Free Hotlines and Mental Health Resources (Updated)

Written By Denise Buckingham

I originally posted this blog article almost two years ago. With many therapists being away for the holidays, other supports possibly being less available, and the increased stress that sometimes comes with this time of year, I thought it was worth updating and reposting. I hope it is helpful now or at any other time that you find yourself needing some additional (free) support.

One of the best ways to address mental health concerns is to form a relationship with a therapist that you see regularly, but sometimes we might find ourselves in a situation where we cannot afford treatment, or we have a therapist but it is 1am and they aren’t available.  In any case, I’ve compiled a list of free resources that you can use if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and are worried about your safety, or if you are just having a hard time and need someone to talk to.  Some of these are general resources that anyone can use, and others are meant for people who are part of certain populations.  If you find yourself in a situation where you need help and it isn’t available at the moment from a regular therapist, regardless of the reason, I hope that some of these resources will be helpful to you.

General Hotlines (helpful for a variety of different concerns):

image of phone with hotline for mental health therapy in Boston, Northampton Massachusetts, Portland Maine, Burlington Montpelier, Brattleboro Vermont, for people with depression and anxiety to access counseling

  • 741741: a text line that you use by texting “HOME” to the number 741741.  It is available 24/7.

  • IMAlive:  an online crisis line, which has an online chat on their website, www.imalive.org

  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  has both a phone number and an online chat, www.suicidepreventionlifeline.com, 1-800-273-8255.

  • One additional way to find a resource in your area is to google “_____ County Crisis Services”, and fill in the blank with the name of your county.  Many counties have their own 24/7 hotlines.

For Massachusetts Residents:

For Maine Residents:

  • Maine Crisis Line: Free, 24/7, able to take both calls and texts

For Vermont Residents:

  • View this listing on the Department of Mental Health website for several options based on location

For the LGBTQ+ Community:

  • The Trevor Project (For LGBTQ+ youth):  a 24/7 hotline available via phone at 1-866-488-7386

  • Trans Lifeline:  Available via phone at 877-565-8860

  • GLBT National Hotline:  Available via phone from 4pm to midnight, EST at 888-843-4564.  Also see their website at https://www.glbthotline.org/national-hotline.html

For People With Eating Disorders:

For Survivors of S*x*al Trauma:

  • RAINN: Support available via phone or online chat at www.rainn.org

For Veterans:

Denise Buckingham
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