Accessing mental health support is a vital step toward wellness. The following national services offer free or low-cost help, including crisis lines, therapy options, and support networks for individuals and families.
24/7 Mental Health & Crisis Hotlines
| Service | Contact Info | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or text 988 | Free, confidential, 24/7 emotional support for any crisis |
| Crisis Text Line | Text HELLO to 741741 | Free support via text for any mental health issue |
| SAMHSA National Helpline | 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | Treatment referrals for substance use and mental health |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) | 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | Information, support, and education for individuals and families |
| Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) | 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 | Crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth |
| Veterans Crisis Line | Dial 988, then press 1 | Free 24/7 support for U.S. veterans and service members |
Finding Mental Health Services (Low-Cost or Free)
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator
Search for nearby mental health and substance use treatment facilities
Website: https://findtreatment.gov - NAMI HelpLine & Support Groups
Find local NAMI chapters for free peer support, education, and referrals
Website: https://www.nami.org/Help - Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs)
Offer therapy, psychiatric care, and crisis response — often income-based or free
Find via your local health department or https://findtreatment.gov - Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Sliding-scale mental health and primary care
Locator: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
Online Therapy & Support Options
| Provider | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Cups | https://www.7cups.com | Free anonymous chat with trained listeners |
| Open Path Collective | https://www.openpathcollective.org | Affordable in-person & online therapy ($30–$60/session) |
| BetterHelp / Talkspace | Varies | Paid services; often offer discounts or accept insurance |
| Mental Health America (MHA) | https://mhanational.org | Free mental health screening tools and support |
Mental Health Rights & Protections
- The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires Marketplace insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder services.
- The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires insurers to provide mental health benefits comparable to physical health coverage.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with mental health conditions by requiring reasonable workplace accommodations.
- You have the right to emergency mental health care.
Additional Resources & Supports
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): Peer-led support groups and resources
Website: https://www.dbsalliance.org - SAMHSA Recovery Support Services: Support for ongoing recovery
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery - Culturally Specific Resources:
- National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC): https://mhttcnetwork.org/centers/national-hispanic-and-latino-mhttc
- Asian American Mental Health resources
- Mobile Crisis Teams: Many localities have mobile crisis intervention services—call 988 or your local health department to find out.
- Child & Family Resources:
- Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org
- Parents Empowered: https://www.parentsempowered.org
- Recommended Mental Health Apps: Calm, Headspace, Moodpath, Insight Timer (many free or freemium for mindfulness and stress management)
Tips for Accessing Help
- Use sliding-scale clinics if uninsured or low-income.
- Ask for telehealth options if transportation or mobility is a barrier.
- Call 988 for support even if your situation is not life-threatening; they can connect you with local services.
- Dial 211 to reach local resource and referral specialists for mental health programs nearby.
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