Getting Help for a Mental Illness in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Mental health support is available across Grand Rapids and West Michigan 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or another mental health concern, you are not alone and help is available.

Grand Rapids residents can access care through major local health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health, as well as community clinics and local nonprofits.

Emergency Mental Health Help in Grand Rapids

If you are in immediate danger, have seriously harmed yourself, or are worried you might act on suicidal thoughts:

  • Call 911 right away
  • You can also go to the nearest emergency department, including:
    • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital (downtown Grand Rapids)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
    • University of Michigan Health–West Hospital (Wyoming, MI)

If you are on a mobile phone and cannot connect to 911, 112 may also connect you to emergency services.

24/7 Crisis Lines and Mental Health Helplines

Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can make a difficult situation feel more manageable. Confidential helplines are available anytime, day or night.

National and Michigan Mental Health Crisis Resources

These services provide free, confidential support, crisis counseling, and referrals:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    • Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org
    • 24/7 support for suicidal thoughts, self-harm, emotional distress, or mental health crises

  • Crisis Text Line

    • Text HOME to 741741
    • 24/7 text-based support with a trained crisis counselor

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (via 988)

    • Support for people in crisis and for family or friends worried about someone else

  • Kent County Community Mental Health (Network180)

    • 24/7 Access Center: (616) 336-3909 or (800) 749-7720
    • Crisis screening, referrals, and support for residents of Kent County

  • United Way 2-1-1 (West Michigan)

    • Dial 2-1-1
    • Connects you with local mental health providers, support groups, housing, food, and other resources

These helplines are particularly helpful if you:

  • Feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed
  • Are worried you might hurt yourself
  • Are concerned about a friend or family member
  • Need information about local mental health services in Grand Rapids

Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm: Getting Support in Grand Rapids

If you are having suicidal thoughts, it is important to talk to someone right away.

If You or Someone You Know Has Attempted Suicide

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Stay with the person (or stay on the phone) until help arrives
  • If it is safe to do so, go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids or your nearest hospital

Understanding Self-Harm

Self-harm is when a person deliberately injures themselves to cope with intense feelings such as anger, despair, anxiety, or self-hatred. This may include cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury.

If you or someone you know has self-harmed and needs non-urgent medical attention:

  • Contact your primary care doctor
  • Visit a local urgent care or emergency department in Grand Rapids
  • Ask for a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor

If you feel uncomfortable talking to your doctor, you can:

  • Call 988 or the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741)
  • Call Network180 at (616) 336-3909 for Kent County crisis services

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of self-harm:

  • Call 911
  • If you are on a mobile phone and cannot reach 911, 112 may connect you to emergency services

Help for Children and Teenagers in Grand Rapids

Growing up in Grand Rapids can be challenging, especially with pressures from school, social media, family stress, and Michigan’s long, dark winters that can affect mood and energy. If you are a child or teenager going through a difficult time:

  • Talk to a parent, guardian, or trusted adult
  • Reach out to a school counselor, school social worker, or school psychologist
  • Schedule an appointment with your family doctor or pediatrician

Your conversations with these professionals are private, and they can connect you with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or youth counselor if needed.

Youth & Young Adult Mental Health Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – for any age, including teens
  • Crisis Text Line – text HOME to 741741
  • Local school-based mental health programs – many Grand Rapids Public Schools and surrounding districts partner with mental health providers
  • Network180 Youth Services – evaluation, crisis support, and referrals for children and adolescents in Kent County

These services can support young people experiencing:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Bullying or cyberbullying
  • Family conflict or relationship issues
  • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
  • Eating disorders or body image concerns

Mental Health Care in Rural and Regional West Michigan

Many people who live outside Grand Rapids—in rural Kent County or nearby counties like Ottawa, Ionia, Newaygo, or Montcalm—may face additional challenges, including:

  • Fewer local mental health providers
  • Transportation barriers and longer travel times
  • Social isolation and fewer in-person support groups

Even if you live outside the city, there are still many ways to get mental health support:

  • Telehealth (online video or phone appointments) with psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors
  • Primary care clinics that provide mental health screening and treatment
  • County community mental health agencies (like Network180 for Kent County)
  • Telephone helplines such as 988 and Crisis Text Line
  • Online mental health support websites and apps

Your local doctor is often the best first step. They can:

  • Assess your symptoms
  • Provide initial treatment
  • Refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist
  • Help coordinate telehealth if you live far from Grand Rapids

Mental Health and Aging in Grand Rapids

Many older adults in Grand Rapids and West Michigan experience mental health concerns, especially as they cope with:

  • Grief and loss
  • Social isolation
  • Chronic illness
  • Cognitive changes such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

Local hospitals and clinics, including Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Mercy Health, offer geriatric and memory care services. These can help with:

  • Dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnosis and management
  • Depression and anxiety in older adults
  • Support for caregivers and family members

If you are caring for an older adult with mental illness or dementia:

  • Talk to their primary care provider about mental health support
  • Ask about caregiver support groups in Grand Rapids
  • Contact Kent County Health Department or Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan for local resources

Mental Health and Grand Rapids’ Diverse Communities

Grand Rapids and the broader Michigan population are increasingly diverse, with residents from many cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. Migrants, refugees, and international students may face unique mental health challenges, including:

  • Trauma from war, violence, or displacement
  • Culture shock and adjustment stress
  • Language barriers
  • Discrimination or social isolation

Culturally Sensitive Mental Health Care

In Michigan, you have the right to:

  • Be treated with respect and cultural sensitivity
  • Receive information in a language you understand
  • Request a professional interpreter at no cost when using public health and mental health services

When sensitive issues are being discussed, a trained interpreter is usually more effective than asking a family member or friend to interpret.

Resources for immigrants and refugees in West Michigan may include:

  • Local community health centers in Grand Rapids
  • Refugee resettlement agencies and community organizations
  • Network180 and other county mental health services with interpreter access

If you are a refugee or immigrant in Grand Rapids and struggling with sleep problems, recurring memories, anger, fear, guilt, depression, or anxiety, talk to:

  • Your doctor or clinic
  • A counselor or therapist familiar with trauma and cross-cultural care
  • A faith leader you trust, who can also help connect you to professional services

Seasonal and Local Mental Health Considerations in Grand Rapids

Living in West Michigan means experiencing:

  • Long, cold winters with limited sunlight
  • Shorter days that can affect mood and energy (Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD)
  • Weather-related isolation during snowstorms or icy conditions

These factors can increase the risk of:

  • Depression
  • Low energy and motivation
  • Sleep disturbances

To protect your mental health during Michigan winters:

  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule
  • Try to get daylight exposure when possible
  • Stay connected with friends, family, or community groups
  • Ask your doctor about light therapy or other treatments if you notice seasonal mood changes

How to Start: Getting Mental Health Help in Grand Rapids

If you’re unsure where to begin, these are good first steps:

  1. Talk to your primary care doctor

    • Available through Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and local clinics
    • They can screen for mental health conditions and refer you to specialists

  2. Use 988 or Network180 for crisis or urgent concerns

    • 988 for immediate emotional support
    • Network180 for local assessment and referrals in Kent County

  3. Explore local counseling and therapy options

    • Private practices in Grand Rapids
    • Community mental health centers
    • Faith-based or nonprofit counseling services

  4. Use telehealth if transportation is a barrier

    • Many Grand Rapids providers offer online video sessions

Key Mental Health Issues These Services Can Help With

Support is available for a wide range of mental health conditions and concerns, including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety and panic disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance use and addiction
  • Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Bullying and cyberbullying
  • Grief and loss

Translation and Interpreter Services

If English is not your first language, you can still access mental health care in Grand Rapids:

  • Ask your doctor, clinic, or hospital for a professional interpreter
  • Many services in Michigan use the Translating and Interpreting Service or similar language services
  • Interpreters are available in many languages and are provided at no cost when using public health and mental health services

Remember: You Are Not Alone

Mental illness is common and treatable. Many people in Grand Rapids and across Michigan live well with mental health conditions when they receive the right support.

If you are struggling:

  • Reach out to 988, Network180, or your doctor
  • Talk to someone you trust
  • Take the first step today—help is available in Grand Rapids, 24/7.