Resources
Helplines
1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
(SAMHSA): 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablamos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablamos to 1-787-339-2663.
1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text LOVEIS to 22522
1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
1-800-677-1116 TTY Instructions
1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255
This Red Cross free service helps frontline workers cope with the stress of working with families affected by COVID 19. Individuals may call 1-833-492-0094 or groups may schedule a support session using the Training Request Form.
Support for grieving individuals and families who have lost loved ones to the pandemic can visit redcross.org/VFAC or call 1-833-492-0094
1-877-565-8860 (para español presiona el 2)
FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Call 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
Services
Help Applying for Public Benefits
The Queen Shirley Foundation (QSF) helps individuals determine where their closest DHS office is located, review online services and applications, and supports individuals in filling out applications for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and find affordable or no cost health insurance, if they are eligible.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has satellite offices in each state in the United States. They oversee 115 programs across its 11 operating divisions. These divisions consist of social service programs, civil rights and healthcare privacy programs (insurance), disaster preparedness programs, and health-related research. These offices provide life-saving public benefits for those individuals who meet certain financial criteria. They often have one centralized website in each state in order to apply for these benefits.
Most states also offer help with utility bills, special discounts for older adults, and other services, such as a free cell phone or internet services. If you know someone who may benefit from our services, but does not have a phone, webcam, computer, or internet access, we can help them acquire these devices and services.
Virtual mental health therapy in all 50 states covered by insurance
Our partner agency, Honor First, offers a complete array of virtual therapeutic services for those experiencing any mental health disorder including:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Anxiety
- Opioid and drug/alcohol disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Postpartum Depression
- Major Depression Disorder
All of Honor First’s services are provided through teletherapy, ensuring your safety. We are now seeing patients virtually in all 50 states. All therapy is covered through health insurances whether Medicaid or private insurance. It is billed as with any medical services. This is based on the patient’s needs.
Our therapists and psychiatrists are available every day of the week from 7 am until 11 pm. We can also be reached after hours for emergency care at 1-877-534-4999.
We are a multicultural organization, so that you can request a therapist who fits your cultural needs and speaks your language. Our mental health therapists are located throughout the United States and Canada and can easily reach you by phone or computer for scheduled appointments. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Honor First has collaborated with medical doctors who can provide comprehensive health care via tele-medicine for both urgent and primary care
Mental Health Groups
The Queen Shirley Foundation encourages you to check out these action groups to find out how you can join others who are advocating to increase access to mental health care, promote optimal mental health and well-being, and to reduce the stigma of mental illness.
Let’s face it, it can be hard to talk about depression or other mental health problems when society tells you to be a strong, stoic man. And research shows men do have a tendency to suffer in silence rather than reach out for help when they are struggling. So Man Therapy uses a unique blend of humor and evidence to help men learn how to better talk about their feelings and issues—and get the help they need.
One of the oldest mental health advocacy groups in the United States, NAMI provides mental health support to millions. NAMI leads important awareness campaigns, like the #StigmaFree pledge, as well as advocacy and lobbying efforts to help promote mental well-being across the nation.
Active Minds: Many individuals have their first brush with mental health problems in late adolescence. And for some, that means navigating care in the college environment. Active Minds has chapters on college campuses across the nation and works to help students reduce stigma surrounding mental health in the university space.
Mental Health Stats
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has current mental health statistics and infographics. If you are experiencing a mental health disorder, it is important to know that you are not alone and that many treatment options are available to fit your needs. Here are some stats that show the prevalence of mental illness and the drastic need to increase access to mental health care.
Prevalence
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
- 1 in 6 youth (6-17 years) experience a mental health disorder each year.
Suicide
- 12+ Million people has serious thoughts of suicide in 2020.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.
- The overall suicide rate has increased 35% since 1999.
Access to Mental Health Care
- Only 46.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2020
- Only 50.6% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 with a mental health disorder received treatment in 2016.
- 4.9 Million people were unable to access necessary mental health care in 2020.
- 134 Million people live in a designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Area.
Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
- 4.9% of all adults
- 11.3% of young adults aged 18-25
- 18.8% of high school students
- 42% of LGBTQ youth
- 52% of LGBTQ youth who identify as transgender or nonbinary