Find Free and Affordable Mental Health Resources in Rochester, NY!

In today's world, where stress and burnout levels are on the rise and anxiety disorders are increasingly common, having access to diverse support options can be useful for individuals navigating their mental health journey. 

In therapy, we delve into the underlying causes of anxiety or burnout, considering factors such as genetics, environment, and thought patterns. By understanding your unique history and circumstances, we can tailor treatment plans to meet your specific needs. Therapy isn't just about talking; it often involves implementing behavioral changes that can significantly enhance your overall quality of life, which may include community activities.

Recognizing the importance of addressing varied needs and financial situations, I've gathered resources at different price points, including free options, to support you at any stage of your healing journey. Whether you're actively engaged in therapy, exploring self-help techniques, considering therapy, or focusing on maintaining your well-being post-treatment, the following activities can benefit everyone. These resources are organized into three categories: psychological, physical, and social supports.

Psychological Supports

Psychological support are crucial for the recovery process, and they come in many forms outside of therapy. Here are some options, here in Rochester, to join a support group, have someone lend an ear, or gain targeted support for a problem you may be facing.

NAMI Rochester Suicide Bereavement Group: support group that meets twice a month via zoom.

NAMI Rochester Coping Skills Groups for Families: 8-week class is for families who are looking for coping skills.

NAMI Rochester Support for Families: confidential support group for families of people with a mental illness.

NAMI Rochester Mental Health Education for Family and Friends: 8-session educational program for family members, significant others and friends of people who live with mental health conditions.

Affinity Place Warmline: a peer mentor crisis line available 24/7 if you are in need of someone who understands. Just call 585-563-7470.

Rochester Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Many meetings are available. Call for more information 585-232-6720.

Al-Anon Rochester Meetings: include in-person, hybrid, and online. Call for more information 585-288-0540.

Rochester Narcotics Anonymous (NA): click Find a Meeting to locate a number of meeting places/time slots in Rochester and the surrounding areas or call 585-235-7889.

Creative Wellness Opportunities (CWO): offers workshops and support groups led by peers in recovery, tailored for individuals on their mental health journeys. Sessions feature creative arts workshops, meditation, stretching, guitar, and mutual support groups. Call (585) 325-3145 for more information.

Keeping Physically Active and Engaged

Maintaining a physically engaged lifestyle is a key part of caring for both our bodies and minds. Engaging in exercise or recreational activities not only enhances mood but also provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests, giving you an additional boost.

Recreation and Community Centers

Ice Skating Rinks

Indoor/Outdoor Swimming Pools 

Rochester YMCA

Rochester Sports Garden

Central Rock Gym

RocVentures Indoor Climbing Center

Biking Trails in Rochester

Kayaking, Paddling, and Canoeing

Yoga with Adriane on YouTube

Adaptive Programs

The following programs are designed for students of all abilities and provide opportunities to explore a wide array of adaptive sports and inclusive recreation.

Martial Arts: Strike Back Martial Arts

EquiCenter Therapeutic Riding

SportsNet

Never Say Never Horseback Riding

Adaptive Ice Skating: Gliding Stars of Rochester

Social Supports

Giving Back

Contributing to others can be a great method to boost self-efficacy and self-confidence, particularly if you are dealing with stress, anxiety and/or depression. Explore some volunteer opportunities in the Rochester area to get involved:

St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center: offers medical and mental health care for individuals without adequate insurance coverage.

House of Mercy: serves Rochester's people in need every day, providing food, shelter, clothing, health services, spiritual support, advocacy,

City of Rochester Volunteering: opportunities include the Day of Caring, the Flower City Looking Good Gardening Program, and the Youth Services Volunteer Internship Program, and PAC-TAC (Police and Citizens Together Against Crime).

Rochester LGBTQ+: a grassroots community organization to provide education, support groups, and referrals.

Lollypop Farm: opportunities to help homeless and abused pets.

Foodlink: help to build healthier communities and end hunger through a range of opportunities from sorting donated food to assisting Curbside Market customers and maintaining the Foodlink Community Farm.

Creating with Others

Connecting with other and spending time with likeminded people can help improve mood and bolster your well-being. Here is a list of activities that can help get your creative juices flowing while building relationships with others.

Color Me Mine (Paint Pottery)

Wizard of Clay

Studio 34 Creative Arts

Memorial Art Gallery- Creative Workshops

Flower City Arts Classes

BIPOC Youth Art Classes at Flower City Arts

Hochstein School of Music and Arts

Groove Juice Swing Dancing

Building a New Hobby

Enrolling in classes is a great way to meeting new people, building connections, acquiring new skills and knowledge that can help take us out of our typical thought patterns. Initiating a new hobby also equips us with an additional coping skill to navigate challenging times.

Antique Wireless Museum

Military Historical Society

Rochester Museum & Science Center

The Strong National Museum of Play

TechAge Computer Classes   

Rochester Brainery 

Rochester Fencing Club

Rochester Archery Club

Aerial Arts of Rochester

Spending Time with Animals

One way to get out of the house and take a break from your stressors is to spend time connecting with animals. Here are some options in the Rochester area.

Lollypop Farm

Cat Cafe

Springdale Farm

Equicenter

References

A shout out to Genesee Valley Psychology who compelled an extensive list of local resources: https://gviproc.org

Jokinen, R.R., & Hartshorne, T.S. (2022). Anxiety Disorders: A Biopsychosocial Model and an Adlerian Approach for Conceptualization and Treatment. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 78(2), 155-174. https://doi.org/10.1353/jip.2022.0022.

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