Mental Health Resources
The Gray Matters is here to connect you to the resources you need. When suffering from a mental illness, it’s easy to feel hopeless. You may feel alone, like you have nowhere or nobody to turn to.
However, this is not the case. There are so many resources out there that exist solely to help you. Here’s some national and global resources and information to help you get by.
Crisis Phone Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
This hotline is 24/7, free, and confidential. It has operators in over 160 crisis centers throughout the United States. The operators and leaders follow the best practices in risk assessment. There are also options for Spanish speakers and people who are hard of hearing. You do not have to be suicidal to call this hotline – it can be for any kind of mental health or emotional support.
*The lifeline has been approved to become 9-8-8 over the next year, but until then, please use the number listed below.*
Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Lifeline number: 1-800-273-8255
Press 1 for veterans line
National Hopeline Network
A program of the Kristin Brooks Hope Center, Hopeline provides support with trained counselors through this national hotline to prevent suicide.
Phone number: 800-442-4673
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides support to all in crisis, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 13 and 24. The Trevor Lifeline is available 24/7, and support by text and chat are available online, as well.
Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Phone number: 866-488-7386
Financial Support
Financial assistance with the Foster Cares Fund
In November 2022, The Gray Matters Collective, Foster's Voice, and QC Counselor collaborated to raise $40,000 to help individuals in need of financial assistance for therapy. The fund can be used by anyone in need. You can receive (at least) your first 6 sessions free of charge. To use the fund, call QC Counselor at 563-424-2016 or email their scheduling staff at GetHelp@QCcounselor.com. When you call, let them know you'd like to utilize the "Foster Cares Fund" and schedule your appointment. Find more information here: https://www.qccounselor.com/foster
Support by Text or Chat
Lifeline Chat
Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. All chat centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by CONTACT USA. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S. and you do not need to be suicidal to use this chat.
Crisis Text Line
CTL offers free text support 24/7 for anyone in the United States. The crisis counselors take the texters from a “hot moment to a cool calm.” The crisis counselors undergo extensive training, and they are all supervised by staff with Masters’ or PhD’s in psychology or social work.
Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
Text HOME to 741-741
Information
OCD and Addiction
Website: https://www.graniterecoverycenters.com/resources/ocd-and-addiction/
Tobacco
Iowa
Tobacco-Free QC
My Life My Quit –for teens and young adults
Text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or click to chat with a Coach
Quitline Iowa – Adults
1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669)
YourLifeIowa.org for Children and Adults
Call: (855)-581-8111
Text: (855)-895-8398
Or Live Chat on website
Organizations
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
The ADAA is a nonprofit that focuses primarily on anxiety disorders and depression. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for people who suffer from these disorders, providing research, facts, and resources.
Website: https://adaa.org/
Phone number: 240-485-1001
Support groups: https://adaa.org/supportgroups
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The AFSP prevents suicide and provides support to those who have lost (or almost lost) someone to suicide. It has chapters in each of the 50 states, and aims to be an advocate for life and “to take action against this leading cause of death.”
Website: https://afsp.org/
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association is the leading psychiatric association in the world, represented by members in over 100 countries. All of the psychiatrists in the association strive to advance the world of psychiatry and provide the highest level of care to mental illness sufferers.
Website: https://www.psychiatry.org/
Phone number: 703-907-7300
American Psychological Association
This organization is made up of over 115,000 members who strive to advance the science of psychology. The doctoral level psychologists range from ones who work with children to those who work with people serving in the armed forces.
Website: https://www.apa.org/
Phone number: 800-374-2721
The Anxiety Network
The Anxiety Network focuses on panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It provides facts, information, and personal blog posts surrounding the three disorders which inspire people to overcome their mental illness.
Website: https://anxietynetwork.com/anxiety-help-and-support
American Society of Addiction Medicine
ASAM, founded in 1954, is a professional medical society representing over 6,000 physicians, clinicians and associated professionals in the field of addiction medicine. ASAM is dedicated to increasing access and improving the quality of addiction treatment, educating physicians and the public, supporting research and prevention, and promoting the appropriate role of physicians in the care of patients with addiction.
Website: https://www.asam.org/Quality-Science/resource-links
Phone number: 301-656-3920
Born This Way Foundation
The Born This Way Foundation advocates mental wellness and empowerment. It targets young people, specifically, as the foundation knows that the creative and diverse young people of today are the future. Its mission is “to create a kinder and braver world.”
Website: https://bornthisway.foundation/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Mental Health
The CDC is the United States’ health protection agency. It conducts research and provides educational information to the nation and beyond to protect and save lives. It takes “a public health approach to mental health” to study and prevent mental illness.
Website: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/
Phone number: 800-232-4636
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The DBSA is unique in that it was made for people with mood disorders and is run by people with mood disorders. Its vision is “wellness for people living with depression and bipolar disorder.” There are many DBSA chapters that have peer run support groups.
Website: https://www.dbsalliance.org/
Phone number: 800-826-3632
Families for Depression Awareness
This organization aims to help families understand depression and bipolar disorder to better grasp the concept of mental illness and cope with it. It holds workshops as well as free webinars to educate people and firsthand stories from families on their experiences with mental illness.
Website: http://familyaware.org/
Phone number: 781-890-0220
Foster’s Voice Suicide Awareness
Foster's Voice, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity that understands that Suicide and Mental Health does not discriminate and can affect any person no matter your age, race, male or female, or your sexual orientation. We want to end the Stigma of Suicide and let others know that it's ok NOT to be ok!
Website: http://www.fostersvoice.org/
Contacts:
Hope For Depression Research Foundation
HDRF is a non-profit that focuses on depression and related mood disorders. The foundation uses neuroscience research to study depression, its causes, new treatments, and methods of prevention. It also aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding depression.
Website: https://www.hopefordepression.org/
Phone number: 212-676-3200
The Kevin & Margaret Hines Foundation
The Hines Foundation identifies and invests in the most promising research, programs and interventions for suicide prevention and brain/mental health. We fund and support a series of focused initiatives and partner with the public sector to leverage its impact for our shared causes.
Website: https://kmhinesfoundation.org/
Hope For The Day
Suicide is a preventable mental health crisis. The primary obstacle to suicide prevention is silence. Proactive suicide prevention means starting the conversation on mental health before it adversely impacts our lives. At Hope For The Day, we strive to eliminate the highest risk factors of suicide through outreach, mental health education, and community action.
Website: https://www.hftd.org/
International OCD Foundation
This foundation’s mission is to help OCD sufferers live full lives despite their condition and to end the stigma surrounding obsessive compulsive disorder. It provides resources and facilitates treatment for those who need it. There’s a variety of online and phone support groups with specific topics across the board.
Website: https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups/online-and-phone-ocd-support-groups/
Phone number: 617-973-5801
Mental Health America
MHA’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need them; with recovery as the goal.
Website: https://www.mhanational.org/about
Phone number: 703-684-7722
Support groups: https://www.mhanational.org/find-support-groups
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the United States’ biggest grassroots mental health organization. It educates the population on mental illness with its education programs across the country. The alliance advocates mental health and runs the NAMI HelpLine.
Website: https://www.nami.org/Home
NAMI Helpline: https://www.nami.org/help
Phone number: 800-950-6264
Mental Health for US
Mental Health for US is a nonpartisan, educational coalition elevating mental health and addiction in policy conversations around the country.
Website: https://www.mentalhealthforus.net/
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
NEDA is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.
Website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Helpline number: 800-931-2237
National Institute of Mental Health
The NIMH is a federal agency (an offshoot of the National Institutes of health) that researches mental disorders. Its mission is to conduct research that will better the understanding of mental illnesses, thereby “paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.”
Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
Phone number:866-615-6464
Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming addiction treatment, ending stigma, and supporting communities.
Website: https://www.shatterproof.org/
To Write Love On Her Arms
TWLOHA is a nonprofit that wants to give hope to people suffering from depression, addiction, and self-harm. It educates and inspires people across the world while also donating funds for treatment and recovery. It wants mental illness sufferers to know, “Hope is real and help is real.”
Website: https://twloha.com/
World Health Organization
With offices in 150 countries, the WHO has a not-so-simple goal of creating a healthier future for the world. It aims to fight all illnesses—from mental illness to HIV to cancer—and secure necessities like food and clean, drinkable water for those in need.
Website: https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use
Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) Resources
Treatment Directories
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective: https://wellness.beam.community/
Inclusive Therapists: https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
Innopysch: https://www.innopsych.com/findatherapist
LGBTQ Psychotherapists of Color Directory: https://www.lgbtqpsychotherapistsofcolor.com/
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network: https://www.nqttcn.com/directory
Psychology Today Directory of African American Therapists: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/african-american
Therapy for Black Girls: https://providers.therapyforblackgirls.com/
Therapy for Black Men: https://therapyforblackmen.org/
Black Mental Health Alliance
Provides information and resources and a “Find a Therapist” locator to connect with a culturally competent mental health professional.
Website: http://www.blackmentalhealth.com/
Phone number: (410) 338-2642
Behavioral Health Division of the Indian Health Service:
Promotes the integration of behavioral health and primary care treatment, while respecting the balance, wellness, and resilience of AI/AN people.
Website: https://www.ihs.gov/communityhealth/behavioralhealth/
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
Group aimed at removing the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. They do this through education, training, advocacy and the creative arts.
The Asian Mental Health Project
Aims to educate and empower Asian communities seeking mental healthcare.
Black Men Heal
Limited and selective free mental health service opportunities for Black men.
Website: https://blackmenheal.org
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Organization advancing health equity and social justice for Black women through policy, advocacy, education, research and leadership development.
Website: https://bwhi.org/
Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
BLHF has launched the COVID-19 Free Virtual Therapy Support Campaign to raise money for mental health services provided by licensed clinicians in our network. Individuals with life-changing stressors and anxiety related to the coronavirus will have the cost for up to five (5) individual sessions defrayed on a first come, first serve basis until all funds are committed or exhausted.
Website: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/
Black Mental Wellness
Provides access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, as well as training opportunities for students and professionals.
Website: https://www.blackmentalwellness.com/
Brother You’re on My Mind
An initiative launched by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and NIMHD to raise awareness of the mental health challenges associated with depression and stress that affect Black men and families. Website offers an online toolkit that provides Omega Psi Phi Fraternity chapters with the materials needed to educate fellow fraternity brothers and community members on depression and stress in Black men.
Website: https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/edu-training/byomm/
Dear Black Women Project
An affirmation movement for Black women by Black women – includes affirmations, resources, therapist connection, and events.
Ebony’s Mental Health Resources by State:
List of Black-owned and focused mental health resources by state as compiled by Ebony magazine.
Website: https://www.ebony.com/life/black-mental-health-resources/
Henry Health
Provides culturally sensitive self-care support and teletherapy for Black men and their families. Currently in pilot program available only to residents of MD, VA and DC. Residents of other states can join their waiting list and will be notified when Henry Health is available in their state.
Website: https://hurdle.co/
The Loveland Foundation
Prioritizes opportunity, action, validation, and healing for communities of color with a particular focus on Black girls and women. Includes a therapy fund to provide assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy nationally.
Website: https://thelovelandfoundation.org/
Melanin and Mental Health
Connects individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. Promotes the growth and healing of diverse communities through its website, online directory and events.
The Nap Ministry
Explores and promotes the healing power of napping for BIPOC communities – with a focus on Black people – whose rest is challenged by the ever-present trauma in their lives.
Website: https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/about/
One Sky Center
National resource center for American Indigenous and Alaskan Indigenous communities for access to health, education, and research.
Website: http://www.oneskycenter.org/
Ourselves Black:
Provides information on promoting mental health and developing positive coping mechanisms through a podcast, online magazine and online discussion groups.
Website: https://ourselvesblack.com/
We R Native
For indigenous youth: information about health, relationships, education—all things youth-centered. Also offers various contests and grants.
Real to the People
Created as a response to COVID-19 pandemic – offers free therapy services to help people cope, including group support series 4 times/week.
The Steve Fund
Organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
Website: https://www.stevefund.org/
Unapologetically Us
Online community for Black women to seek support.
Website: https://www.unapologeticallyus.com/
POC Online Classroom
Contains readings on the importance of self-care, mental health care, and healing for people of color and within activist movements.
LGBTQ+ Resources
The Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling
Delivers educational and support resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as promoting competency on LGBTQ+ issues for counseling professionals.
Website: https://saigecounseling.org/
The Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists:
Offers numerous resources for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing mental health conditions and psychiatric professionals with LGBTQ+ clients.
Website: http://www.aglp.org/
The National Center for Transgender Equality:
Offers resources for transgender individuals, including information on the right to access health care.
Website: https://transequality.org/
The Trevor Project
A support network for LGBTQ+ youth providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention, including a 24-hour text line.
Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Text “START” to 678678
The LGBT National Help Center
Offers confidential peer support connections for LGBTQ+ youth, adults and seniors including phone, text and online chat.
The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association's Provider Directory
A search tool that can locate a LGBTQ+ inclusive health care provider.
Stevens Institute of Technology
A list of LGBTQ+ resources college students and young adults from finding LGBTQ+ friendly colleges to community and support groups and other helpful resources.
Website: https://online.stevens.edu/info/lgbtq-community-resources-for-college-students/
Veterans & Active Duty Resources
Military OneSource
This organization provides free, confidential, non-medical counseling 24/7 to veterans coping with PTSD. Counselors can refer service members to services in their local community or provide support via face-to-face, online, or phone consultations.
Website: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
National Resource Directory
A partnership among the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Labor, and Department of Veterans Affairs, this website pools information from federal, state, and local levels. They provide a comprehensive resource for veterans, military, and their families on everything from PTSD services to caregiver support.
Website:https://nrd.gov/
PTSD Foundation of America
The PTSD Foundation of America is a non-profit dedicated to mentoring both combat veterans and their families experiencing PTSD. They offer counseling and peer mentoring, both individually and in a group setting. The organization also works to raise awareness for the needs of military families coping with PTSD through community awareness.
Website: https://ptsdusa.org/
National Center for PTSD
A part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Center for PTSD provides resources and information to improve patient care through research, education, and training in the diagnosis of PTSD.
Financial Support
Mental Health America
Mental Health America has an extensive list with a variety of options as well as tips and tricks to help pay for treatment of mental illness. The organization aims to meet needs of mental illness sufferers—and it knows how expensive treatment can be.
NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds is a national nonprofit that helps people obtain affordable care. It provides drug discount cards that can be used for both prescription and over the counter drugs. It maintains a database of assistance programs, free clinics, and drug coupons.
Website: https://www.needymeds.org/
Phone number: 800-503-6897
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
PPA is a free service that helps match patients with assistance programs that they may be eligible for to get discounted treatment. It also has a database of free and low cost clinics so patients can find one in their area.
Website: https://medicineassistancetool.org/
Pfizer Rx Pathway
Pfizer is a biopharmaceutical company that wants to make safe treatment more affordable—specifically Pfizer drugs. It provides assistance programs to help with insurance, doctor co-pays, and prescription costs. It can even provide free prescriptions in certain instances.
Website: https://www.pfizer.com/Rxpathways
Phone number: 844-989-7284
Social Security Administration
Social Security is a government system that helps provide economic stability for Americans. Those who qualify for Medicare can get “Extra Help” with their prescriptions if they have an income below a specified point. It can help with premiums, deductibles, and prescription costs.
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp/
Phone number: 800-633-4227
Together Rx Access
Together Rx offers an access card that offers savings on prescriptions—both brand name and generic. It also provides resources that help people learn about different coverage options that are available to people depending on their income.
Website: https://www.togetherrxacces.com/
Phone number: 800-503-6897
Clinical Trials
CenterWatch
Centerwatch has clinical trial information for both researchers and patients. There are professional resources as well as lots of educational information on drugs and treatments. You can search for open clinical trials by condition and geographic location.
Anxiety Disorder Clinical Trials: https://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/condition/14/anxiety-disorders/
Depression Clinical Trials: https://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/condition/164/depression/
ClinicalTrials.gov
This site is provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and includes studies in all 50 states plus other countries. Researchers can submit studies to be considered, and patients can search the database of studies to participate in.
Website: https://clinicaltrials.gov
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Clinical Trials: https://adaa.org/finding-help/treatment/clinical-trials
Columbia Psychiatry
The Columbia University Department of Psychiatry is a leader in the field. It conducts a lot of research and uses new technologies to investigate mental illnesses and organize innovative studies.
Clinical Trials: https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/clinical-trials
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit that seeks to provide “whole-person care” by providing the best education on health and a multitude of resources. It has four campuses in the United States where clinical studies are conducted.
Depression Clinical Studies: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356013
National Institute of Mental Health
Anxiety Disorders Featured Studies: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/trials/anxiety-disorders.shtml
Depression Featured Studies: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/trials/depression.shtml
Bipolar Disorder Featured Studies: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml