Florida is in a mental health crisis. Nearly half of Floridians experience some form of mental illness throughout their lives, which is higher than the national average. Also, Florida ranks 49th among US states in mental health treatment availability. With almost 20 million residents, it’s the third-most populated state in the country. Nearly one million suffer from a serious mental illness.
Fortunately, there’s help. No shortage of providers (or shortage of funds) should ever prevent you from getting the help you deserve. The following resources are free of charge, confidential, and available to all Florida residents. Help yourself or someone you love today.
The National Mental Health Hotline
If you need to connect with a mental health specialist, call 1-866-903-3787 right now. A trained professional will take your call and assist you however she or he can. A world of resources is waiting for you. The hotline is available to all US residents and operates on a 24/7 basis.
Florida 2-1-1
Florida Health is a government-sponsored organization that offers Florida 2-1-1. Simply dial the number on your phone to access free and confidential mental health support. The program is national, but Florida Health has partnered along to make it so you can connect with local resources.
NAMI Helpline & More
The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a wealth of resources, including the NAMI Helpline, which can be reached by calling 1-800-950-6264 or by emailing info@nami.org. Although the helpline is only available Monday through Friday from 10AM until 8PM EST, there is a 24/7 text-line available. Simply text ‘NAMI’ to 741-741 for assistance.