Kentucky Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Kentucky
Amidst the stunning rolling hills and natural landscapes of Kentucky, there’s a crisis happening in mental health. The problem twofold: higher rates of mental illness and lower access to mental health care compared to the US average.
According to a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) analysis of US Census Bureau data, 37.4% of Kentuckians report symptoms of anxiety or depression compared to 32.3% across the US. At the same time, data from the Bureau of Health Workforce finds that Kentucky only has 24% of the psychiatrists that they actually need.
Because of that shortage, 23% of adults and 36% of teenagers in Kentucky who have depression or anxiety don’t get the treatment they need. But the good news is that there are hopeful improvements. According to data from the CDC, the percentage of adults who have 14 or more days per month of poor mental health has dropped each year since 2019, and Kentucky’s introduction of the 988 crisis hotline in 2022 has shown promise.
37.4%
Of Kentucky residents report symptoms of anxiety and depression
23%
Of adults with depression or anxiety go without help
36%
Of teens with depression or anxiety go without help
Free Mental Health Resources in Kentucky
NAMI Kentucky is a coalition of individuals, families, and community members who support individuals impacted by mental health struggles. They offer free mental health support, including online groups, access to educational resources, advocacy, and linkage to services in the community. They work with individuals of all ages and walks of life.
Bluegrass Care Navigators supports individuals, particularly seniors and those in palliative care, who are experiencing severe emotional and mental health challenges. Support extends to individuals experiencing health struggles, along with caregivers and family members who are supporting them.
Provide Services for
Seniors
Women
Grief
Depression
Anxiety
Mental Health of Kentucky is a nonprofit organization that works with children, teens, adults, and families. They can provide you with access to resources and programs to address your mental health needs. This can include access to assessments, screenings, and even training programs for community members.
Four Rivers Behavioral Health is a nonprofit organization that offers counseling, peer support services, and case management, among other services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Substance abuse services are available here, as well as support for youth who need help transitioning into independent living.
The Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs offers free counseling and legal advocacy if you have been a victim of sexual assault. They can also help you find care at a hospital and connect you to social groups where you can meet with other survivors. Many of these services are free and all are confidential. They work with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of income or immigration status.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Domestic Violence
PTSD
Uplift Mental Health Support will provides people of all ages with online or in person access to specialized mental health support groups. They can help you work through mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and grief. These services are offered free of charge.
NorthKey Community Care offers various free or low cost services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Among these services are outpatient therapy and psychiatric support. You can also get connected to case management services where you’ll get referred to community based programs if you need ongoing treatment for your mental health or substance abuse disorder.
Life Skills provides continuing services to address mental health and substance abuse recovery needs you might have. They also offer services for those with intellectual disabilities and those experiencing a crisis.
Communicare is a nonprofit provider of behavioral health services. They work with children and adults, including those who have a developmental or intellectual disability. There’s a dedicated chemical dependency program here and specialized support for mothers. Sliding scale discounts are available.
The Adanta Group offers free and low cost behavioral health services. They work with all populations and have specialized programs for youth, seniors, and veterans. Services include outpatient therapy, case management, crisis intervention, and supportive care for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
River Valley Behavioral Health is a nonprofit provider of crisis intervention services for those struggling with a substance abuse disorder. They provide treatment for youth, adults, and families and can connect you to social services like housing and employment support as well.
The Pennyroyal Center provides behavioral health care services that are rooted in evidence based practices and take a multidisciplinary approach to care. They serve residents throughout eight counties in the region, offering crisis and emergency care, residential treatment, and specialized programs for those struggling with substance abuse or who have an intellectual or developmental disability.
Mountain Comprehensive Care Center offers a range of services to children, adults, and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They also serve homeless youth and provide support for children in the foster care system. There are programs that address mental health and addiction struggles. Some of their services are offered free or at reduced cost due to sliding scale discounts.
Provide Services for
PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence
Disability
Seven Counties Services is the state’s leading community mental health center. They provide behavioral health care support to youth, adults, and families who have been impacted by mental health or substance abuse struggles. Services include crisis care, counseling, prevention services, recovery housing, referrals, and other supports.
The Kentucky Community Crisis Response Team supports first responders who are struggling with their mental health because of a traumatic experience they've endured in their line of work. Among the services are crisis intervention support, counseling, peer support services, and other resources you can turn to for help.
Provide Services for
First Responders