National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you or a loved one are struggling, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
988
Visit www.SuicidePreventionLifeline.org for more info.
Hotlines
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Mental Health Crisis Text Line: Text “Buddy” to 741-741 or call 1-877-382-1609
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Treatment provider locator: 1-617-704-NAMI, Nami information helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (Provides free referral information and support)
- Trans Mental Health Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
- Gay & Lesbian Crisis Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
- Alcoholics Anonymous: 1-888-GET-HOPE (438-4673)
- Gamblers Anonymous: 1-855-222-5542
- Narcotics Anonymous: 1-800-543-4670
Screening for Mental Illness
- Mental Health America’s Screening Tool: https://screening.mhanational.org/
Where to Find Treatment
- Primary care: Set up an appointment with your regular doctor to talk about your concerns.
- Health insurance company: See what mental health care providers are taking patients on your insurance company’s website, or call to ask.
- Psychologytoday.com: This website has a large directory of licensed providers. You can filter by insurance company, concern/disorder, age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, language, faith, price, and more.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA provides referrals to low cost/sliding scale mental health care.
- Betterhelp.com or other online therapy platforms: This is a great option for people who need or prefer online therapy.
- Outpatient clinics: Contact your local mental health treatment center, agency, or hospital (many mental health hospitals also have outpatient services).
- School counseling department: If you’re going to a college or university, they almost always have counselors that you can reach out to.
- Faith-based and culturally specific supports: If you are involved in a faith-based or cultural community, you may find support via those centers.
- Employee Assistance Programs: Many employers offer free mental health treatment through a confidential EAP
- FindSupportGroups.org: This resource allows you to search for support groups near you for various challenges.
- Word of mouth: Many people find good providers through word of mouth.
Affordable Treatment Options
- Sliding scale: Many providers offer a “sliding scale,” which allows those who can afford less to pay a discounted rate. Ask your provider if this is an option they offer.
- Group therapy: Group therapy has been shown to have the same level of effectiveness as individual therapy, and it is often significantly less expensive.
- Pro-bono therapy: Some providers will offer therapy pro-bono (free) if you demonstrate financial need. It is worth asking if pro-bono treatment is an option.
- Clinical trails/university research centers: Clinical trials and university research centers for mental health and behavioral health often provide their treatments or interventions free of cost. However, you must qualify to participate and there may be risks associated with participating. Any risks will be explained to you before you choose to enroll or not.
- The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (https://nafcclinics.org/find-clinic/): This organization is a directory of free and low-cost clinics for many different kinds of healthcare, including mental health.
- Open Path (https://openpathcollective.org/): Open Path connects patients to low-cost mental health care.
Other Mental Health Resources
- BIPOC/Culturally Specific Resources: https://www.mhanational.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/2022-BIPOC-Mental-Health-Awareness-Month-Resources-Printable.pdf
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
- Mclean Hospital Mental Health Webinars: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/video-series/mental-health-webinars
- American Psychiatric Association (APA): https://www.psychiatry.org/
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): https://adaa.org/
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/Home
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ resources): https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
- PsychHub: https://psychhub.com/
- Mental Health Literacy: https://mentalhealthliteracy.org/
- Orlando Recovery’s further education on mental health topics: https://www.orlandorecovery.com/co-occurring-disorders-assessment-treatment/
- College Planning Guide for Students With Mental Illness: https://www.intelligent.com/online-college-guide-for-students-with-mental-health-disorders/
Resources for Basic Needs
Food Security
- https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/food-security-and-access/food-assistance-programs
- https://www.nal.usda.gov/human-nutrition-and-food-safety/nutrition-security
- https://foodcommunitybenefit.noharm.org/resources/implementation-strategy/connecting-food-insecure-individuals-resources
Housing Security
- https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance
- https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/
- https://www.usa.gov/finding-home
- https://nlihc.org/rental-assistance
Employment Security
- https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/training/onestop
- https://www.usa.gov/unemployment
- https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Employment%20and%20Career%20Development
Financial Literacy
- https://www.fdic.gov/resources/consumers/money-smart/teach-money-smart/money-smart-for-adults.html
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/adult-financial-education/tools-and-resources/
- https://www.incharge.org/financial-literacy/