Mental Health Help During COVID
Free online and phone support for whatever you're going through right now
Are you okay? It is more than okay to not be okay during the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing, self-isolating, and quarantine measures that it requires of much of the country. Many of your usual mental health support systems have been disrupted, so we want you to know that you do have places you can turn for help with whatever you’re going through. Whether you need a soothing meditation or a fast connection to a trained counselor for a specific issue, this list of free online or phone resources are a good place to start.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
If you’re in any kind of mental health crisis (whatever that means to you — you don’t need to be suicidal, just in need of fast support), text HOME to 741741 to connect with a live Crisis Counselor for fast, free, confidential support. Learn more about the Crisis Text Line.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
If you have thoughts of suicide, or are worried about a loved one, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or connect with free online chat via their website. They have a version for Spanish speakers and for the deaf and hard of hearing. Learn more here.
Intimate Partner Abuse
(800) 799-7233
If you’re quarantined with an abuser or otherwise at risk from an intimate partner, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or connect with them via confidential online chat.
Addiction Support
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
People needing help with addiction and other mental health issues can get referrals to local help by calling the National Helpline of the federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The helpline is free, confidential and available 24/7/365.
Those in recovery missing the support provided by in-person meetings can access online meetings and other resources at We Connect Recovery and In the Rooms.
Teen Peer Support
Youthline: 877-968-8491
Text line: Teen2Teen to 839863
Confidentially connect with other teens trained in offering support via Youthline. Teens are available to help 4-10 PM Pacific time and adults are available all other times. No problem is too big or too small.
LGBTQ+ Youth
Trevor Lifeline (24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support): 888-488-7386
Trevor Text: Text START to 678678
Young members of the LGBTQ+ community can find both crisis intervention and non-crisis support at the Trevor Project. In addition to Trevor Lifeline, texting and online chat with trained counselors, you can visit the peer-to-peer online group TrevorSpace to connect with members of the community ages 13-24.
Veterans Crisis Line
800-273-8255, press 1
Or text 800-799-4889
Veterans can connect with help through the Department of Veterans Affairs through this confidential, free hotline (for voice, text or online chat). Families and friends of veterans in crisis can also use the service.
Free Meditation Tools
The apps Calm and Headspace have both released free guided meditations specifically chosen for the COVID-19 moment, including resources for sleep and mindful movements you can do at home.
About the Author
Beth Kaplan, MD, is an Emergency Medicine physician in the San Francisco Bay Area and a Senior Medical Advisor at Nurx.
This blog provides information about telemedicine, health and related subjects. The blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be construed as a substitute for, medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or person with a medical concern should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes. The views expressed herein are not sponsored by and do not represent the opinions of Nurx™.
