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ThereIsHelp

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This page is a collaborative effort of the MetaFilter community to collect links to mental health support resources and related AskMe threads.

Related resources:


Crisis: Where to go for help

Lists of Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Hotlines, Local and National Resources

USA

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call 988
  • Mental Health America Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, or text MHA to 741741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7 at Crisis Text Line, or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
    • Crisis Text Line - text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA for free, 24/7 support from a trained crisis counselor. More info: How Does Crisis Text Line Work?
    • 877-838-2838 Veterans Peer Support
    • 800-784-2432 En Español / Spanish-speaking
    • 877-968-8454 Teen-to-Teen peer counseling
    • 800-472-3457 Grad Students
    • 800-773-6667 Post-partum depression
    • 800-799-4TTY (4889) TTY
  • American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS) Nationwide Crisis Line and Hotline Directory (50 States, DC, PR)
  • IMAlive: online crisis chat line
  • Virginia CrisisLink: See link for numbers by region of Virginia
  • Boys Town National Hotline for youth: 800-448-3000
  • New Hope Online - online crisis chat from a Catholic counseling organization
  • Disaster Distress Helpline SAMHSA provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. This crisis support service is for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters such as: tornadoes and severe storms, hurricanes and tropical storms, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, drought, incidents of mass violence, infectious disease outbreaks, incidents of community unrest, and other traumatic events.
    • Call 1-800-985-5990 or TTY 1-800-846-8517 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
    • En Español: Call 1-800-985-5990 and press "2" from the 50 States, or text Hablanos to 66746.
    • From Puerto Rico, text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.
    • Callers to the hotline can also connect with counselors in over 100 other languages via 3rd-party interpretation services; to connect with a counselor in your primary language, simply indicate your preferred language to the responding counselor and she/he will connect to a live interpreter.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (For help finding local resources)

USA - GLBT

  • The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis & suicide prevention helpline for GLBTQ youth. 1-866-488-7386 (they also have online chat and texting lines, thru the website)
  • LGBT National Hotline: telephone and text peer-counseling in the US. 1-888-843-4564 (also 1-800-246-7743 youth line and [online chat help https://lgbthotline.org/chat])
  • Trans Lifeline Call the Peer Support Hotline at 877-565-8860, if you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, even if it’s just about whether or not you’re trans, for support and resources. 7am-1am PST / 9am-3am CST / 10am-4am EST. Operators are also frequently available during off-hours - when in doubt, give a call. Services available in English and Spanish - Spanish hotline is available 24/7.
  • The GLBT National Help Center provides telephone, online chat, and email peer-support, including:
    • LGBT National Youth Talkline 800-246-7743 - Mondays - Fridays, 1 pm – 9 pm PST, 4 pm – midnight EST, Saturday, 9 am – 2 pm PST, noon – 5 pm EST
    • LGBT National Senior Hotline 888-234-7243 - Mondays - Fridays, 1 pm – 9 pm PST, 4 pm – midnight EST, Saturday, 9 am – 2 pm PST, noon – 5 pm EST
    • A searchable database https://glbtnearme.org/ of local support resources.
  • SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline - Older LGBT people who want to talk can be connected with friendly responders who are ready to listen. If you are an LGBT elder or care for one, call the free SAGE Hotline, toll-free 24/7 at 877-360-LGBT (5428)
  • PFLAG offers a list of crisis and support hotlines.

USA - Military

  • The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf is also available, including TTY service at 1-800-799-4889.
  • The Military Crisis Line offers confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through the Military Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1), online chat and text (838255). In Europe call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118. In Korea call 0808 555 118 or DSN 118. In Afghanistan call 00 1 800 273 8255 or DSN 111. In Europe, toll-free service may not be available through all carriers or in all countries.
  • Military OneSource offers a Military helpline (Stateside 1-800-342-9647, Overseas 484-530-5908 (they accept collect calls)), live chat and online counseling.

Australia

Australia - GLBT

  • QLife - Online chat or phone 1800 184 527 3pm-12am every day; email ask@qlife.org.au

Bangladesh

  • Kaan Pete Roi - confidential suicide prevention and crisis line (open Sunday-Wednesday, 3pm-9pm, Thursday 3pm-3am local time)
    • Helpline 1: +8801779554391
    • Helpline 2: +8801688709966
    • Helpline 3: +8801985275286

Belgium

Canada

  • 9-8-8 is the number to call or text (available in English and French) for immediate mental health crisis and suicide prevention intervention. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and run by Crisis Services Canada and many partners, as a national network of distress, crisis and suicide prevention services.
  • Kids Help Phone: (800) 668-6868 (For kids and teens.)
    • Kids Help Phone text service: Text CONNECT to 686868 - free and available 24/7/365. You don’t need a data plan, Internet connection or an app to use it. All conversations you have with a volunteer Crisis Responder are confidential. And, you can text from anywhere in Canada.
  • Wellness Together Canada offers immediate crisis support in English and Français
    • Adults: Text WELLNESS to 741741 / Textez MIEUX au 741741
    • Front Line Workers: Text FRONTLINE to 741741 / Textez FRONTLINE au 741741
    • Other resources include online community of support and coaching, and free access to professional counsellors by phone, text or video.
  • Hope for Wellness Helpline offers mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. You can call 1-855-242-3310, available 24/7, to talk in English or French, as well as Cree, Ojibway or Inuktitut upon request, or chat online with a counsellor in English or French.
  • ONTX Ontario Online & Text Crisis Services provides a directory of local hotlines.
  • Distress Centres of Greater Toronto offers a hotline at 416-408-4357 or text 45645 if you are in distress or need emotional support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Canada - GLBT

  • Trans Lifeline Call the Peer Support Hotline at 877-330-6366, if you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, even if it’s just about whether or not you’re trans, for support and resources. Available 7am-1am PST / 9am-3am CST / 10am-4am EST. Services available in English and Spanish - Spanish hotline is available 24/7.
  • The Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line is available via text, chat, and email from 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm EST every day except Saturday. Text: 647-694-4275 Email: askus@youthline.ca.

European Union

France

Germany

  • 0800 - 111 0 111 (ev.) (protestant)
  • 0800 - 111 0 222 (rk.) (roman catholic)
  • 0800 - 111 0 333 (Kinder / Jugendliche) (for kids/teens)
  • Web: https://www.telefonseelsorge.de

Japan

  • Tokyo English LifeLine
    • 03 5774 0992 (Free, anonymous telephone counseling. 9am - 11pm daily)
    • 03 3498 0231 (Face to Face)

Malaysia

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

  • Kirkens SOS: 815 33 300
  • Mental Helse: 116 123
  • Røde Kors-telefonen for barn og unge (Red Cross Helpline for youth): 800 333 21

Republic of Ireland

  • Samaritans: 1850 60 90 90 (Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Minicom: 08457 90 91 92)

Spain

UK

  • Mental Health UK lists numbers to call for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland if you or someone you know needs urgent support for their mental health.
  • Samaritans: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Call free 116 123.
  • Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line® in the UK that provides free, confidential support, 24/7 via text. Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer. Available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
  • If you are a child, Childline: 0800 1111
  • The Mix offers a free, confidential helpline for people age 13 - 25 to talk to trained supporters about any issue. Call 0808 808 4994, 4pm to 11pm every day. Crisis text messaging support is also available 24/7, text THEMIX to 85258. The Mix aims to connect every texter to a trained volunteer in less than five minutes to provide crisis help.
  • Kooth offers free, safe and anonymous online support for young people, Mon – Fri 12pm – 10pm and Sat – Sun 6pm – 10pm. The website includes links to 24/7 crisis resources.
  • SANEline is a national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. Open every day of the year from 4.30pm to 10.30pm on 0300 304 7000. The helpline is a confidential service for those aged 16 or over.
  • CALM National helpline for men to talk about any troubles they are feeling. Nationwide call 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm - midnight, 365 days of the year. London 0808 802 58 58. Webchat is also available 5pm - midnight, 365 days a year.
  • Rethink Mental Illness offers a number of helplines which offer emotional support and also a national advice service, all of which which offer support to those experiencing severe mental illness, their carers and relatives. Calls to our number are free and will not show up on your bill.
    • Rethink Sahayak Asian Mental Health Helpline 0808 800 2073 Monday - Wednesday: 4.00pm - 7.00pm Tuesday - Thursday: 12.00pm - 3.00pm. Callers may speak to us in Asian languages (Gujarati, Punjabi, Hindu, and Urdu) or English.
    • North East Lincs Helpline (Lincsline) 0808 800 1010 Monday - Friday: 5pm - 9am, Saturday - Sunday: 24 hours. Access for supported housing tenants out-of-hours.
    • Doncaster Helpline 0808 801 0442 Offers emotional support 24/7 for people aged 16 and over, who live in Doncaster. Interpreter services are available.
    • Black Country Emotional Support Helpline (Dudley, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Walsall) 0800 008 6516 Monday - Sunday: 24 hours a day. Freephone service for those in need of support, reassurance and understanding. Trained mental health support staff are on hand to answer calls from members of the public.
    • Sheffield Helpline 0808 801 0440 Offers emotional support 24/7 for people aged 16 and over, who live in Sheffield or are under the care of Sheffield Health & Social Care NHS Foundation Trust. Interpreter services are available.
    • Gloucestershire Wellbeing Helpline 0808 801 0606 Monday - Sunday: 2pm-9pm A helpline for any adult living in Gloucestershire who would like support with mild to moderate mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression and low mood. We can also provide support and information for people affected by self harm. Text support at 07537 410 022 and online chat.
  • MIND Infoline (where to get help near you, treatment options, and advocacy services): 0300 123 3393 (or text: 86463). 9:00-18:00, Mon-Fri (except bank holidays)

UK - GLBT

  • LGBT Foundation Helpline (phone and e-mail support for LGBT people): 03453 30 30 30. 10:00-22:00, 7 days.
  • Mindline Trans + (Confidential emotional, mental health support helpline and signposting service for people who identify as Trans, A Gender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary. as well as friends and family): 0300 330 5468. Friday evenings.

Worldwide

  • Samaritans offer 24/7 support to anyone in crisis through email jo@samaritans.org
  • Befrienders Worldwide: international non-profit with 31,000 volunteers in over 40 countries.

AskMes About Supporting Someone Else

Further reading: Book Spotlight: “I’m Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help” (NAMI Los Angeles) (Find out more in the book and from this short video of Dr. Amador’s TEDx talk.)
Further reading: Speaking of Suicide (resources for suicidal individuals, their loved ones, survivors, mental health professionals, & others who care, by Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW)

Additional Hotlines: Domestic Violence and Abuse

US

  • The Victim Connect Helpline provides information and referrals for victims of all crime and can be reached at 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) or offers chat online.
  • Love is respect is the U.S. National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: provides teens and young adults confidential and anonymous support by phone 1-866-331-9474 or text LOVEIS to 22522.
  • Asian Women's Shelter has a 24-hour, confidential, toll-free 1-877-751-0880 (connects callers with language advocates when needed). Also provies a female genital mutilation/cutting support line on the same number, Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm.
  • Casa de Esperanza: línea de apoyo bilingüe de 24 horas / 24-hr bilingual domestic violence helpline: 651-772-1611
  • Anti-Violence Project: bilingual (English/Spanish), 24/7 crisis intervention hotline for LGBTQH victims and survivors of any type of violence: 212-714-1141
  • CUAV (Community United Against Violence) If you are an LGBTQ person dealing with violence or abuse, you can call/leave a message for CUAV at (415) 333-HELP (4357), or email them at counseling@cuav.org. If no one answers, leave a voicemail with a call back number and let them know if it’s okay for them to leave a message. Response may take 1-4 days.

Americans Overseas

  • Pathways to Safety (Formerly Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center) empowers victims of interpersonal & gender based violence abroad. Crisis line currently closed, but provides information, support, and referral through e-mail at crisis@pathwaystosafety.org . E-mails will be responded to within 72 hours.

Australia

  • White Ribbon campaign is a movement engaging men and boys to see domestic violence as their problem to fix, not women’s problem to tolerate. Links in turn to a number of other helplines relating to domestic violence and mental health, including No To Violence, whose Men’s Referral Service is the national counselling, information and referral service for men who use violence and abuse to change their behaviour - call 1300 766 491.

Canada

  • Shelter Safe: (Helpful resources: Get help - includes telephone helplines listed by territory/province).
  • Ending Violence Association of Canada offers a directory of service providers across Canada, including sexual assault centres, crisis lines, shelters, transition houses, and support services.

Ireland

  • Women's Aid: 1800-341-900. 24 hour freephone helpline. (Helpful resources: Do you need help? and Are you in immediate danger?)
  • Safe Ireland works for an Ireland where women and children are free from violence and abuse. The Where to find help page links to 37 domestic abuse services located in towns right across Ireland, listed by county. Services are free, confidential* and available to all women. You can contact the service that is most convenient for you.

Mexico

  • Atención a Mujeres en Situación de Violencia - Línea sin violencia 800 10 84 053 Se brinda atención a través de la línea telefónica a mujeres, sus hijas e hijos en situación de violencia familiar, de pareja y/o sexual, proporcionando intervención en crisis, atención psicoterapéutica especializada y asesoría jurídica, está dirigido: A mujeres, sus hijas e hijos en situación de violencia, en cualquiera de sus tipos y modalidades. Opera las 24 horas del día, los 365 días del año. La atención es gratuita, confidencial y de fácil acceso.
  • 01-800 Hablado - Si vives en una situación de violencia, acércate y 01800 Háblalo (01800 422 52 56), la línea te ofrece un servicio integral, confidencial y gratuito, las 24 horas del día, los 365 días del año

Netherlands

  • Veilig Thuis Slachtoffers, omstanders en plegers van huiselijk geweld en kindermishandeling kunnen elke dag chatten met een medewerker van Veilig Thuis. Het landelijke telefoonnummer 0800-2000 voor advies en meldingen is 24 uur per dag, 7 dagen in de week bereikbaar.
  • Veilig Thuis website in English (services may require you to be able to express yourself in, and understand, Dutch) Vellig Thuis there to help anyone, young and old, who is affected by domestic violence or child abuse. 0800 2000 - 24 hour free phone line. Online chat available Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm.
  • AskMe: Resources for abuse/DV in the Netherlands? - be aware this thread is from 2014.

New Zealand

  • Are you OK?: Campaign to reduce family violence. 0800 456 450 - Helpline, available 24/7. Online text chat also available.
  • Shine Helpline: 0508 744 633, available 24/7. Online text chat also available. For anyone who feels trapped, who is being controlled, or physically or emotionally abused by a partner, ex-partner, family member, or someone close to them. Also if you’re worried about someone else. If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, you can ring the Helpline using the NZ Relay service. Helpline operators are trained to take calls from the NZ Relay service. Shine's Helpline has access to an interpreting service, so if you have limited English, please let the Helpline worker know what language you speak when you ring and they’ll try to access an interpreter for you.
  • Women's Refuge National charity that supports and helps women and children experiencing family violence. 24/7 Crisisline: 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE), live text chat also available Find your local Refuge.
  • Shakti Community Council. Specialist provider of culturally-competent support services for women, children and families of Asian, African and Middle Eastern origin. A national not-for-profit community organisation for women’s development, empowerment and domestic/family violence intervention, prevention and awareness - . 24/7 multi lingual crisisline - 0800 742 584 and crisisline@shakti.org.nz.

Thailand

UK

  • National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Victim Support
    • Helpline: 08 08 16 89 111. Operates 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas.
    • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use Next Generation Text 18001 08 08 16 89 111.
    • Supportline also has an interpretation service for people who do not speak English as a first language.
    • This service is free, confidential and available to anyone in England and Wales.
    • This service is independent of the police and available regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it took place.
  • Women's Aid - offers support and referrals through live chat and email.
  • Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.
    • 0808 2000 247 (National 24 hours helpline)
    • 03000 110 110 (North Yorkshire and Barnsley)
    • 0808 808 2241 (Sheffield)
    • info@idas.org.uk
  • Juno Women’s Aid is the largest domestic abuse organisation in Nottingham and works with women, children, and teens who have been affected by domestic abuse in Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling, Nottingham City, and Rushcliffe.
    • Services include the 24 hour Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Freephone Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline, where you can speak to a specialist trained female support workers 365 days a year: 0808 800 0340 (calls are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemized bills)
    • For agency enquiries and referrals please call 0115 947 6490
  • Galop is a national charity providing specialist advice, support and a listening service for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people. It will also provide information about local charities that can offer face to face support. The domestic abuse helpline is available on 0300 999 5428 or 0800 9995428 and the website is: https://www.galop.org.uk
  • Men’s Advice Line provides specific advice for male victims of domestic abuse. It will also provide information about local charities that work with and support male victims. The line is available on 0808 801 0327 and the web address is https://www.mensadviceline.org.uk
  • Mankind Initiative For male victims of domestic abuse in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – Confidential Helpline: 01823 334244
  • AskMe: Emotional support for a victim of crime (UK)?

Worldwide

How to support a survivor of domestic violence or abuse

From the National Domestic Violence Hotline: How Can You Help a Friend or Family Member?

AskMe Threads:

AskMe Threads

Further Reading


Additional Hotlines: Rape and Sexual Assault

USA

  • RAINN: The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
    • RAINN offers a National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE (4673) in partnership with 1,100 rape crisis centers across the nation, providing free, confidential support 24/7.
    • RAINN also offers an anonymous and confidential National Sexual Assault Online Hotline staffed by trained support specialists available 24/7.
    • The Safe Helpline provides confidential crisis intervention, support and information to members of the DoD community who have been sexually assaulted. The Safe Helpline is available 24/7, worldwide; the phone number is the same inside the U.S. or via the Defense Switched Network (DSN): 877-995-5247. DSN users can call U.S. toll-free numbers by dialing 94 + the 10-digit toll-free number. Those unable to call toll-free or DSN can call 202-540-5962. The Department of Defense has contracted with RAINN to provide independent and anonymous services for this hotline for the DoD Community.
  • The Victim Connect Helpline provides information and referrals for victims of all crime and can be reached at 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846).

Australia

Canada

EU

  • Rape Crisis Network Europe "RCNE is the network of European centres which support survivors of sexual violence. We aim to make sure that anyone who experiences sexual violence can get the help they need. Use this site to find out where you can get help and information. It does not matter whether the sexual violence happened recently or a long time ago."

UK

  • Rape Crisis England and Wales is the umbrella body for a network of independent Rape Crisis Centres. All our member Centres provide specialist support and services for victims and survivors of sexual violence.
  • Support for men and boys includes:
  • Victim Support
    • Helpline: 08 08 16 89 111. Operates 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas.
    • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use Next Generation Text 18001 08 08 16 89 111.
    • Supportline also has an interpretation service for people who do not speak English as a first language.
    • This service is free, confidential and available to anyone in England and Wales.
    • This service is independent of the police and available regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it took place.
  • The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service is available across the county with a helpline available 7 days a week to offer victims of sexual violence support and advice. Services are independent from all statutory agencies, including Police and criminal justice agencies. Contact an ISVA at isva@idas.org.uk or at the helpline at 03000 110 110.

International

How to support a survivor of rape or sexual assault

AskMe Threads

Further Reading


Additional Hotlines: Online Harassment and Abuse

US

  • Without My Consent is a non-profit organization seeking to combat online invasions of privacy that offers a variety of resources, including a Something Can Be Done! Guide that includes an overview of Evidence Preservation, Take Down, Copyright Registration, and Restraining Orders.

UK

  • In the UK, there is a Revenge Porn Helpline that offers free, confidential advice and support by telephone at 0345 6000 459, and is open from 10:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. Emails can be sent to help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk or as a direct message through Whisper.

International

  • Right To Be (formerly Hollaback!) is a team of educators, motivators and facilitators building a world that is free of harassment. They offer a variety of online resources for individuals experiencing online harassment and a story sharing platform.

Additional Resources

AskMe Threads


Health Insurance

Help with Health Insurance

In the United States, according to the National Academy of State Health Policy, as states transform their health systems, many are turning to Community Health Workers (CHWs) to facilitate care coordination and enhance access to community-based services. While state definitions vary, CHWs are typically frontline workers with an understanding of the communities they serve.

To find a Community Health Worker (CHW) to help with health insurance, you can search the National Provider Identifier Database for Community Health Workers. Another option is to google the name of your state and "Community Health Worker," to help ensure access to the most updated information in your area. Links to local organizations may also be found at the National Academy of State Health Policy website by clicking on the "Organizations & Workgroup" tab.

In addition, many states offer help to consumers with health insurance problems through Consumer Assistance Programs (CAPs) to assist consumers experiencing problems with their health insurance or seeking to learn about health coverage options. State CAPs offer direct assistance by phone, direct mail, email, or walk-in locations to help consumers learn how to obtain or use their insurance effectively. A listing of CAP programs are available here.

ACA

Healthcare.gov offers an online help locator that can be searched by city & state or zip code.

Medicare

Medicare Rights offers a National Helpline at 1-800-333-4114 to answer questions from people with Medicare, their family members and friends. Todos nuestros servicios están disponibles en español. Si desea hablar con un consejero en español, llame a nuestra línea de servicio al cliente (1-800-333-4114) y presione el “8” cuando oiga el mensaje del operador.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program National Technical Assistance Center offers an online directory of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), which provide free, local, in-depth, and objective insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. Local SHIPs can also be found by calling 1-877-839-2675.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a health coverage program operated by states, within broad federal guidelines. Although the federal government pays a portion of the costs, Medicaid is administered and operated by states, and each state's program is a little different depending on the needs and goals of that state. Contact your state to answer questions and/or apply for Medicaid.

AskMe Threads About Health Insurance

2019

2018

2017


Health Care and Medication

Low-cost / No-cost Sources of Medication and Health Care

  • The NAMI HelpLine is a free service that can be reached at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org for information, referrals and support for people living with a mental health condition, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. The NAMI website also offers information about prescription assistance with links to government and nonprofit organizations that may offer support, including:
  • Needymeds offers information about low- or no-cost sources of medication/health care in the US and Clinics that are free or low cost with a sliding scale.
  • In the United States, Community Health Workers (CHWs) may be available to assist with access to health care and care coordination. To find a Community Health Worker (CHW) to help with access to health care, you can search the National Provider Identifier Database for Community Health Workers. Another option is to google the name of your state and "Community Health Worker," to help ensure access to the most updated information in your area. Links to local organizations may also be found at the National Academy of State Health Policy website by clicking on the "Organizations & Workgroup" tab.
  • The SAMHSA National Helpline (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and is a confidential and free service, available 24/7 in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental health and/or substance use disorders. This service offers referrals to free and low-cost treatment facilities, support groups and community-based organizations. SAMHSA also offers a searchable mental health treatment locator and links to other helplines and treatment locators.
  • A health center locator for free health care is maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Abortion and Contraception

  • The National Abortion Federation (NAF) offers "medically accurate and unbiased information on surgical and medical abortion and quality assurance in abortion care" and assistance with finding providers in the US, Canada, Mexico, and other countries, through online maps and "the NAF Hotline referral line 1-877-257-0012 provides referrals to member clinics in the U.S. and Canada (no funding assistance provided on this line). For information about abortion and other resources, including financial assistance, please call 1-800-772-9100."
  • Planned Parenthood offers a variety of medical services for reproductive and sexual health, including contraception and abortion. Find a health center online at their website or call 1-800-230-PLAN.
  • I need an A: comprehensive, regularly updated, and personalized resource for abortion seekers in the US. Find abortion clinics based on your age, location, how long you've been pregnant, and the type of abortion you hope to receive.
  • The Repro Legal Helpline offers a confidential and anonymous legal help line at (844) 868-2812 which provides free, confidential legal services for the whole reproductive life, including abortion, pregnancy loss, and birth.

Further reading: Georgia attempts to criminalize abortion (Abortion is still legal in all 50 states)

Further reading: Abortion Clinics Are Staying Open During The Coronavirus Outbreak. (information and resources for US and Canada)


Therapy

Help with Finding a Therapist

US

Canada

UK

  • To find a counselling service across the UK visit: www.therapy-directory.org.uk or www.counselling-directory.org.uk
  • How to access mental health services (NHS)
  • BACP Find a Therapist Directory 01455 883300 Through the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) you can find out more about counselling services in your area.
  • Mind Infoline 0300 123 3393, Email: info@mind.org.uk Text: 86463 Post: Mind Infoline, PO Box 75225, London, E15 9FS. "Mind provides confidential mental health information services. With support and understanding, Mind enables people to make informed choices. The Infoline gives information on types of mental health problems, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies and advocacy. Mind works in partnership with around 140 local Minds providing local mental health services."
  • Mind How can I find a therapist? overview, including NHS therapists, Charity and third sector therapists, Therapists at your place of work or education, and Private therapists.
  • Rethink Advice and Information Service 0300 5000 927 Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.00pm offers practical advice to adults living in England who are affected by mental illness, including people with a mental health problem, their friends, families, carers, as well as professionals who may want to know more about mental illness and how they can support the person they are working with. The Advice Service are expertly trained in a range of issues, including: mental health conditions, access to care and treatment, different medications and treatments, individual rights under the Mental Health Act, social care, and welfare benefits. Advice is also available to carers about their rights and how they can support the person they care for. Written advice is also available by e-mailing advice@rethink.org or writing to PO Box 17106, Birmingham WMid, B9 9LL.
  • The Mental Health Foundation offers an overview "Getting help for my mental health and how to access support" that includes links to a variety of resources.

AskMe Threads About Finding A Therapist

Specific Comments

Specific Therapist Recommendations

US

Australia

Canada

China

Israel

Japan

UK: Scotland

Online Support, Suggested in AskMe

These resources are not suggested as a replacement for real-life therapy, but may be helpful for support, self-discovery and advice:

AskMe Threads about Short-Term Coping Strategies for Anxiety


Grief Resources

Grief Counseling Resource Guide - A Field Manual (NYS Office of Mental Health) (internet archive) (pdf) (internet archive)

FPP: Each person’s grief is as unique as their fingerprint (David Kessler on the Difference Between Mourning and Grief)

AskMe Threads about Grief and Grieving


Depression resources

General advice about Depression

Depression creates cognitive distortions that can make getting help seem difficult or impossible. People who do a lot of thinking can often think themselves into a dangerous corner. This section may help you act, spurred on by this MeTa thread.

LobsterMitten offers this broad summary of AskMe depression advice

  1. Seek therapy or other one-on-one counseling for help in breaking thought patterns that keep you depressed. Make and keep therapy appointments. If you don't click with the first therapist, don't give up - try another therapist.
  2. Maybe seek meds; different ones work for different people
  3. Exercise; this doesn't have to be as hard as you might think
  4. Be around people (a job, housemates, a coffee shop). Online doesn't count for this
  5. Shower, dress and get out of the house every day for at least a little while.
  6. Eat a sensible amount of healthy food.
  7. Sleep a reasonable amount. If you are sleeping more than 10 hrs a day, make routines with help from others that will help you break out of that pattern
  8. Don't make up excuses for why you can't do any of 1-7. Making up excuses to stay depressed is a big part of depression.
  9. If these aren't helping, try again, let someone know.

AskMe Threads For Those Who Are Depressed

AskMe Threads for Those Who Would Like To Help Someone Suffering From Depression

AskMe Threads about Talking To Loved Ones About Your Depression

Books, Articles &c.

Books that members have found helpful and have recommended to others in AskMe

Additional Resources

Postpartum Depression Resources

International

USA and Canada

UK

  • The PANDAS Foundation offers a free Help Line at 0808 1961 776, 9am – 8pm every day, online support, a support group directory, and other resources.

Further Reading

AskMe Threads

Alcoholism Resources

AskMe Threads about having a problem with drinking

AskMe Threads about dealing with someone else's drinking

Resources Suggested in AskMe Threads

For people having a problem with drinking:

For family and friends:

Books, Articles &c.

MetaTalk Threads


Disclaimer

The listing of an organization on this website does not constitute an endorsement of that group. This website and its contributors cannot guarantee the accuracy of information posted here or on any other website. This website and its contributors are not responsible for any advice, information, or assistance that you may obtain by using any of the organizations or websites listed or linked here. This website is for general information purposes only and for use at your own risk.

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