If you or a loved one are in need of support, you are not alone. Mental health needs, crisis situations, and life changes impact everyone differently throughout the course of our lives. While everyone’s experiences are unique, no one is alone. And no one needs to navigate pain, trauma, or crises by themselves.
Seeing a counselor (especially if this is covered by your insurance, or available to you at low- or no cost) or joining a local support group are excellent options. However, not everyone can access these resources, whether it’s because of cost, a need for discretion, accessibility issues, or personal comfort.
Here are five free resources you can access right now, via text, phone, audio, or video chat. Listed below these free resources are two additional web-based resources that are not free, but help make counseling accessible. And if one resource doesn’t feel like a good fit, keep trying! You are not alone, and you deserve support.
You can reach the Lifeline at: 1-800-273-8255.
The Lifeline is available 24/7, free, and confidential. It offers support for people in crisis, suicide prevention services, and resources for you and your loved ones. It is also a resource for professionals. Notably, the Lifeline has options for Spanish speakers and the deaf or hard-of-hearing community as well.
You can reach the Trevor Project at: 1-866-488-7386.
The Trevor Project is an incredible resource for LGBTQ youth. The hotline is free and available 24/7. The Trevor Project helps LGBTQ youth in crisis, as well as those who simply need a safe space to talk and receive emotional support. You can also text or chat with them online.
Related, though a separate organization, the Trans LifeLine offers free support for the trans community via hotline by calling 1-877-565-8860.
If you can’t (or simply don’t want to) speak on the phone, a text option is available. The Crisis Text Line connects you to a trained crisis counselor who is there to support you. You do not have to be suicidal to use this resource. Basically, this is meant to be a live safe space to receive emotional and crisis support. You don’t need to wait to reach out.
Here’s how it works: Text HOME to 741741. You’ ll receive two automated messages that let you know you’ll be connected with a volunteer. Assume it’ll be about five minutes before you’re connected.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine staff and volunteers are available Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM ET. The number is: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
NAMI is available to answer questions about mental health, including about symptoms of mental health conditions, education programs, local services, and support groups, treatment options, and how to help family members find treatment. Note: It does not provide counseling or therapy directly.
If you are a veteran, current service member, or connected to a veteran or service member, you can call 1-800-273-8255, chat online, or send a text message to 838255, 24/7, to receive confidential support.
Not free, but additional resources:
TalkSpace is a popular online therapy service that connects with you a licensed counselor or therapist. You can select from a variety of communication plans based on your needs and budget. For example, you can do chat-only (the cheapest option), or include audio messages or video chat options (which add to the cost). You can also filter your options based on your needs, such as finding someone who is LGBTQ-friendly, a woman, and so on.
BetterHelp is a similar platform. You’re assigned a licensed psychologist, counselor, or social worker, depending on your specific needs. As with TalkSpace, you can use video chat, live chat, or phone calls. You can chat via your computer, phone, or tablet. Costs vary depending on your needs.
Why so many online options?
Chat, phone, and text options are important for a few reasons. Due to accessibility issues, not everyone is able to travel to an in-person session—and this assumes that the office would be accessible already. For people who may be deaf or hard-of-hearing, text (or other modifications) may be preferable.
Seeking out mental health care or treatment can also feel difficult, if not impossible, due to obligations and time constraints. For example, if you’re balancing more than one job, are the primary caretaker in your household, or your mental health makes it difficult to reach out to begin with, having the option to text someone from your couch, or call and chat with your counselor during a lunch break, may be much more feasible and consistent than scheduling out an in-person block. Online options also minimize travel as an obstacle.
I want to help with resources. What can I do?
First of all: Thank you! If you can recommend any additional resources (including those local to you, specific to your community or area, and so on), please do share in the comments. No one is alone, and one way to help shatter stigma is to share accessible resources.