Mental health is part of everyone's health, including disabled people. Whether you have a psychiatric disability, experience mental health challenges alongside other disabilities, or simply want to maintain your wellbeing, this page provides resources and perspectives.
This page centers the expertise of people with lived experience of mental health conditions and psychiatric disabilities.
Mental health conditions can be disabilities when they significantly impact daily life. This includes:
These conditions are protected under disability rights laws and may qualify for accommodations, benefits, and services.
People understand mental health differently:
Medical model: Views mental health conditions as illnesses to be treated and cured.
Social model: Recognizes that society creates barriers for people with mental health differences.
Recovery model: Emphasizes personal growth and meaningful life, not necessarily symptom elimination.
Mad pride/survivor perspective: Reclaims "madness" as part of human diversity; critiques coercive psychiatry.
Neurodiversity framework: Views some conditions (like some aspects of depression, anxiety, etc.) as part of natural human variation.
These frameworks aren't mutually exclusive. You can use what works for you.
Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who can prescribe medication and provide therapy. Often focused on medication management.
Psychologists: Doctoral-level providers who specialize in therapy and assessment. Can't prescribe in most states/countries.
Therapists/Counselors: Master's-level providers (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, etc.) who provide talk therapy. Most affordable option often.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners: Can prescribe medications in many places. Often more accessible than psychiatrists.
Peer support specialists: People with lived experience who provide support. Increasingly available through mental health systems.
Primary care: Many PCPs prescribe psychiatric medications and can be a starting point.
Questions to consider:
Where to look:
Options if you lack insurance or can't afford copays:
Many types of therapy exist. Common approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on thoughts and behaviors. Evidence for depression, anxiety, many conditions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Skills-based approach for emotion regulation. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, now used more broadly.
EMDR: Processing-based therapy for trauma.
Psychodynamic therapy: Explores past patterns and relationships.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on values and acceptance.
Somatic therapies: Body-based approaches for trauma and other conditions.
No single approach works for everyone. It's okay to try different therapists and approaches.
Psychiatric medications can help many people. Common categories:
Antidepressants: SSRIs, SNRIs, others. Used for depression, anxiety, and other conditions.
Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines (short-term), buspirone, others.
Mood stabilizers: Lithium, anticonvulsants. For bipolar and mood instability.
Antipsychotics: For psychosis, bipolar, sometimes depression or anxiety.
Stimulants: For ADHD primarily.
Sleep medications: For insomnia.
Support from people with lived experience:
Tools that help many people:
These aren't replacements for professional care when needed, but can be important parts of overall wellness.
In immediate danger: Call emergency services (911, 999, 000)
Crisis lines (US):
Crisis lines (other countries):
Warm lines: Non-crisis peer support lines for when you need to talk but aren't in crisis.
If you experience recurring crises:
Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) let you document your treatment preferences in advance, for times when you might not be able to communicate them.
You have the right to:
In most places, involuntary treatment is only legal when:
Your rights during involuntary treatment:
If you've been treated involuntarily:
Many people with psychiatric disabilities critique:
Organizations like MindFreedom International, National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery, and others advocate for alternatives to coercive psychiatry.
Living with disability in an ableist world affects mental health:
Unfortunately, many mental health providers:
Look for providers who:
If you have multiple conditions:
People of color experience:
Finding support: Culturally specific mental health services, BIPOC therapist directories, community-based support
LGBTQ+ people experience:
Finding support: LGBTQ+ competent therapists, LGBTQ+ centers, specific resources like The Trevor Project
Low-income people face:
Many people have trauma histories:
Look into community mental health centers (income-based fees), university training clinics, sliding scale providers, online platforms with reduced rates, and support groups (free). Some therapists offer reduced rates if you ask.
This is common and valid. Consider peer support, finding providers recommended by others with lived experience, looking for trauma-informed providers, and being clear about what didn't work before.
You may qualify for accommodations (see Workplace Accommodations page) or disability benefits if unable to work. Mental health conditions are disabilities under the law.
This is your choice. Don't stop suddenly—work with a provider on tapering. Some people do well without medication; others need it long-term. There's no shame either way.
You can't force someone into treatment (except in very limited legal circumstances). Focus on connection, offer resources, reduce judgment. Crisis lines can also support people concerned about others.
Do you have lived experience with mental health conditions? Have resources or perspectives to share?
Share your knowledge: Contribution Form
We especially welcome:
This page centers the expertise of people with lived experience of mental health conditions. Your mental health matters, and you deserve support that respects your autonomy and dignity.
Last updated: November 2025