“Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
There are times when mental health challenges require support outside the family circle or a friend. In times of extreme stress, crisis, or a mental health emergency, where does one turn? There are a variety of helplines for different situations. National helplines provide trained, unbiased volunteers and mental health professionals who can defuse crises. A variety of national mental health helplines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you, or a loved one, are in immediate danger, call 911.
NATIONAL HELPLINES
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Lifeline Helpline 1-800-273-8255.
The Canada Suicide Prevention Service is available 24/7 for voice and 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. (ET) for text. Call 1-833-456-4566 or send a text to 45645 from 4 p.m. – Midnight (ET).
Text a Crisis Counselor at 741471. You’re not alone. You never know who might need Crisis Text Line. Pass it on and tell the people in your life to text HOME to 741741 if they’re ever in a crisis.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish).
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) National Helpline 1-800- 931-2237; Helpline volunteers are trained to help find the support and information needed.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline offers free and confidential assistance to people with mental health disorders, their family members, and their caregivers. 800-950-6264; Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST)
The National Institute on Drug Abuses is a part of the National Institutes of Health which developed the website to educate 11-15-year-olds and families and schools, on the science behind drug abuse, to empower students to make healthful decisions. There are animated illustrations, quizzes, and games to clarify concepts, check knowledge and have fun through interaction.
This hotline provides counseling for youth with pregnancy, molestation, suicide, and child abuse concerns. It also gives referrals to local drug treatment centers, shelters, and counseling services. 800-442-HOPE (4673)
This link will take you to the North American Division Family Ministries directory for Christian Counselors. You will be directed to the Christian Care Network for Christian Counselors. Listings in this directory are not sanctioned or recommended by the North American Division Family Ministries Department or the Office of Education.
ADHD AND BEHAVIOR DISORDERS
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
This national organization provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD.
This website offers information about ADHD symptoms, medications and treatment resources, behavior advice, school and learning support, weekly free webinars, and a newsletter.
This website is a support for parents and families. It provides information regarding ADHD, learning concerns, family dynamics, and community events.
This website provides up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents.
EATING DISORDERS
This website has information regarding eating disorders, how to seek treatment, and support groups for individuals and families.
This website is similar to the above one, but also has additional resources for school professionals and caregivers.
Eating Disorders Support Groups
ANXIETY AND TRAUMA
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
There is a self-test for teens to complete and take to a health professional.
International OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Foundation
This foundation’s website has information about OCD, effective treatments, lists of health professionals treating OCD, and links to other websites. There is also an online web magazine with youth authors and OCD experts.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
This website is to “raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families, and communities throughout the United States.” There are resources of parents, caregivers, professionals, military children and families, and educators. The information is also available in Spanish.
National Institute of Mental Health-Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
The website gives information on PTSD with an easy-to-read booklet on PTSD that explains what it is when it starts, how long it lasts, and how to get help.
American Psychological Association (APA)
This website provides multiple resources on trauma.
Teaching Restorative Practices with Classroom Circles by Arnos Clifford
“This manual is available at no cost on the Center for Restorative Process’s website. It is an excellent resource for teachers and administrators interested in implementing classroom circles and restorative practices.”
PBIS World
“PBIS World offers a variety of strategies and interventions that align with the three tiers of the PBIS framework. Many of these interventions can be tailored to the needs of students impacted by ACEs and trauma.”
DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR DISORDERS
Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
This website gives “information and downloadable facts sheets on depressive disorders.”
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
This website is a “patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses. The alliance fosters an environment of understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically-based tools and information written in language the general public can understand.”
Depression Screening
This website educates “people about clinical depression, offers a confidential way for people to get screened for symptoms of the illness, and guide people toward appropriate professional help if necessary.”
Pendulum
This website gives information on bipolar disorder. It offers book reviews, discussion forums, articles, and links to other resources.
Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development (GUCCHD)
This University Center was developed “to improve the quality of life for all children and youth especially those with, or at risk for, special needs, and their families. The center directly serves vulnerable children and their families.”
National Association of School Psychologists
This association “offers a wide variety of free of low-cost online resources parents, teachers and others working with children and youth through their website and its Center for Children and Youth.”
Check & Connect
Check & Connect is an evidence-based approach to mentoring students that includes goal-setting, intervention, family partnerships, and progress monitoring.
Websites
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
