Mental Health Awareness Month
You Don't Have to Go Through it Alone
Mental health challenges are more common than many people realize—and support is more accessible than you might think. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, family concerns or something harder to name, resources exist to help.
Start with Your EAP
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential benefit available through your employer. EAPs offer short-term counseling, assessments, referrals and follow-up services for a wide range of personal and work-related concerns. Contact your HR department or benefits materials to learn how to access your EAP.
Additional Resources
If you need support beyond your EAP—or want to explore options for someone you care about—these national resources are available:
+ SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
+ 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
+ FindTreatment.gov: Search for local treatment options
+ Find a Support Group: Visit samhsa.gov/find-support/health-care-or-support/support-group-or-local-program
For young adults navigating substance use or mental health challenges, SAMHSA's RecoverMe campaign offers resources tailored to that stage of life at samhsa.gov/substance-use/recovery/recoverme.
Sources: opm.gov, samhsa.gov
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, consult a medical professional.
Choosing a Mental Health Provider
Selecting a mental health provider can feel like a big decision. Here are a few things to consider.
Your Concern or Condition
Many mental health providers treat a range of issues, but you may need a specialized focus, especially with conditions like marriage or family issues, addiction, LGBTQIA+ issues or eating disorders. The more severe your condition is, the more you should consider area of expertise or specialty.
Do You Need Medicine, Therapy or Both?
You may need to see more than one mental health provider. For example, you may need to see a psychiatrist to manage your medication and another provider for therapy.1
Examples of Questions to Ask
Here are some guiding questions to see if you can envision building a rapport.2
+ What experience do you have with concerns like mine?
+ How will we establish goals and evaluate progress?
+ How often should we meet?
+ Can I email between appointments?
+ What insurance do you accept?
Types of Mental Health Professionals3
Psychiatrist | Licensed medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medication and provide therapy
Counselor, Therapist | Masters-level healthcare professionals trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs
+ LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor
+ LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
+ LMFT: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Primary Care Physician | PCPs and pediatricians can prescribe medication, but consider a provider who specializes in mental healthcare
3https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/types-of-mental-health-professionals/
This content is for informational purposes only. Contact your physician and/or insurance provider for information specific to you and your benefits.
The hidden costs of in-service withdrawals
In-service withdrawals allow you to take money from your retirement account while you’re still working. The ability to access funds early might feel like a convenient solution, especially during financial stress or when facing high-interest debt. While this option can offer short-term relief, it often comes with long-term consequences.
Before taking a withdrawal, consider:
+ Tax Consequences – Withdrawals are typically taxed as ordinary income. If you're under age 59½, you may also face a 10% early withdrawal penalty, making the amount you receive significantly less than expected.
+ Less Money for Retirement – Every dollar withdrawn today is a dollar that misses out on potential growth. Even small early withdrawals can create a noticeable gap in your future savings, especially with the loss of compounding.
+ Potential for Future Financial Strain – While it may feel like a quick fix, dipping into retirement savings can delay your goals and add stress later. Once the habit starts, it may become harder to prioritize long-term planning over short-term needs.
Think carefully before taking money from your retirement account. A financial advisor can help you explore options like budgeting adjustments, refinancing or debt restructuring that protect your long-term savings goals.
This material is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. MJ Retirement does not endorse or recommend any products, services, or entities mentioned or cited. Consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.
