Free Mental Health Resources: Accessible Support for Everyone

Free mental health resources include 24/7 crisis lines, community mental health centers with income-based fees, university training clinics, free peer support groups, public self-help tools and government programs such as Medicaid and VA care. This page focuses on the United States and was reviewed in October 2026; services and numbers change, so check details with each organization. If you are in danger now, call 911 or go to an emergency room, and see our full list of crisis resources.

Immediate Crisis Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support. Trained crisis counselors provide immediate help for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Available in English and Spanish with translation services for other languages.

Chat option available at 988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. Free, confidential support via text message for any type of crisis - anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationship problems, or just needing someone to talk to.

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's national helpline provides 24/7 referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations. Free, confidential, available in English and Spanish.

Veterans Crisis Line

Call 988, then press 1 or text 838255

24/7 support specifically for veterans, service members, National Guard, Reserve, and their families. Confidential crisis intervention from VA professionals.

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people under 25. Phone, text, and online chat options available.

Trans Lifeline

1-877-565-8860

Peer support hotline for transgender people, run by transgender people. Available in US and Canada.

Free Therapy and Counseling

Community Mental Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community mental health centers provide services on a sliding fee scale based on income. Many offer free care for those who cannot afford payment.

Find centers through SAMHSA's Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: findtreatment.gov

Open Path Collective

A nonprofit network of therapists who offer reduced-fee sessions to people who cannot afford standard rates, after a one-time membership fee. Check the website for current fees and eligibility.

openpathcollective.org

University Training Clinics

Many universities with psychology or counseling programs operate training clinics where graduate students provide therapy under supervision. Services are typically free or low-cost.

Search for "psychology training clinic" or "counseling center" near you along with local university names.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI offers free support groups, education programs, and helpline services.

NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Available on weekdays; check nami.org for current hours, text and chat options.

Find local NAMI chapters offering free support groups and classes at nami.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

Free peer-led support groups nationwide for people with depression and bipolar disorder, plus online support groups.

dbsalliance.org

Alcoholics Anonymous and Other 12-Step Programs

Free peer support for addiction recovery:

• AA (Alcoholics Anonymous): aa.org
• NA (Narcotics Anonymous): na.org
• Al-Anon (for families of alcoholics): al-anon.org
• SMART Recovery: smartrecovery.org (science-based alternative to 12-step)

Free Self-Help Tools from Public and Nonprofit Organizations

Some free apps and online programs have been developed by government agencies or nonprofits around evidence-based techniques. They can supplement, but not replace, professional care.

• PTSD Coach: developed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for PTSD; offers education, symptom tracking and coping tools.
• MindShift CBT: developed by the nonprofit Anxiety Canada using CBT strategies for anxiety and worry.
• Virtual Hope Box: developed for the US Department of Defense; stores personalized coping tools, reminders and distractions.

Many commercial apps offer some free content, but quality and privacy practices vary widely and few have been rigorously tested. If you use one, check who made it, what evidence it cites, and how your data are used. Our page on coping skills describes techniques you can practice without any app.

Free Online Support and Self-Help Programs

Peer Support Online

Many nonprofits run free online support groups, including NAMI Connection groups and DBSA online groups. Some websites offer chat with trained volunteer listeners; these can provide a sympathetic ear but are not therapy or crisis services. For a crisis, use 988 or Crisis Text Line.

Worksheets and Online Programs

• Centre for Clinical Interventions (Western Australia Department of Health): free CBT-based workbooks on anxiety, depression, self-esteem and more.
• University-developed online CBT programs, such as MoodGYM (Australian National University) and This Way Up (St Vincent's Hospital Sydney): free or low-cost, depending on region and program.

Low-Cost Online Therapy

Some online therapy services offer reduced fees or financial assistance. Compare total costs, whether therapists are licensed in your state, and privacy policies; see our guide to online therapy platform models.

Specialized Support Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

24/7 support for domestic violence survivors. Safe, confidential crisis intervention and referrals to local resources.

National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Free, confidential 24/7 support operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). Connects callers with local sexual assault service providers.

Eating Disorder Support

The helpline formerly run by the National Eating Disorders Association closed in 2023. For a crisis, call or text 988 or text HOME to 741741. Nonprofit eating disorder organizations list current support lines, free support groups and treatment-finding resources on their websites.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Call or text 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA): free, confidential, 24/7 support before, during and after pregnancy, in English and Spanish.

Postpartum Support International

1-800-944-4773

Support for pregnancy and postpartum mental health. Helpline and online support groups in English and Spanish.

Substance Abuse Treatment Locator

SAMHSA's online locator helps find substance abuse treatment facilities, many offering free or sliding-scale services.

findtreatment.gov

Government and Public Resources

Medicaid Mental Health Coverage

Medicaid covers mental health services including therapy, psychiatric care and inpatient care, usually with little or no cost-sharing. Eligibility varies by state. See our Medicaid mental health guide.

Apply through healthcare.gov or your state Medicaid office.

Medicare Mental Health Benefits

Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health services including therapy and psychiatric care. Part A covers inpatient psychiatric care.

Information at medicare.gov

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Many employers offer free short-term counseling, often around three to eight sessions, through employee assistance programs. Check with your HR department.

Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services

VA provides mental health care for eligible veterans, often at no cost. Services include individual and group therapy, medication management, and specialized PTSD treatment.

va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health

Indian Health Service

Free mental health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives through IHS facilities and tribal health programs.

ihs.gov

Educational Resources

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Free, evidence-based information about mental health conditions, treatments, and research. Educational materials in multiple languages.

nimh.nih.gov

NAMI Educational Programs

Free classes for people with mental illness and their families:

• NAMI Basics: For parents and caregivers of children with mental health conditions
• NAMI Family-to-Family: 8-week course for family members
• NAMI Peer-to-Peer: Recovery education for people with mental health conditions

Mental Health First Aid

While training courses have a fee, many communities offer scholarships or free training. Learn to recognize and respond to mental health crises.

mentalhealthfirstaid.org. See also how to support someone with mental health issues.

Support for Specific Populations

Youth and Students

• Teen Line: teens supporting teens by phone or text (text TEEN to 839863) during set evening hours; check the Teen Line website for current hours
• Boys Town National Hotline: 1-800-448-3838 (24/7 crisis support for children and teens)
• JED Foundation: Free resources for teen and young adult mental health (jedfoundation.org)
• College counseling centers: usually free or included in fees for enrolled students

Older Adults

• Friendship Line: 1-800-971-0016 (24/7 crisis line for older adults)
• Senior centers: Many offer free support groups and mental health programming
• Area Agencies on Aging: Connect with local resources (eldercare.acl.gov)

Immigrant and Refugee Services

• National Immigration Law Center: Resources and referrals (nilc.org)
• Refugee Mental Health: culturalorientation.net
• Many community mental health centers provide services regardless of immigration status

Workplace Mental Health

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Check with employer
• Workplace Mental Health Resources: workplacementalhealth.org

Religious and Spiritual Resources

Faith-Based Counseling

Many religious organizations offer free or low-cost counseling:

• Church, synagogue, mosque, or temple counseling services
• Catholic Charities (sliding scale fees)
• Jewish Family Services
• Islamic relief organizations

Pastoral Counseling

Clergy members often provide free spiritual counseling and can refer to mental health professionals when clinical care is needed.

Books and Reading Materials

Free Online Mental Health Books

• MoodGYM: Free online CBT program with downloadable resources
• Centre for Clinical Interventions: Free workbooks for anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and other issues (cci.health.wa.gov.au)
• Public Library: Free access to mental health books, audiobooks, and often therapy-related apps

Evidence-Based Self-Help

Reading CBT-based self-help books, known as bibliotherapy, has been tested in trials; for example, a 1995 study by Cheryl Jamison and Forrest Scogin found that reading David Burns's Feeling Good reduced depressive symptoms in mildly to moderately depressed adults. Widely used titles, often available free through public libraries, include:

• Feeling Good by David Burns (depression, CBT)
• Mind Over Mood by Greenberger & Padesky (CBT workbook)
• The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne
• Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life by Steven Hayes (ACT)

How to Access Free Resources

Starting Points

1. Call 211: Dial 211 for information about local health and human services, including mental health resources
2. Contact your county health department: Many provide or can refer to free mental health services
3. Search SAMHSA's treatment locator: findtreatment.gov provides comprehensive listings
4. Check with your insurance: If you have any coverage (Medicaid, Medicare, ACA marketplace), many services may be free or low-cost
5. University clinics: Psychology training programs often serve the community at reduced or no cost

Questions to Ask

When contacting services, ask about:

• Sliding fee scales based on income
• Uncompensated care programs
• Financial assistance applications
• Waitlist times and prioritization for urgent cases
• Alternative free resources if they cannot serve you

Important Reminders

Quality of Free Services

Free does not mean inferior. Community mental health centers, university clinics and nonprofit services are staffed by licensed professionals or supervised trainees and often provide evidence-based care. The main trade-offs tend to be waitlists and less choice.

Persistence

Finding the right free resource may take time and multiple attempts. Don't give up if the first option doesn't work out - keep reaching out until you find appropriate support.

Combination Approach

You can combine multiple free resources: support groups, crisis lines when needed, self-help apps, and professional therapy as available. Every bit of support helps.

Emergency Situations

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Mental health crises are medical emergencies deserving immediate attention regardless of ability to pay.

Conclusion

Financial barriers should never prevent access to mental health support. While navigating free resources requires effort, help is available through crisis lines, community mental health centers, support groups, evidence-based apps, and numerous specialized services.

For more on paying for care, see therapy without insurance and our guide to finding a therapist. Start with immediate-access resources like crisis hotlines and online support, then work toward longer-term care through community mental health centers or sliding-scale therapists. Combine professional help with peer support groups and self-help resources for comprehensive support.

Mental health care is a right, not a privilege. These resources exist because mental health professionals, advocates, and communities recognize that everyone deserves support. Don't hesitate to reach out - help is available, and you deserve to feel better.