NAMI HelpLine

One of NAMI’s main goals is to ensure that people get help early. Since mental health conditions typically begin during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood, we have compiled essential information and resources intended to help young people get the mental health support they need.


Kids


Having a child that is facing mental health symptoms can be incredibly difficult. To make things easier, explore our information, tips and resources for getting your child the treatment, support and accommodations they need.

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What to Look For and When to Act

When to worry and how to respond if your child is struggling.

Finding Mental Health Care for Your Child

Finding mental health services for your child can often seem like an immense challenge.

Getting Your Child Mental Health Support and Accommodations in School

Improve your understanding of how to advocate for your child’s needs in school.

What to Do If Your Child Is in Crisis

Learn the warning signs of a mental health crisis and what to do.

How to Talk to Your Child About Their Mental Health

Read our tips on how to start the conversation with your child.

Residential Treatment

Explore whether residential placement is right for your child and what that would entail.

Teens


Determining whether certain behavior is normal or a symptom of a mental health condition can be difficult. Learn when to ask for help, how to talk to your friends and family about mental health, and more.

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Finding Help

Learn what to do when you need help with your mental health.

How to Talk to My Friends

Read our tips on how to open up to your friends.

How to Talk to My Parents or Guardian

Read our tips on how to start the conversation with your parent or guardian.

Social Media and Mental Health

Explore our suggestions for protecting your mental health while using social media.

Your Mental Health and School

Learn what to do if you need more mental health support in school.

Young Adults


If you are experiencing symptoms that are affecting your everyday life, it is essential to seek help. The following information, resources and tips may be helpful during your journey toward finding the right care and support for you.

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Do I Have a Mental Health Condition?

Determine if what you are experiencing might be a symptom of an underlying mental health condit..

How to Seek Help

Learn how to search for a mental health professional.

Understanding Health Insurance

Better your understanding of health insurance and what plan is right for you.

Mental Health in College

Explore our suggestions for managing your mental health while in college.

How to Disclose Your Mental Health Condition

Read our tips on how to disclose to your university, employer and significant other.

What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide


Suicidal thoughts are common among teens and young adults. If we can identify and support young people who are experiencing mental health symptoms, including thinking about suicide, we have an opportunity to help prevent tragedy.

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Social Media and Your Family


Technology is all around our kids — at school, at home, and in their pockets. Keeping our kids safe and well online is top of mind for many of us. We’re also facing tough questions — how much screen time is too much? When is the right time to get a child a phone? Here are some tips to help you and your family navigate social media together!

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Youth and Young Adult Resources


Mental health conditions typically begin during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood, here you will find additional information intended to help provide young people, educators, parents and caregivers with the resources they need.

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Back to School Resources

As we gear up for the new school year, we understand the importance of mental health for students, parents, and educators. That’s why we are adding to our comprehensive youth mental health resource library this back to school season.

Be a Trusted Adult for Young People in Your Life

Trusted adults can be family members, grandparents, teachers or social workers and this kind of relationship can have a positive impact on physical, mental and social outcomes for children.

NAMI TraumaInSight

NAMI TraumaInSight is a virtual training that covers the principles of trauma awareness. When working with youth and young adults, using trauma-informed practices creates safe and secure environments for them.

School Break Resources


School breaks offer a much-needed pause from academics and a busy school schedule. Students can take this time to relax and get back into activities they didn’t have time for while they were in school.

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Parents of Children 12 and Under During School Breaks

Students and their families take a big hit to their daily schedules when school breaks occur. Every family’s situation is different, but our tips can help make things a little easier.

Parents of Teens During School Breaks

This section provides insight into how you as a parent can communicate with your children effectively and support what they need to maintain their mental health.

Teens (13-18) During School Breaks

Middle school and high school often have more intense academic expectations and school breaks are great opportunities to focus on your mental health and rest up.

Young Adults in College During School Breaks

Young adults attending college will have a different experience during school breaks than high school and younger students.

Thank you to our partners for helping us spread information and resources to our younger audiences. One of our most important goals is to ensure that people get help early and these resources contribute to that goal.

Finding Support Near You


NAMI Ending the Silence

A presentation for middle and high school students, school staff and parents or guardians.

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NAMI In Our Own Voice

A presentation by people with mental health conditions to promote awareness and recovery.

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Contact Your Local NAMI

Across the country, thousands of trained volunteers bring peer-led programs and lived experience to your community.

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Helpful Articles & Stories


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Four Decades of Resilience: One Family’s Perspective on Our Mental Health System

Four Decades of Resilience: One Family’s Perspective on Our Mental Health System

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The Blizzard of Depression and the Importance of Compassion

The Blizzard of Depression and the Importance of Compassion

Chronic People Pleasing and My OCD

Chronic People Pleasing and My OCD

NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).