explore different options or change direction along the way. Your Boulder care team is here to support you, connect you with resources, and meet you wherever you are in your journey.