More than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental health condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The country is also experiencing a dire youth mental health crisis. However, only half of those experiencing mental health conditions get treatment, as it can be hard to find, especially for people in marginalized communities and those who are un- or underinsured.

Fortunately, resources are available to either get immediate support or help answer questions about mental health conditions or provide referrals for treatment.

If you’re experiencing a crisis and need immediate help, you can call, text, or chat with a counselor through the 988 Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in English and Spanish. There are other similar helplines for specific communities, such as the Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth and the Trans Lifeline.

Free helplines for immediate help, support, or referrals:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you’re experiencing a crisis, call or text 988 or start a chat for help 24/7. A counselor will be available to provide support.

Crisis Text Line: If you’re experiencing a crisis or simply want to talk to someone, text HOME to 741741 to chat (including through WhatsApp) with a trained counselor 24/7.

The Trevor Project: If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and are experiencing a crisis, call 866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or start a chat 24/7 to get support from a trained counselor who understands LGBTQ+ issues.

Trans Lifeline: Call the crisis hotline at 877-565-8860 (Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET) to get peer support in English and Spanish. You can call if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not in a crisis.

LGBT National Help Center: Call the national hotline at 888-843-4564 (Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT) to speak to a counselor about sexual orientation or gender identity issues—like bullying, workplace issues, safer sex, or relationship concerns. The hotline is run by people who identify as LGBTQ+. The same organization also runs a Coming Out Support Hotline, which you can call at 888-688-5428.

NAMI HelpLine: Call 800-950-NAMI (6264), text HelpLine to 62640, or email Helpline@NAMI.org to reach a counselor from Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET. The National Alliance on Mental Illness-run hotline provides information, support, and referrals to resources.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 833-TLC-MAMA to reach a trained maternal mental health counselor 24/7. Run by the Health Resources and Services Administration, this hotline provides emotional support, resources, and referrals to pregnant and postpartum people experiencing mental health concerns.

Never Use Alone: Call 877-696-1996 for overdose prevention, lifesaving crisis response, and medical intervention services for people who use drugs alone. The operators are available 24/7 and stay with individuals to make sure that they use substances more safely.

Eating Disorders Helpline: Call 888-375-7767 Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET for emotional support and referrals if you or a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (4357) to get information about mental health conditions and substance use disorders. SAMHSA offers referrals to treatment, support groups and other resources.

For a more comprehensive list of helplines, check out this list from HelpGuide.org.

Resources to learn more about mental health conditions

Where to start when looking for treatment

Your options vary depending on what concerns you’re experiencing, your work, and whether you’re a student, among other factors. Check out this guide from Mental Health America that helps point you in the right direction when looking for treatment options.

Credit: Mental Health America Download