A mental health crisis can happen to anyone at any time as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) estimates 20% of all American’s are in need of mental health support. Additionally, for every 1 person who dies by suicide, another 316 seriously consider it. It’s important to know that mental health support and crisis resources are available 24 hours a day, through various means. Because we live in a digital world, there are resources available online that are often more accessible and can be reached in a timelier manner than scheduling to see a provider. We have compiled a list of the top ten resources available online during a mental health crisis.

1. 988 Mental Health Support Crisis Hotline

You can call or text 988 from anywhere in the United States 24/7 and be connected to a crisis counselor for mental health support. You can also visit Crisis Lifeline to chat online with a crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To date, Lifeline has received over 23 million calls for help.

2. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline

You can call 1-800-950-NAMI, or text HELPLINE to 62640. Both services are available between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday. NAMI also offers peer support groups both virtually and in-person for those with mental illness. Additionally, NAMI offers free support groups for family of those affected by mental illness.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group will help you:

• Aim for better coping skills.
• Find strength in sharing experiences.
• Not judge anyone’s pain.
• Forgive ourselves and reject guilt.
• Embrace humor as healthy.
• Accept that we cannot solve every problem.
• Understand that mental health conditions are no one’s fault and can be traumatic experiences.

NAMI Connection: Find more information on attending meetings HERE.

NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.

NAMI Family Support Group: Find more information on attending either in-person or virtual meetings HERE.

3. NAMI Teen and Young Adult Helpline

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for those aged 15-24. These years are extremely stressful with changing relationships, losses, school struggles, and other pressures that have many in need of mental health support. Teens can feel embarrassed and feel suicide is an option. However, your story does not need to end here. You are not alone, reach out for help. For nationwide peer support and resource referrals. Text FRIEND 62640; or call 800-950-6264. Available Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. If you are struggling outside of these hours, use the 988 text or call option for help.

4. Self-Harm Hotline

About 17% of teenagers engage in self-harm such as cutting at least once. You can text CONNECT to 741741 to reach a counselor or go to Self-Harm Crisis Line to chat online to reach counselors trained specifically for your needs if you are self-harming or considering it.

5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline (SAMHSA)

If you are struggling with substance abuse and need mental health support, SAMHSA is available to help.

Call 1 (800) 662 – 4357.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone in English and Spanish

SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides free and confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance abuse disorders.

Contact the Victim Connect Hotline by phone at 1-855-4-VICTIM or by chat HERE for more information or assistance in locating services that can help you or a loved one who is a victim of abuse from someone struggling with substance abuse and mental illness.

6. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for Mental Health Support

Pregnancy and a new baby can bring new feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, and even sadness. If these feelings persist for more than two weeks, reach out through phone call or text to 1-833-TLC-MAMA for help.

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers:

• Phone or text access to professional counselors.
• Real-time support and information
• Response within minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Resources
• Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
• Culturally sensitive support
• Counselors who speak English and Spanish
• Interpreter services in 60 languages

7. The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People found that 41% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including roughly half of transgender and nonbinary youth. LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. You can reach trained counselors for chat online 24/7 HERE or by calling 1-866-488-7386 for a live voice 24/7. You can also text START to 678-678.

8. Veterans Crisis Line for Mental Health Support

Research indicates that the prevalence of veterans with mental illness is higher than the national average: just over 25%, or 1 in 4, veterans struggle with mental illness, as opposed to the national average of 1 in 5 and suicide rates are more than 50% higher for veterans (Veterans and Mental Illness – NVHS). If you or someone you love is a veteran in need of help, you can call 988 and press option 1. You can also text 838-255 or go HERE for live chat with a trained counselor.

9. Eating Disorders Helpline

People with eating disorders are at higher risk for suicide and medical complications. It is important to seek treatment early for eating disorders. People with eating disorders can often have other mental disorders (such as depression or anxiety) or problems with substance use. Complete recovery is possible. If you are struggling, please reach out to ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders by phone Monday-Friday from 9 am to 9 pm at 1-888-375-7767 for emotional support and referrals.

10. International Suicide Prevention Directory for Mental Health Support

If you live outside of the US or are traveling and need help, you can find a list of worldwide resources HERE.

Have you had a positive experience with any mental health support helplines or organizations? Please share!

grace, always. is building a directory of helpful resources for those suffering from mental illness. If you have been helped by any mental health support services or organizations and would like to share the resource with others who are in need, you can send an email with this information to [email protected].