Understanding mental health

Your mind and body are connected. You deserve care that supports your total health — mind, body, and spirit. If you need help with depression, anxiety, addiction and recovery, or other mental or emotional issues that interfere with your daily life, we’re here to help.

 

Medicaid members may have additional rights to access out-of-network mental health services. Medicaid members can ask their provider about how to access mental health services under their Medicaid plan.1
 
 
    
teen looking at smart phone.

1-on-1 emotional support by text — available 24/7

Get immediate help for stress, low mood, sleep troubles, and more. Text with an emotional support coach on the Headspace Care app (formerly called Ginger), now or schedule a time to connect later. Kaiser Permanente members can use the Headspace Care app for 90 days at no cost.

   

Did you know?

You don’t need a referral for mental health and addiction care services.3

But your personal doctor is your biggest total health advocate. If you’re struggling, they can connect you with support and help you access care.

Find care near you

Mental health help is available — and treatment works

As a Kaiser Permanente member, you have access to a broad range of mental health and addiction care options. But even if you feel ready to seek out mental health support, it can be difficult to know where to start. So we make it easy. You can talk about your concerns with anyone on your care team at any time, and they’ll connect you to the support you need.

Visit kp.org/getcare to explore your care options.

Addiction and recovery support

We offer evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services for members struggling with drugs or alcohol. We’re here to help. 

Learn about addiction and recovery

Mental health and addiction care at Kaiser Permanente 

Learn about your mental health and addiction care options with these quick answers to common questions.

What types of mental health care does Kaiser Permanente provide?

Our goal is to offer care and support for everyone. So mental health care and addiction services aren’t limited to one department or specialty. That’s why you’ll find mental health care and addiction services throughout Kaiser Permanente — including primary care, emergency care, and even specialty areas like cardiac and oncology. And in addition to clinical care and support, we offer self-care tools and resources you can access anytime, at no cost. 

Learn more

What mental health conditions do you treat?

We offer treatment and support for all mental, emotional, and substance use conditions, including: 

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Personality disorders
  • Postpartum depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Sleep problems
  • Substance use disorders and addiction
What if I’m not sure I need mental health care?

We don’t expect you to come in knowing what kind of care you need — that’s what we’re here for. To begin the conversation, just contact us. You can reach out to your personal doctor, call our 24/7 advice line, or contact your local Kaiser Permanente mental health department directly. Our primary care doctors are also trained to screen for, diagnose, and treat mild mental health conditions — so mental health support is always part of your overall care experience. 

Wherever you choose to begin the conversation, we’ll help you understand your options and figure out the next steps.

How can I help someone who’s struggling?

The best thing you can do to help someone you care about is to provide support, encouragement, and hope. If the person you want to help is a Kaiser Permanente member, you can encourage them to give us a call. We’ll talk to them about how they’re feeling and what they’re experiencing — that’s the first step to connecting them to the care and support they need.

How much care should I expect?

Everyone’s mental health journey is different — your progress and how you’re feeling are more important than the number of sessions you have. We have the same goal as you do — for you to feel better as soon as possible. 

At Kaiser Permanente, your treatment is tailored to your individual needs — and if those needs change, so does your treatment plan. Your care team is there to help you set goals for treatment, make progress toward achieving those goals, and keep moving in a positive direction.

     
Need help now? If you think you're having a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.2