Lexington, Kentucky (May 28, 2024) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of mental health and advocate for support and resources for those in need. Across the country, individuals and communities are coming together to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people to seek help.
Despite increased awareness, many people still struggle to find adequate mental health resources and treatment. With limited information about available services, long wait times and geographic barriers, the journey to care can be confusing and overwhelming.
To address these challenges, the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) has introduced an expansion of its FindHelpNowKY.org website to include a website dedicated to mental health: FindMentalHealthNowKY.org. The new resource portal provides information about mental health treatment options and helps bridge the gap between those seeking help and the providers who can offer it.
“These revisions are designed to remove barriers to mental health care and make it easier for people to find the support they need. The new FindMentalHealthNowKY.org is a critical resource that provides near real-time information on treatment options and reduces the stress and anxiety that often accompanies seeking help,” said KIPRC Director Dr. Terry Vann.
FindMentalHealthNowKY.org was created by KIPRC on behalf of the Kentucky Department of Public Health in partnership with and funding from the Kentucky Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, part of the Kentucky Department of Health and Family Services.
The new website offers comprehensive mental health services designed to meet the diverse needs of its users. For those seeking individual or group counselling, the platform offers a curated list of qualified therapists and counsellors. For those needing more intensive care, it connects users with inpatient treatment facilities and hospitals that can handle more complex mental health conditions. The range of options ensures individuals can find the right level of care, whether they’re dealing with everyday stresses or facing more challenging challenges.
FindMentalHealthNowKY.org has seen an overwhelming response, with over 5,000 first-time users since its launch in March 2024. Notably, over 36% of these users specifically searched for mental health resources, indicating a significant demand for information and support in this area.
“Accessibility and convenience are key,” says Katherine Hines, program manager at FindMentalHealthNowKY. “FindMentalHealthNowKY.org provides a simple, easy-to-use interface to help visitors quickly find the information they need. It’s updated quickly so users can find availability for counseling, inpatient care and crisis intervention without being plagued by outdated or inaccurate information.”
In addition to treatment options, FindMentalHealthNowKY.org is launching a comprehensive mental health resource library. The library will include thousands of entries, providing extensive information and support. These educational resources will provide guidance on a variety of topics to help users make informed decisions about their mental health.
One of the biggest barriers to seeking mental health support is the stigma associated with mental health issues.
“Our goal is to provide trustworthy, accurate information to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health,” Van said. “By providing comprehensive resources and educational materials, we aim to make it easier for people to seek help and encourage open conversations.”
Mental Health Awareness Month is an important time to bring attention to mental health issues and encourage open discussion. FindMentalHealthNowKY.org helps break down barriers by providing accessible, up-to-date and reliable resources. Our extensive resource library of educational materials promotes a more open and understanding approach to mental health.
If you are looking for mental health resources and support, please visit FindMentalHealthNowKY.org .
