Ohio Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Ohio
Ohio has a unique position in the United States when it comes to mental health. According to Mental Health America, the state occupies a middle ground, ranking at 25 among the 50 states.
Those who look at the glass half full may compliment the Buckeye State for its relatively open access to care and a lower prevalence of mental health conditions among adults. In 2022, the state expanded its funding of $15 million, which includes block grants for court programs to assist inmates address co-occurring mental and behavioral health disorders.
Nearly 25%
Ohioans who report having a mental illness
25th
Ohio ranks #25 in mental health care
However, there is room for improvement. Depression rates and “poor mental health days” are increasing, especially among young people and LGBTQ+ youths. Nearly 25% of Ohioans have reported having mental illnesses in 2023, and as many as five Ohioans commit suicide each day, according to a survey by White Light Behavioral Health. The disparity continues to fall upon minority groups, the poor, and those with disabilities.
Free Mental Health Resources in Ohio
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Ohio is an organization that provides support, education and advocacy for individuals with mental illness. Their support groups help individuals and families learn to navigate life with a mental illness by providing safe places for them to learn and share their experiences.
The Buckeye Region Anti Violence Organization (BRAVO) provides support for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community who have faced hate, violence, discrimination, intimate partner violence, and/or sexual assault. They also offer training and presentations focused on anti violence work for communities called Safe Zone.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Disability
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Substance Abuse
The Ohio Children’s Hospital Association serves as a voice for Ohio’s youngest patients, their families and their healthcare providers. They provide advocacy and collaboration with other medical and mental health service providers to ensure children get the quality care they need and deserve regardless of the family’s ability to pay.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Depression
ADHD
Anxiety
Grief
Autism
Ohio Guidestone is a faith based program that offers a range of mental health and substance use disorder services for children and adults. Their services are offered in person, by telehealth and within the community, such as the school services program where therapists provide counseling for students in need.
The Columbus Free Clinic provides free culturally competent healthcare for members of the community. This includes primary care, pharmacy services, lab and imaging, social work and specialty clinics that include psychiatry care and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.
Provide Services for
Depression
Substance Abuse
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) works to reduce the stigma of suicide, promote evidenced based prevention strategies and raise awareness about the relationship between mental illness and substance use disorder. They also provide support for loved ones impacted by suicide through their L.O.S.E team.
Provide Services for
Depression
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
The Ohio State University’s Office of Student Life offers student counseling and consultation services. Their Let’s Talk program provides free and confidential mental health consultations without an appointment, first come first served. They offer in person and online services.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Deconstructing the Mental Health System or DMHA is an anti racist equality minded nonprofit organization that is working to increase access to mental health and wellness services for Black people, Indigenous people and People of Color. They provide 12 free therapy sessions for individuals who complete the application process.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Be Present Ohio is a resource that helps youth and young adults in the LGBTQ+ community who are looking for suicide prevention and mental health resources such as counseling services, community organizations and support centers that are committed to providing culturally supportive care.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
The City of Cleveland Division of Police’s Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Program offers crisis intervention services operated by FrontLine Service. Individuals or their loved ones can call and receive information and service navigation during a crisis including suicide prevention and mental health/addiction support.
Kent State University’s Center for Public Policy and Health has put together an online source for individuals seeking information on mental health and service provider contact information. This includes crisis helplines, how to contact counseling and social services at the university and national support programs.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
Men
Women
The Ohio Careline is a free confidential behavioral health call service that is available 24/7. Their mental health professionals can help individuals or their loved ones who are in crisis.
The TriCounty Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services, in Troy, offers free services for individuals and their loved ones who are looking for mental health support. Their crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day. Their HOPE line is staffed Monday through Friday and offers basic mental health support and referrals.
The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties promotes wellness and works to ensure access to a continuum of high quality, recovery oriented mental health and addiction prevention, treatment and support services.
The Ohio Department of Veterans Services offers programs and resources for vets and active service members who are facing a crisis or behavioral health issues. They help connect men and women with resources within the Veterans Administration as well as outside sources to help in times of need.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
First Responders
Depression
ADHD
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse