Every year, millions of people in the United States and throughout Los Angeles struggle with mental illness. Approximately 1 in 5 adults aged 18 and older experienced a major depressive episode within the past year. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of these individuals receive the help they need. Concerns about being treated differently, lack of access and cost are among some of the top reasons people fail to seek help. The following is a list of local, state and national resources, including a Los Angeles helpline, that provide assistance to those in the middle of a mental health crisis or seeking assistance.
National Mental Health Helplines
- The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project offers mental health resources and crisis intervention to the LGBTQ+ community. It also provides peer support and public education services. Calls are answered 24-7 and are free and confidential. You can also chat online via the organization’s website.
Call: (866) 488-7386
Text: START to 678-678 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The 988 crisis line is available 24-7 for those facing a mental health crisis or going through a substance abuse emergency. Counselors are available to talk or text and can provide information on local resources. All calls are free and confidential.
988 - Mental Health Hotline
The Mental Health Hotline is available to individuals nationwide, including California and the Los Angeles area. Available 24-7, this Los Angeles helpline connects those struggling with depression, anxiety and other mental health crises to trained counselors. It also offers follow-up calls and rechecks to ensure you’ve received the care and attention you need.
(866) 903-3787
State Mental Health Resources
- California Mental Health for All
Those who need mental health or substance abuse treatment in California can receive assistance through Mental Health for All. Available through the Department of Managed Health Care, the department offers referrals for families, caregivers and individuals.
(888) 466-2219 - CALHope
CALHope offers easy access to mental health treatment through two mobile apps. Brightlife Kids offers mental health coaching for children up to 12 years old. The Soluna app is available to young adults aged 13 to 25. Both apps are available on Android and IOS devices. For more information, California residents may call or text the warm line, which is a peer-to-peer crisis line available 24-7.
Call: (833) 317-4673 for English
Call: (833) 642-7696 for Spanish - The Friendship Line
Older adults who live alone and feel isolated have access to mental health services through the Friendship Line. The chat line offers crisis intervention and grief-related services for seniors who are isolated without family or friends close by. All calls are free and are ideal for older adults who simply need someone to talk to.
(888) 670-1360
Los Angeles Helpline and Other Local Resources
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health offers a range of mental health services, including crisis intervention, outpatient and inpatient care, community-based support, substance use disorder services and programs for the homeless, veterans and children. This Los Angeles helpline is available 24-7, and all calls are free and confidential.
Call: (800) 854-7771
Text: LA to 741741 - NAMI of Greater Los Angeles County
NAMI of Greater Los Angeles County is a part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The organization provides support to individuals affected by mental illness and their families. Services include support groups, educational programs, public advocacy, awareness campaigns and workshops. This LA crisis line provides information, support and referrals to local mental health services.
Call: (800) 950-6264
Text: NAMI to 741741 - The Catalyst Foundation
The Catalyst Foundation provides mental health support and resources to low-income, uninsured and homeless individuals throughout greater Los Angeles. Programs include case management, enhanced care management and referrals to medical and LA mental health services. The foundation also collaborates with other organizations to increase their outreach.
(661) 948-8559 - 211LA
211LA is a nonprofit organization that matches individuals throughout Los Angeles to mental health services from a database of more than 50,000 providers. The 211 call line is available 24-7 and connects individuals with trained counselors. Chat is also available through the organization’s website. The organization hosts a number of community campaigns throughout the year to increase public awareness.
211
Get the Assistance You Need With Mental Health Hotline
Individuals struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues have multiple options for help throughout Los Angeles. For more information on the available resources available in your area, contact us 24-7 at the Mental Health Hotline to speak to someone today.