Additional Mental Health Support and Resources
ShareWell understands that it’s not always comfortable or easy for someone to seek support. A common stigma and myth about mental health is that seeking help is a weakness, but here at Sharewell, we see it as strong people advocating for themselves. You’re looking out for yourself, and we love that for you. We believe everyone deserves to have their stories heard by someone who understands. Peer support is only one of the many resources you incorporate into your healing journey.
This page is here for anyone seeking additional support. Finding resources can be a struggle if one doesn’t know what to look for, how to look for it, or if finding an affordable option is a barrier. Below, you will find a brief description of different options that exist, as well as direct resources. We hope this page helps you discover additional options and build a plan that is right for you.
Crisis Hotlines / Immediate Support
Crisis hotlines are not reserved exclusively for life-threatening “911” situations. They also serve as immediate emotional support for non-life-threatening situations - Plus advocates on the hotlines are trained and qualified to help you find local resources in your community. For someone who is experiencing a significant impairment in functioning, due to feeling overwhelmed, and their usual coping skills are not working; calling a hotline unique to their situation is a good choice. A few examples of non-life-threatening situations are panic attacks, receiving sudden bad news, or coping with emotional/verbal domestic abuse.
Please see the list below for immediate resources. All are free, anonymous, and confidential. Please reach out if you are in need, you deserve support.
Suicidal Thoughts or Ideation
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation, it's important to seek immediate help.
You don't have to go through this alone. Here are some resources that can provide support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call to speak with a trained counselor. The hotline is available 24/7 and is free and confidential.
Crisis Text Line
Call to speak with a trained counselor. The hotline is available 24/7 and is free and confidential.
Your healthcare provider
Contact your healthcare provider or mental health professional for assistance. They can provide guidance on treatment options and referrals to resources in your area.
Emergency services
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and can make a significant difference in your life. You don't have to struggle with suicidal thoughts on your own. There are people who care and are ready to help you.
Domestic Violence
If someone is experiencing domestic violence and needs help finding a local shelter, there are several resources available.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call to connect with a trained advocate who can help you find a local shelter or support services.
State or Local Domestic Violence Hotline
Many states and local communities have their own domestic violence hotlines that can provide information about local resources, including shelters. You can find a list of state hotlines at the National Domestic Violence Hotline website.
Safe Horizon
Safe Horizon is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to victims of domestic violence, including help finding a local shelter. Call their hotline to connect with a trained advocate.
National Network to End Domestic Violence
The National Network to End Domestic Violence has a searchable database of domestic violence service providers across the United States. You can search for a local shelter or service provider on their website or call their hotline for assistance.
It's important to remember that if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services. Seeking help is a critical step in getting to a safe and healthy place.
Other Helplines, Warm Lines and/or Text Lines
If you feel the resources above do not suit the situation you’re faced with, there are many other helplines, warm lines and text lines available to you. For the most part, these lines are staffed by Peer Support (individuals who have lived experience with mental health struggles or have utilized crisis support themselves in their recovery) and also Crisis Counselors. Each agency is different, but expect the advocate to designate at least 20 minutes to talking about whatever is on your mind (often longer in text form). This is a good option for all sorts of non-emergency mental health concerns.
If you find yourself needing a lot of extra support during a messy chapter, don’t hesitate to reach out to different lines across the nation in order to interact many times in a day. Unique perspectives from each person you speak to may also benefit you in making progress and taking steps forward with what you’re going through.
Crisis Text Line
This free, 24/7 service offers support to people in crisis via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
The Warmline Directory
The Warmline Directory is a database of non-emergency helplines that provide peer support and resources for people with mental health concerns. Visit their website at warmline.org to find a helpline in your state.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
This resource is not just for people in suicidal crisis but also for anyone in distress. It’s also a resource for loved ones to learn about prevention and best practices to help others contemplating suicide.
Suicide Hotline
Connect to a network of crisis centers that provide 24/7 phone-based support for people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
National Hopeline Network
Connect to a network of crisis centers that provide 24/7 phone-based support for people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
The Trevor Project
This organization provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth via phone, text, or chat. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 to connect with a counselor.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
NAMI provides information, resources, and support for people living with mental health conditions and their families. Call to connect with a trained volunteer.
Veterans Crisis Line
This service provides free, confidential support to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families who are in crisis. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline
This helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Eating Disorder Hope Helpline
This helpline provides support and resources for people struggling with eating disorders and their families. Call to connect with a trained representative.
In Person Peer Support / Living Room / Crisis Walk or Drop-in Services
If calling a hotline feels too disconnected or impersonal, then in-person options may work for you. Many agencies have a designated, safe, and protected Common area (often furnished much like a Living Room space) that anyone can simply walk in to talk to Certified Peer Support Specialists or Crisis Counselors who are on staff that day. A wonderful feature is that these visits are free, utilized as needed by you, require no scheduling, and you do not have to share any personal information such as your name or address. The goal of such spaces is Harm Reduction which means they aren’t looking to hospitalize people against their will. Advocates' primary goal is to help de-escalate the individual and help them return to a baseline in which they feel less overwhelmed and capable of functioning again. There are many ways to find such a place in your area
Directly call the NAMI national hotline, or use the search feature on the NAMI website (https://nami.org/findsupport) and call the location nearest to you. Along with potential walk-in living rooms, most NAMI locations also host peer support groups much like what is offered on Sharewell. It’s a good way to find time slots that fit your schedule, but also connect you with local resources and in person support.
Google search your locations and variations of “Walk-in peer support”, “Drop-in mental health crisis community center”, “Mental health living room”, “In person crisis support”, or “Non-emergency in person crisis support.” Walk-in services go by many names and each agency may call it something different across the nation, hence searching variations since it may be different depending where you are. Bonus? You get to discover other resources in your area that may be useful to you.
Call your state or county’s health department. You can discover this number by google searching something like “(insert your county) mental health department health.” The website to look for in the search results should end in “.gov” (ex: Sandiegocounty.gov)
If you are unable to find a helpline that meets your specific needs
Seek out local mental health resources
Look for mental health clinics or counseling services in your area. You can use online directories or search engines to find options near you. If you have health insurance, check with your provider to see what mental health services are covered.
Talk to your healthcare provider
Your primary care physician or mental health provider may be able to offer additional resources or referrals to specialists who can provide support.
Consider online therapy
Many online therapy platforms offer a variety of mental health services, including individual counseling and support groups. Look for platforms that are accredited and staffed by licensed professionals.