US Mental Health Hotlines
Free mental health resources are available in the US. When struggling with mental health challenges, it is common to feel alone due to the stigma surrounding mental health. However, many organizations provide free resources and services that can be taken advantage of. This article lists a small number of available resources to help those seeking mental health support.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a national helpline available 24/7, 365 days a year. They can provide information about substance use disorders and mental health and refer individuals to professionals for treatment. Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Phone: 1-800-662-4357
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides support or crisis counseling for emotional distress due to human-caused or natural disasters.
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline Phone: 1-800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line provides help for all veterans dealing with mental health challenges, including P.T.S.D. They offer options for calls, online chats, and text messaging.
Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
Phone: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
Text: 838255
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides support for anyone in distress or crisis, as well as resources and local counseling center connections.
Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Phone: 1-800-273-8255
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention funds scientific research and raises awareness about suicide struggles. They offer resources for support groups, professionals, and individuals struggling with suicidal thinking.
Website: https://afsp.org
Phone: 1-888-333-2377
Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is a free hotline that offers counselors 24/7 to help those in crisis. Texting is an alternative for individuals who prefer not to talk on the phone.
Text: CONNECT to 741741
Suicide is Different
Suicide is Different provides support and resources for individuals worried about someone in their life having thoughts of suicide. They prepare caregivers for conversations and provide tools to help them balance life.
Website: https://www.suicideisdifferent.org/
Compassionate Friends
Compassionate Friends offers help for grieving family members after the death of a child. They provide support through local chapters and online communities, offer a wealth of knowledge, and customize a Bereavement Packet.
Website: https://www.compassionatefriends.org
Phone: 1-630-990-0010
Opioid Treatment Program Directory
SAMHSA provides an online search for an opioid addiction treatment program in your state.
Website: https://dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/
Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator
This site is for individuals who have recently experienced symptoms of serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It allows you to search for where you can receive treatment.
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/esmi-treatment-locator
OK2TALK
OK2TALK is a community for young adults and teens to find a safe place to talk about mental health and provides resources for those struggling.
Website: https://www.nami.org/ok2talk
MentalHealth.gov
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health challenges, MentalHealth.gov offers a wealth of information and resources. The website provides tips for talking about mental health, information on what to look for, and guidance on how and where to get help.
Website: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/
Mental Health Screening Tools
Mental Health America has developed free online mental health screening tools that can help you determine if what you are experiencing aligns with typical symptoms of a mental health diagnosis. This can assist you in deciding what your next steps should be in seeking treatment. Screenings are available for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, eating disorders, P.T.S.D., work health, and addiction, as well as a parent test and youth test. If you are unsure which test to take, they offer a guide to help you choose.
Website: https://screening.mentalhealthamerica.net/screening-tools
In addition to the screening tools, Mental Health America’s website provides resources for individuals dealing with mental health challenges and their loved ones.
Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder (TARA)
TARA provides access to research-based information and resources to help individuals cope with Borderline Personality Disorder and connects them with local resources for treatment and support.
Website: www.tara4bpd.org
Phone: 1-888-482-7227
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is dedicated to improving the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges. With more than 500 local affiliates, NAMI works to raise awareness and offer support.
If you or a loved one is in crisis, you can contact the organization to be connected with a local affiliate in your area.
Website: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support
Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI Text: 741741
L.G.B.T. National Hotline
The L.G.B.T. National Help Center assists individuals in the L.G.B.T.Q. community who are struggling with various aspects of life. They offer three hotlines and one-on-one private chats online to help with issues such as coming out, safer sex, school bullying, relationship problems, and family concerns. They also provide online chat rooms for youth and teens to help them find a community of acceptance.
Website: https://www.glbthotline.org
Phone: 1-888-843-4564 LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
LGBT National Senior Talkline: 1-888-234-7243 Email: [email protected]
Teen Line
The Teen Line provides teen-to-teen support for struggling teenagers who want to talk to someone who understands what they’re going through. They also offer resources, information, and message boards.
Phone: 1-800-852-8336 Text the word TEEN to 839863
National Council for Behavioral Health
The National Council for Behavioral Health offers an education program called Mental Health First Aid, which helps communities understand mental illness, support timely intervention, and save lives. You can sign up to take courses in your area or even learn how to become certified to teach the course within your community.
The organization aims to create mentally healthy communities by helping people get the help they need. They also advocate on Capitol Hill to improve access to mental health resources.
Website: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org
Tips for reaching out to a helpline through a call or text message:
You Control the Conversation – When speaking with a mental health helpline, remember that you control the conversation. You can choose what information you feel comfortable sharing, and they won’t force you to talk about anything you don’t want to.
Helplines Are There to Help – Mental health helplines and organizations are staffed by people with a passion for helping others. Don’t feel bad about reaching out for support, that is exactly what they’re there for.
You Can Call for a Loved One – If you’re concerned about a loved one’s mental health, many helplines are happy to talk to you and provide resources to help.
Finding Free or Affordable Help – If you’re worried about the cost of mental health services, options are still available.
Additional tips for finding free or low-cost support:
Check Local Universities: Many universities offer mental health services to their students, but they may also have resources available for people in the community. Teaching hospitals can also be a good option for free or low-cost care.
Look for Sliding Scale Options: If you’re worried about the cost of counseling, look for an office that offers sliding scale fees. This means that the cost of your care will be based on your income, making it more affordable.
Avoid the E.R. Unless It’s a Crisis: While the E.R. is an important resource for mental health crises, it’s not the best option for long-term care. If you’re not in crisis, try to seek help elsewhere first.
Check Your Insurance Coverage: Your health insurance may cover mental health care, so be sure to check what services are available to you. Medicaid provides free mental health care, so take advantage of this resource if you need it.
Visit a Community Mental Health Clinic: Community mental health clinics often provide free or low-cost care for mental health services.
Why Seeking Help is Important
It’s important to prioritize your mental health and seek treatment when needed. Mental health challenges are highly treatable, and resources are available even if you don’t have great insurance or a lot of money. The more you learn about your diagnosis or that of a loved one, the better equipped you’ll be to cope with it.
Remember that mental health challenges are not a weakness. With the right treatment, they can be an asset. Don’t hesitate to seek help and take advantage of the organizations, services, and resources available.