10 Best Free and Affordable Mental Health and Counseling Resources

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This week’s review isn’t so much the top 10 as it doesn’t rank and there is much more than we can cover, but here are ten of our favorite mental health resources to keep close at hand for you or whoever someone you love who might need someone to talk to, whatever the reason.

10. Dial 211.

Not enough people know that most metropolitan areas have a 211 service that you can call to inquire about mental health, counseling, or other resources available in your area and beyond. We’ve mentioned them in our guide to finding someone to talk to when you can’t afford therapy , and the FCC’s Call 211 information page has a ton of information that you can call them to find out.

The great thing about 211 is that while they do not in any way offer mental health and counseling services directly, they have catalogs of those services that they can refer you to. 211 is free and is almost always staffed with real people willing to help you ( like one of our commenters !), But some of the services they have access to don’t, so keep that in mind.

9. Mental health in America

Mental Health America , formerly the National Mental Health Association, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with mental illness. The organization has offices and branch offices across the country , as well as a comprehensive “find help” tool that includes self-assessment tools, links to find someone in your community to talk to, and even tips on how to make the most of your relationship. a therapist or social worker, as well as the emergency number, which you can call in case of emergency (1-800-273-TALK).

In addition, Mental Health America offers resources beyond therapy and drugs to help you with other aspects of your life that may be affected by mental health problems. You can read more about their other programs here .

8. MentalHealth.gov

MentalHealth.gov , as long as it exists, serves as a gathering place for all programs, resources, and even research and evidence-based articles that can help you find someone to talk to. There are detailed articles on what to look for in yourself or in someone you know, which can be an indicator that the person is dealing with an undiagnosed problem, and even resources for people who know a loved one who is being treated or could get help and how to deal with my own feelings about it.

Whether you’re in urgent need of help, you’re a veteran struggling with PTSD or another mental health problem, or just looking for information on how to manage a complex network of health insurance and mental health offerings , there are resources to help you . They even have an easily bookmarked hotline and live chat page to keep close at hand if you or anyone else finds yourself in the dark.

7. Trevor’s project

The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBT youth through its hotline ( 1-866-488-7386 ) and text line ( text “Trevor” at 1-202-304-1200 ), its social network (called TrevorSpace ), his support center articles and live chat. Here you can briefly familiarize yourself with the options and their opening hours (for reference, the hotline is open 24/7).

In addition to a hotline, the support center offers many resources and in-depth reading on a variety of topics, including dealing with family or struggling with your own identity, as well as other mental health issues such as depression or bipolar disorder, or those contemplating self-harm. They are also happy to accept volunteers or donations, and they have a great series of videos to help people become “lifeguards” or learn how to help LGBT teenagers at risk.

6. IAMAlive

IAMAlive is an online crisis management network and all of its volunteers are professionally supervised and trained in crisis prevention. Unlike many services (some of which are useful, we will name them later) where volunteers or people who are just willing to listen are listeners, IAMAlive volunteers are trained to help you in almost any situation and can help you find additional help. human resources to help.

Volunteers come (and work) from all over the world and their online chat is just one click away . If you’re interested in volunteering or what their volunteers are going through, check out their frequently asked questions . This is very useful and very extensive.

5. Text line about the crisis

The Crisis Text Line we highlighted earlier is a 24/7 text-only service. However, right now, their website is completely filled with support numbers and more information. Plus, text messaging allows you to be contacted when you’re away from your home or computer, when you’re not sure you are receiving or making a phone call, or discreetly if you need to. Just text “START” to 741-741 to get started. You will need to provide a couple of details, but after that you will contact someone who can help.

Some of the answers are a bit algorithmic and are designed to help you figure out what problem you are facing and at what point they can put you in touch with a crisis counselor, and they always sincerely suggest that you see a professional who can help you after a crisis. passed.

4. ReachOut

ReachOut is a free social network available for iOS and Android , perfect for people on the go, or those who would rather get help and connect with others on their phones instead of making phone calls or using desktop chat services. in real time. It is also a support network made up of people who are struggling with similar issues that you are having and offer both general options for talking to others about your concerns or thoughts, as well as more urgent options for speaking with someone when you really need help. …

Best of all, the service offers a variety of support options for people who are struggling with certain health and wellness issues, such as chronic pain and illness, cancer and other medical problems, which of course in turn affect your mental health. Worth installing.

3. Bla therapy

BlahTherapy offers a combination of free and additional services that allow you to talk to the people you need to talk to. On the free side, you can talk anonymously with the listener at any time without signing up or registering on the site. It’s a bit like saying to a stranger who’s willing to listen – don’t expect all-round help or anything else, but sometimes it’s nice to just be heard by someone with an open ear.

In terms of premium, BlahTherapy can connect you with real-life therapists and social workers who can talk to you via live chat, after being greeted with someone who can help with your feelings or the problems you are having. Of course, this is a chat, but they are absolutely ready to help. You can try out the premium service for a week before you need to sign up for a subscription.

2.7 cups

We’ve listed many of the best 7 Cups benefits on our list of resources for people who need therapy but can’t afford a counselor . The service still exists and helps people, but its site also has tons of resources to help you practice good self-service , group messaging, and community support options.

Of course, the site also has free chat options to talk to trained listeners – in fact, volunteers are happy to share whatever happens with you – and even find professional therapists willing to help , for a fee, of course. The beauty of 7 Cups is that it is truly anonymous, and even talking to a professional is free (subscription comes later) and this service even helps you find a therapist in your area to connect face-to-face. … However, even in the absence of all of this, if you need someone to talk to right now, the trained listeners of 7 Cups are always on hand to help. If you’re on the go, they have a mobile app too .

1. These crisis support hotlines

In addition to the hotlines we’ve mentioned up to this point, here’s a rundown of some of the others that you should keep close at hand, whether for you or for someone in your life who may be experiencing difficulties:

However, it is important to make sure that no matter how you feel or whatever situation you are in, remember that someone can help and someone outside will listen to you kindly.

Many of these services and resources are temporary measures designed to help in an emergency, or serve as gateways to more reliable personal assistance. To find out more, use the search tool of the National Association of Social Workers or the American Psychological Association to find someone in your area to talk to. Don’t let stigma hold you back, get the help you deserve to be the best and healthiest you can.

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