Mental Health Resources

While hotlines are typically available 24/7 for those in crisis & staffed by trained crisis workers, “warmlines” are more likely to be peer-staffed, not always available 24-hours, and intended for less urgent needs and those looking for support. Practice sound judgement in determining when or how to use a hot/warm line, to use your coping skills first and to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you feel you are a danger to yourself or others.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 1-800- 273-TALK (8255) The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.The Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling and support for anyone experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including public health emergencies.

Crisis Text Line
Text MHA to 741741 and you’ll be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line provides free, text-based support 24/7.

The Trevor Project
Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678. A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.

Trans Lifeline
Dial 877-565-8860 for US and 877-330-6366 for Canada. Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.

Dial 2-1-1
If you need assistance finding food, paying for housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, visit 211.org or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help. Run by the United Way.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
For any victims and survivors who need support, call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

Caregiver Help Desk
Contact Caregiver Action Network's Care Support Team by dialing 855-227-3640. Staffed by caregiving experts, the Help Desk helps you find information you need to help you navigate caregiving challenges.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) The 24/7 hotline is staffed by professional counselors providing child abuse prevention, crisis intervention and referrals to emergency, social service and support resources.

National Parent Helpline

1.855.4APARENT (855.427.2736) Assisting parents/caregivers needing emotional support and resources.

NCMEC CyberTipline

Report online exploitation of children 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

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Additional Virtual Support Resources:

Mental Health America’s Inspire Community: An online community where people can connect with others. MHA hosts a dedicated mental health community, but there are communities related to a variety of topics.

https://www.inspire.com/groups/mental-health-america/

Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance’s Online Support Groups: DBSA online support groups provide people living with depression and bipolar disorder a place to share experiences, discuss coping skills, and offer hope to one another. DBSA support groups are peer-led, meaning they are facilitated by someone living with a mood disorder. Currently there are groups for peers, young adults, and friends and family members.

https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/chapters-and-support-groups/online-support-groups/

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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ANXIETY, STRESS AND COPING

The outbreak of COVID-19 and related economic crisis may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about disease, inequity and financial strain can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.
Prolonged stress may exacerbate already existing or underlying psychological disorders. It also may trigger stress reactions like panic, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, families not accustomed to spending so much time in close quarters may see relationships strained.
Fear and anxiety about disease can lead to social stigma toward people, cultures, places, or things. Stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality. Stigma affects the emotional or mental health of stigmatized groups and the communities in which they live.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. How individuals respond to the outbreak can depend on their dimensions of diversity, access to culturally relevant and inclusive care, family or employer support, geographic location, etc.
Coping with stress can make our communities stronger by providing support for mental health with information, resources, and local connections.

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FINDING LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

COVID-19 is causing major interruptions to our lives. This economic and societal disruption, coupled with the threat of contracting this potentially deadly virus, is leading many people to experience anxiety, stress and depression. Linking individuals and communities to mental health information and resources, including virtual resources, is critical during this time.

Continue to get the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) COVID-19 website. The CDC also has guidance for addressing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) provided Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations during COVID-19.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) has guidance and resources to assist individuals, providers, and communities across the country. Taking care of your Behavioral Health addresses the mental health impacts of social distancing. SAMHSA’s Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers are also providing online training and technical assistance related to COVID-19. SAMHSA also has resources for Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers during infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19.
The National Institute of Mental Health has sharable resources on COVID-19.
COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Hub from Psych Hub is collaborating with mental health organizations to provide a free resource hub to help people address their mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The American Psychological Association (APA) resource center provides information on COVID-19 including how to find local mental health resources during the COVID-19.
All Mental Health launched Supporting Your Mental Health During Coronavirus which provides access to free resources designed to support mental health and well-being during COVID-19.
While everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, there are practical steps based on a significant body of research that you can take to manage Stress and Tips for Coping with the Stress of COVID-19.
Communities of color that disproportionately experience traumatic stress from racism, poverty, homelessness and exposure to violence and incarceration are at an increased risk for mental and behavioral health problems. Yet, communities of color are less likely to seek mental health care because of stigma and lack of access to culturally competent mental health services.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has resources for Veterans and mental health, including PTSD, such as Managing Stress Association with COVID-19.
Strategies and exercises that promote mindfulness can also be an effective way people can address stress and anxiety. Note there are a number of free apps that provide mindfulness exercises. Coping with the Coronavirus with Mindfulness and Compassion; How Mindfulness Can Help During COVID-19; Stressed About COVID-19? Here's What Can Help.
The Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness released How to stay connected while intentionally isolated.

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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR YOUTH

COVID-19 has serious implications for the mental health of youth and the amount of stress and anxiety can be overwhelming. The emotional impact on youth depends on their characteristics and experiences, the social and economic circumstances of the family and community, and the availability of local resources. Not all youth respond in the same ways and some might have more severe, longer-lasting reactions. Helping youth cope with emergencies is critical to supporting overall community mental health.

Regardless of age, youth may feel upset or have strong emotions during and after an emergency. Youth may react right away, while others may show signs of difficulty much later. How youth react and the common signs of distress can vary according to age, previous experiences, and how they typically cope with stress.
- Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
- Coping with Stress for Parents
- Supporting Children’s Mental Health: Tips for Parents and Educators

Identifying early signs and providing appropriate support can significantly improve Children’s Mental Health. Research on the effectiveness of prevention and early intervention shows that acting early improves the liv

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