Between work, pets, parenting and all the behind-the-scenes household management, it’s hard to find time for myself. Like a lot of parents, I’ve gotten used to putting my own needs on pause.
But when I learned that Oakland Community Health Network offered free access to the Teladoc Health app, I saw an opportunity to check in with my mental health — on my own time and terms.
I downloaded the Teladoc Health app from my phone’s app store and used the code OAKLANDCHN to unlock the mental health resources at no cost.
Getting started with free online mental health support
I’ll admit, the tech didn’t work right away. But after a quick call to Teladoc’s tech support, I was pleasantly surprised. I spoke with a live, knowledgeable person who quickly walked me through the setup.
- Parent-to-parent advice: Don’t give up if you hit a glitch. The support team is helpful, and once you’re logged in, you’ll have access to a library of self-guided mental health support programs.
Week-by-week with Teladoc Health
Week 1: I logged in… then ignored it
My first session prompted a few questions about my emotional health. Based on my responses, the app suggested a program called “Moving Through Grief.” I had recently lost my mom, so this felt incredibly relevant.
After that, though? I didn’t use the app again. The push notifications popped up, but I was either working or too exhausted to follow through.
Would this app, like so many others, fade into the background?
Week 2: Making it work for me
The shift came when I realized I could access Teladoc Health from my desktop computer. That small change — opening the platform in a browser tab — made all the difference.
Now, instead of reaching for my phone, I could tap into a breathing exercise or meditation during a quick work break.
This was my first real use of the app’s self-guided mental health support, and it worked. I felt calmer and more in control.
Week 3: Tools I keep coming back to
By the third week, I’d built a habit. A few minutes a day made a noticeable difference in my mindset, especially when things are chaotic at work or at home.
Here are the tools I’ve returned to again and again:
- Flip the Switch: A 3-minute meditation for moments when everything feels overwhelming
- Log Your Sleep: A personalized program to track rest and improve sleep hygiene
- 1-Minute Meditation: A quick re-centering exercise when I need to reset
- Connect: A tool that helps assess whether I might benefit from therapy or more personalized care
Other programs worth exploring
The app offers a broad range of free online mental health support programs. Some I’ve browsed and bookmarked for later include:
- Navigating Life: Resources for parenting, teen mental health, pregnancy, LGBTQ+ identity, caregiving, divorce, and more
- Building Resilience: Tools to manage stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, and intense emotions
- Treatment Approaches: Introductory guides to therapy methods like CBT, DBT, and medication-assisted recovery
What I learned — and what I recommend
Apps like Headspace or Calm charge $70 or more per year — even more for families. Teladoc Health, thanks to Oakland Community Health Network, is completely free.
Whether you’re grieving, overwhelmed or just need a quiet place to reflect, this app offers accessible, self-guided mental health support on your schedule.
My advice? If you’re a parent juggling a full plate, this could be one of the simplest ways to prioritize your mental health — without spending a dime.
For non-emergency access to intellectual or developmental disabilities, behavioral health, or substance use disorder services, call (248) 464-6363. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
This content is sponsored by Oakland Community Health Network.
OCHN manages and funds a service provider network for approximately 30,000 Oakland County residents at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN’s provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.
OCHN’s goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and support that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a “Valuable System for Valued People.”
Programs and supports provided by OCHN’s service network are available at oaklandchn.org.
