NAMI HelpLine

helpline

In need of help or support?  

You are not alone! If you are struggling with your mental health, the NAMI HelpLine is here for you. Connect with a NAMI HelpLine volunteer today.  

Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. 

Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email us at helpline@nami.org

Introducing The NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine

HelpLine Online Knowledge & Resource Center

We get it. Your mental health matters, and we’re here to help. The NAMI Teen & Young Adult (T&YA) HelpLine offers a direct connection with another young person who shares similar experiences and is prepared to offer information, resources, and support to help you move through difficult times to a better place.

Call 1-800-950-6264, or chat, or text "Friend" to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org to connect with us.

Talk to us

*The NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine is not a hot line, crisis line or suicide prevention line. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please chat, call or text 988. The NAMI TYA HelpLine does not provide mental health counseling, advice, personal advocacy or referrals to individual mental health providers or lawyers. The NAMI HelpLine does not provide individual casework, legal representation or any type of individual advocacy.

Message and data rates may apply . Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt-out. Reply HELP for help. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for more information.

Find Help & Support

Crisis Textline
Text the NAMI Helpline

Text "HelpLine" to 62640.
Connect with a HelpLine Specialist when you need support, information and resources via text message.

HelpLine volunteer taking a call
Call the NAMI HelpLine

To talk with a NAMI HelpLine Specialist, please call 800-950-NAMI (6264).

HelpLine Text Chat
Chat with the NAMI HelpLine

To chat with a HelpLine specialist on NAMI.org

Click "Chat with us" below

 

The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained and able to provide guidance.

  • They understand, many from their own experiences, listen and offer support.
  • They are informed on NAMI Programs, NAMI Support Groups and how to locate your local NAMI Affiliate.
  • They are trained to help identify the best resource options for your individual concern.
  • They are knowledgeable and a source of accurate information about relevant topics.
  • They care.

To become a NAMI HelpLine volunteer, please visit I want to make a difference.

Unfortunately, the NAMI HelpLine is unable to provide mental health counseling, advice, personal advocacy or referrals to mental health providers or lawyers.  The NAMI HelpLine does not provide individual casework, legal representations or any type of individual advocacy.

The NAMI HelpLine is not a hot line, crisis line or suicide prevention line. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please see the resources below.

What to Do in an Emergency

Need Immediate Help In An Emergency?

If you or a loved one is in immediate danger calling 911 and talking with police may be necessary. It is important to notify the operator that it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for police officers trained in crisis intervention or trained to assist people experiencing a psychiatric emergency.

 

Need Immediate Help In A Crisis?

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial or text 988 if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis and get connected to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Crisis counselors listen empathetically and without judgment. Your crisis counselor will work to ensure that you feel safe and help identify options and information about mental health services in your area.

988 is the new, shorter phone number that will make it easier for people to access mental health crisis services.

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741-741
Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.

National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information. Help is available in Spanish and other languages.

National Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is available at Online Hotline. Free help, 24/7.

The Trevor Project – Call 866-488-7386 or Text START to 678-678 
Supporting LGBTQ young people during times of crisis by providing access to crisis counselors 24/7, 365 days a year. Crisis chat support is available at Crisis Chat

HelpLine Online Knowledge & Resource Center

HelpLine Online Knowledge & Resource Center

​The HelpLine Online Knowledge and Resource Center is available and offers an extensive library of valuable information and answers to our most frequently asked questions.

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NAMI Resource Directory

HelpLine Resources

The NAMI HelpLine National Resource Directory is the nation’s largest mental health resource database providing over 600 mental health resources identified by peers and families as helpful. Each resource is national in scope and meets the needs of people served by NAMI. If you are facing a challenge, reach out to the HelpLine or use this directory to help guide you.

Full Resource Directory
Now Available: Resource Directory (En Español)

The NAMI HelpLine’s National Resource Directory includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. By including these resources, NAMI does not endorse the organization, views expressed, or products or services offered on non-NAMI sites. NAMI does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-NAMI information.

NAMI Teen & Young Adult Resource Directory

HelpLine Resources

NAMI HelpLine volunteers and staff have compiled this directory of outstanding resources to help teens and young adults identify resources to meet their mental health needs. If you or someone you know are in need, use this directory as a guide to help navigate through your mental health journey.

Download Resource Directory

NAMI does not endorse the resources included in the NAMI TYA HelpLine Resource Directory, and NAMI is not responsible for the content of or service provided by any of these resources.

Volunteer Opportunities

Helpline Volunteers

We are seeking specialists to help connect individuals and families with essential mental health resources and services. Currently, volunteers are working from home and connecting with help seekers via phone, web chat and text messaging. Volunteers are required to have a computer and a high-speed internet connection.

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Preparing For and Navigating a Mental Health Crisis

Navigating a Mental Health Crisis

​Taking steps to prepare for the possibility of a crisis can help you act quickly, ease your mind and lessen the impact if a crisis situation occurs. Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: A NAMI Resource Guide for Those Experiencing a Mental Health Emergency provides important, potentially life-saving information for people experiencing a mental health crisis and their loved ones.

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