How to turn mental health awareness into action

Therapists are the bridge between mental health awareness and action. You’re on the front lines of the mental health movement. You see firsthand the need for support, you offer the tools for healing, and you champion awareness. But many of the problems you and your clients face are systemic and can’t be solved by therapy alone.  

So how can you build on the foundation you created through your practice? How can you expand your efforts and deepen your impact? This guide offers strategies to move beyond individual therapy to create wider-reaching change.  

Protect the protector (that’s you) 

Turning awareness into action begins with your own well-being. Mental health work is demanding, both emotionally and mentally. If you’re burned out, you can’t show up fully for your clients. Take a moment to ask: Am I prioritizing my own well-being? 

To prioritize your well-being, consider the following steps: 

• Schedule time for yourself – it’s essential for your well-being and your ability to support your clients. Block 15 minutes between sessions and use that time for yourself. 

• Rotate high-intensity cases with lighter ones when scheduling allows. This can help you manage your workload and reduce burnout. 

• Find supervision that focuses not just on case dynamics but on how the work lands in your body. This can help you process your emotions and develop coping strategies. 

• Set clear boundaries and block off time daily to disconnect from work. This might mean turning off your phone or computer after a certain time or taking a walk outside during your lunch break. 

• Learn to say no by triaging requests. If a client needs crisis support but your schedule is full, connect them to a trusted colleague or hotline. 

Prioritizing your own self-care is essential for showing up fully for your clients. Give yourself the same kindness and compassion that you would offer to a client. If a client came to you with your problems, how would you help them? You deserve the same level of support. 

For more tips on taking care of your own mental health, check out Mental Health America’s webinar, “Take action for yourself: Creating lasting change for your mental health.” 

Turn data into decisions

Awareness starts with statistics—action starts when you apply them. Measuring your impact ensures intent turns into results. Here are some ways to turn data into decisions: 

• Track your own outcome data. Pick two measures and review them each quarter. 

• Spot the gaps. Are certain age groups or identities less likely to improve or return? Adjust your approach or referrals. 

• Share what you find with peers. A five-minute rundown at the next peer-consult group can spark collective problem-solving. 

Quick win: Schedule a recurring calendar time to review outcomes monthly while you sip your favorite drink. Consistency beats complexity. Celebrate gains. Adjust when they stall. 

Engage the community

Awareness is just the first step; community engagement is where real change happens. You can play a pivotal role in this by organizing or participating in community mental health initiatives.  

Engaging the community not only helps to disseminate vital information but also breaks down stigmas associated with mental health. When community members see therapists actively involved in their well-being, it fosters trust and encourages more people to seek help when needed. Here are some ways to engage the community: 

• Partner with schools, workplaces, or community centers to host mental health discussions, participate in local health fairs, or collaborate with schools to provide mental health education and resources. 

• Volunteer for crisis hotlines or support groups to reach people who might not otherwise seek help. 

• Use your platform to amplify marginalized voices. Share stories (anonymized and with permission) from diverse communities to highlight the varied experiences of mental health. 

• Connect with primary care providers to embed mental health checks into routine visits. 

You’re a part of a larger network that can create change. 

Use technology 

Technology offers numerous tools to enhance mental health care. Teletherapy, for example, has become an essential service, especially in reaching clients who may have difficulty accessing in-person care due to location, mobility, or other constraints. 

Additionally, there are numerous apps and online resources that can supplement traditional therapy. These tools can help clients track their mood, practice mindfulness, or even engage in virtual support groups. By recommending and integrating these technologies into your practice, you provide your clients with additional resources to support their mental health journey. Just be sure to vet them to make sure they work for your practice and your clients. 

Stay Informed, share knowledge 

Mental health is complex, and the field is always evolving. Use your expertise to stay ahead of the curve. 

• Attend workshops or webinars on emerging trends, cultural competency, or new therapeutic approaches. 

• Share what you learn with colleagues or through social media. A short post about a recent article or tool can spark conversations. Don’t forget to include clients in some of this! When you shift methods (say, adopt ACT for chronic pain), tell clients why. Transparency strengthens trust and normalizes growth. 

• Offer free resources to your community, like guides on stress management or tips for building resilience. 

Knowledge isn’t just for clients—it’s a tool to deepen your practice and expand your impact. 

Advocate for policy change 

Systemic barriers often prevent people from accessing care. You have the power to challenge these obstacles. As a mental health professional, you have a unique perspective that can influence policy changes at local, state, and national levels. Here are some things you can do: 

• Contact: Call or email your representative about mental health funding or policy changes. 

• Track: Track one bill that affects mental-health coverage or licensure in your state. 

• Speak out: Speak out against stigma in your professional circles or public spaces. A simple statement can shift perspectives. 

• Support: Support organizations that provide care to underserved populations. Your time, money, or advocacy matters. 

• Share: Post a short explainer (think 200 words) on your website or newsletter outlining what’s at stake. Your clients may contact officials, too. 

Make your space safe 

Posters saying “We welcome everyone” matter—but so do the details that prove it. Pair them with concrete moves that prove safety is more than décor. Creating a collaborative environment where clients feel heard and understood can significantly enhance treatment outcomes. This involves active listening, validating your clients’ experiences, and involving them in the decision-making process regarding their treatment plans. 

• Offer an intro packet in multiple languages—or at least a one-page welcome sheet that explains confidentiality and fees. 

• Ask every new client for pronouns and access needs on their intake form (and train staff to follow through). 

• Replace overhead fluorescent lights with warmer bulbs or provide a lamp option. Subtle changes lower stress levels before sessions begin. 

• Audit your bookshelf and handouts. If they don’t reflect the cultures, bodies, and family structures you serve, update them. 

• Offer a quiet waiting spot for those who need lower stimulation. Even a corner chair with noise-reducing headphones helps. 

• Meet people where they are. Consider offering evening or weekend slots for clients with rigid work schedules, or start a text-based support group for teens who can’t leave home. 

What’s one step I can take today? 

You don’t need to do everything at once. Pick one or two steps that resonate with you and start there. Maybe it’s adding a crisis resource to your intake packet, partnering with a local food bank, or scheduling a lunch with a pediatrician to discuss youth mental health. 

Because awareness isn’t a finish line—it’s the starting point. Even the smallest steps ripple outward and can change lives.