West Virginia is the gateway to the Appalachians, offering skiing, hiking and breathtaking mountain vistas. Its people are friendly and welcoming, not just willing but eager to help out their neighbors whenever they can. But mental health challenges can strike anyone at any time, and if it happens to you or someone you love, it’s important to know where you can turn.
The mental health crisis in America is bad and getting worse. More than 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition as of 2021, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). West Virginia has 337,000 adults currently living with a mental illness; that’s more than seven times the population of Charleston. Sadly, more than 1 out of 5 West Virginians dealing with anxiety, depression or another mental health challenge say they have nowhere to turn. Below are several resources, including the crisis hotline of West Virginia, that you can reach out to at any time for help.
National Mental Health Hotline
The National Mental Health Hotline is a great resource to keep in mind because it can be reached anytime, day or night, and from anywhere in the country. If you need further help than what they can give you over the phone, they can refer you to a local mental health professional, no matter where you are.
(888) 599-2408
Crisis Text Line
If you prefer to get help via text, you can reach out to the Crisis Text Line for free and confidential crisis intervention 24-7. They can provide emotional assistance and referrals to mental health professionals if you need further help.
Text: HOME to 741741
Help for West Virginia Residents
West Virginia Division of Adult Behavioral Health
The West Virginia Division of Adult Behavior Health offers a variety of support services, including mental health support, for adults and adolescents in West Virginia.
(304) 558-0627
Help4WV
Help4WV is a 24-7 chat and text West VA hotline where you or your loved one can receive immediate assistance for addiction or mental health issues. Peer-support specialists and recovery coaches can support you over the phone and provide referrals to local professionals for more in-depth assistance.
WV Emotional Strengthline
Sponsored by the state Department of Health and Human Resources, the so-called strengthline is available to all West Virginia residents and connects you with a professional mental health counselor. Call 877-435-7304 or go to help304.com for live chat.
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 10 AM until 8 PM EST, there is a 24/7 text line available. Text ‘NAMI’ to 741-741 for assistance.
Mental Health Hotline for West Virginians
The Mental Health Crisis Hotline for West Virginia is the best first call you can make if you’re suffering from anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges and don’t know where to turn. Our compassionate professional counselors will take your call and give you the help you need right away. If you need more help than we can give over the phone, we can refer you to a local mental health expert. We’re available to take your call 24-7, so call us today.