Navigating the mental health system can be overwhelming, especially during times of crisis or when you’re not feeling your best. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of mental health resources available throughout Florida, organized by type of service and need. Bookmark this page for easy reference when you or a loved one needs support.
Crisis Services
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Available 24/7 via call or text to 988
- Connects to local crisis centers when possible
- Provides immediate support for suicidal thoughts, substance use crisis, emotional distress
- No eligibility requirements
Mobile Response Teams (MRTs)
- Available in all Florida counties
- Provide in-person crisis intervention at homes, schools, or community locations
- Accessed through local numbers or by calling 211
- No cost for initial assessment; ongoing services may have fees
- No insurance or residency requirements for initial response
Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs)
- Short-term residential facilities for acute mental health crisis
- Located in most Florida counties
- Average stay: 3-5 days
- Access: Through emergency rooms, mobile crisis teams, or direct admission
- Most accept Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance; many offer sliding scale fees
- Contact your county behavioral health authority for locations
State and County Mental Health Organizations
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
- Oversees public mental health system
- Provides information on state-funded services
- Manages substance abuse and mental health (SAMH) regional offices
Each entity maintains a resource directory with local providers accepting public funding.
County Health Departments
- Offer mental health screenings and referrals
- Some provide direct mental health services
- Find your local department: floridahealth.gov/all-county-locations.html
Insurance and Financing Options
Florida Medicaid
- Expanded mental health benefits in recent years
- Covers therapy, psychiatry, crisis services, some residential treatment
- Apply through ACCESS Florida: myflorida.com/accessflorida/
- Medicaid plans are managed by different MCOs; each has different provider networks
Florida KidCare
- Insurance program for children from birth through age 18
- Includes mental health benefits
- Monthly premiums based on family income
- Apply at floridakidcare.org
Hospital Charity Care
- Florida hospitals receiving tax benefits must provide charity care
- Mental health services often included
- Eligibility typically based on income, often up to 200-400% of federal poverty level
- Apply through hospital financial services departments
Community Health Centers
- Federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) throughout Florida
- Offer mental health services on sliding fee scale
- Find locations: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
Specialized Resources for Specific Populations
Veterans
- VA Medical Centers with mental health services in:
- Bay Pines, Gainesville, Lake City, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach
- VA Outpatient Clinics in many smaller communities
- Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1
- Non-VA option: Cohen Veterans Network clinic in Tampa
Older Adults
- Florida Department of Elder Affairs mental health programs
- PEARLS Program (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives)
- Geriatric mental health specialists at Senior Connection Centers
- Memory Disorder Clinics for dementia and cognitive concerns
Telehealth and Digital Options
Florida-Based Telehealth Providers
- Many Florida community mental health centers now offer telehealth
- Florida Medicaid and most private insurers cover telehealth services
Navigating Levels of Care
Mental health treatment occurs across a spectrum of intensity. Here’s how to determine the appropriate level:
- For stable individuals managing symptoms while living independently
- Typically 1-3 hours of treatment per week
- Access through self-referral or primary care referral
- Most communities have multiple providers
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
- For those needing more support than weekly therapy
- Typically 9-12 hours of treatment weekly
- Usually requires insurance authorization or assessment
- Available in most Florida metro areas
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
- For those requiring daily intervention without 24-hour supervision
- Typically 20+ hours of treatment weekly
- Usually requires assessment and insurance authorization
- Available in larger Florida cities
- For those needing 24-hour structured environment
- Length varies from weeks to months
- Requires clinical assessment and recommendation
- Often requires insurance pre-authorization
- Limited availability; may involve waitlists
- For acute crisis, safety concerns, severe symptom destabilization
- Typical stay: 3-10 days
- Access through emergency rooms or direct admission with doctor referral
- Available in most regions
Destination Hope in Florida’s Mental Health Landscape
Destination Hope is proud to be part of Florida’s mental health resource network, offering specialized treatment for mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders. Our programs include:
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Residential treatment programs
- Partial hospitalization options
- Intensive outpatient services
- Specialized dual diagnosis treatment
- Family support programs
- Aftercare planning and coordination
As an in-network provider with many insurance plans and a participant in various assistance programs, we’re committed to making quality mental health care accessible.
Getting Personalized Guidance
Navigating mental health resources can be challenging, especially during difficult times. Destination Hope’s case management team specializes in helping individuals and families find the most appropriate resources for their specific situation. We can help you understand:
- Which level of care might be most appropriate
- How to verify insurance benefits for mental health services
- Available financial assistance options
- How to coordinate between different providers and services
- Community resources that complement formal treatment
Contact our case management team for a confidential consultation that can help you access the right resources for your journey toward better mental health.
