Emergency Mental Health Resources
Written by Beatrice Walker / July 21, 2022
This is a list of available resources if you are or someone you know are in urgent need of immediate emergency mental health services. All services are free and confidential.
Warmlines
Warmlines is a peer run listening line staffed by people who are in mental health recovery themselves. A warm line is an alternative to a crisis line and is run by people who have had their own experiences with trauma. Unlike a crisis line, the person you are connected to on a warm line is less likely to call the police if you discuss suicide or thoughts of self harm. Warm line operators are there to primarily listen, hold space, and offer support through whatever it is you are going through. They have a directory that lists available warm lines by state.
2. The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project has an emergency hotline for LGBTQ youth to access 24/7 when in crisis. You can call the number 1-866-488-7386 to be connected to a live counselor, or you can text, or chat from your computer. They offer calming exercises to help while you wait.
3. 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. Call 988 to be connected to a live responder.
4. NAMI Helpline
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people who have mental health conditions, and for those who have friends or family members with mental health conditions. The NAMI HelpLine is not a hot line, crisis line or suicide prevention line. Call 1-800-950-6264 Monday - Friday from 10:00AM to 10:00PM to be connected to a trained staff member for support.
5. SAMHSA National Helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-4357 to be connected to a live responder who will connect you with local assistance for support.