Important Phone Numbers:

 

If you or someone you care about is having thoughts of suicide, please call 911 for immediate help.

National Alliance on Mental Illness:
1-800-950-6264
Emergency mental health hotline available Monday-Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EST. The support team can provide information about mental illness and refer callers to treatment, support groups, family support, and legal support if needed.

Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration:
1-800-662-4357
24-hour mental health hotline that provides education, support, and connection to a specific treatment. They also offer an online Behavioral Health Treatment Locator.

National Institute of Mental Health:
1-866-615-6464
They have knowledgeable people to talk with about mental health issues Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm EST.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255
Crisis intervention and free emotional support available 24/7.

Veterans Crisis Line:
1-800-273-8255
Connects veterans and their families to VA responders.


Tips When Calling

What questions can I ask on a helpline?

It can be intimidating to call a hotline for the first time. Helplines have trained operators who are prepared to answer a variety of questions, including:

  • How do I know if my loved one or I have a mental health disorder?
  • What kind of treatment options are there?
  • What types of treatment are available where I live?
  • How long does a particular treatment last?
  • Which techniques or treatments work best for my diagnosis?
  • Will I have to take medications for my treatment?
  • Can I get off my medications?
  • What are the steps to deciding to seek treatment?
  • How does mental health treatment work in general or for my particular diagnosis?

What about if I am calling for a loved one?

Operators are still there to help who are prepared to answer questions, such as:

  • How do I know if a loved one has a real mental health disorder?
  • What can I do to help?
  • What are the ways to talk to a loved one about their disorder without upsetting them?
  • How do I balance taking care of a loved one and the self-care I need?
  • How can I encourage my loved one to get help or attend treatment?
  • How can I support recovery?
  • What do I do in a crisis?

What are the top reasons to call a mental health helpline?
  • Crisis support: There are numerous mental health crisis hotlines that are set up to provide support during a crisis. Their staff is trained to guide callers through suicidal thoughts, psychotic breaks, or manic episodes.
  • Education: Helplines can also provide a wealth of information about mental health issues and the effects that mental illness can have on people and their loved ones.
  • Support: Calling a helpline is one way to help you learn how to help the person who is suffering.
  • Treatment: Helplines can provide information about what to expect from a treatment and in which specific ways that treatment can help.
  • Links: Helplines can link you to treatment centers that are tailored to the specific issues you are calling about.
  • Information about therapies: Learning about the therapies used in various treatment plans can make seeking help less intimidating.