Practical help before, during, and around care.
What the first call covers, how video visits work, and what you can do when the person who needs help isn't you.
Preparing
Before you contact or visit
The first call is practical: who you are, how to reach you, which insurance you have, and when a first visit could happen. Nobody will ask you to explain everything on the phone.
Bring to a first visit
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A list of current medications and doses
- Names of other clinicians you'd like involved, if any
Privacy
What you share in a visit stays between you and the practice unless you sign a release naming who else may be involved. See the Privacy Policy.
Virtual visits
Seeing the practice by video
Visits happen through healow TeleVisits, a secure video service, and are suited to routine visits and ongoing care. A phone, tablet, or computer with a camera is all you need.
- The practice sends a visit link ahead of time
- Find a private spot with a steady connection
- Open the link a few minutes early and allow camera and microphone
Supporting someone
When the person who needs help isn't you
You can call or send a request on someone's behalf, and the practice can explain how care works and what a first visit involves. The appointment itself is theirs to agree to.
Once they're a patient, you can be part of their care (updates, joint conversations, help with the plan) if they sign a release that names you. Without it, the practice can listen to what you share but can't share back.
More support
Support beyond the practice
Anxiety, mood, and thinking
I am struggling with anxiety
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America runs free, anonymous online peer communities and lists local support groups by state.
adaa.org (external site)I am struggling with depression or bipolar disorder
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance helps you find a local or online group.
dbsalliance.org (external site)I am struggling with postpartum depression
Postpartum Progress lists support groups in nearly every state and runs an online forum.
postpartumprogress.com (external site)I am struggling with schizophrenia
The Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance facilitates groups nationwide, including phone groups (855-640-8271, pass code 88286491#, 7 p.m. ET Sun/Thu/Fri).
sczaction.org (external site)I have obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors
The International OCD Foundation lists more than 200 support groups for people with OCD and their families.
iocdf.org (external site)
Trauma, grief, and safety
I am grieving someone who died by suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention lists groups for survivors of suicide loss.
afsp.org (external site)I am a survivor of rape, sexual assault, or incest
After Silence is a message board and chat room for survivors of sexual violence.
aftersilence.org (external site)I am a veteran who is injured or has PTSD
The VA Combat Call Center (877-927-8387) is staffed around the clock by fellow combat veterans and their spouses; the Vet Center program directs you to group and private counseling nearby.
vetcenter.va.gov (external site)I am self-harming
DailyStrength hosts a forum where people dealing with self-injury find encouragement and new ways to cope.
dailystrength.org (external site)
Addiction and eating
I am the adult child of an alcoholic
Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization runs local groups plus phone and online sessions.
adultchildren.org (external site)I am battling anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, or food addiction
Eating Disorder Hope catalogs online support groups and offers advice for people close to someone with an eating disorder.
eatingdisorderhope.com (external site)I am battling sex addiction
Sex Addicts Anonymous offers a network of local, online, and phone meetings.
saa-recovery.org (external site)
Related articles
From OWN Your Health. External reading, not medical advice
- Mental healthThese simple activities can treat depression as effectively as therapy, study says (external site)
- Mental healthAPA: How to take action during times of uncertainty (external site)
- Mental healthThe Loveland Foundation: Making an impact (external site)
- Maternal healthMaternal mental health conditions drive climbing death rate in US, research says (external site)
- Fitness & nutritionBlack women start a walking movement to battle the obesity epidemic (external site)
More free mental health resources at OWNYourHealth.tv (external site)
Crisis support
If you need help right now
Appointment requests sent through this site are not monitored as crisis messages.

