Support resources
Start here to find trusted crisis contacts, national and condition-specific support organizations, caregiver programs, and peer-led communities focused on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and related serious mental illnesses (SMI).
Verify availability and eligibility before sharing personal information, and call emergency services (911 in the U.S.) if someone is in immediate danger.
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Crisis contacts & key links
Share this card or print it for teams, patients, or families—these resources cover immediate crisis help, national education hubs, and local navigation starting points.
- **Emergency**: Dial 911 and request a mental health response team or CIT-trained officers when available.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Voice, text 988, or chat; TTY users dial 711 then 988; ASL callers can use direct video.
- Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 (U.S.), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (UK & Ireland).
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for treatment referrals and information.
- 211 Helpline — Connect with local crisis teams, shelters, and behavioral health services.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — Education, support groups, policy advocacy, and local affiliate finder.
- Mental Health America Screening Tools — Free mental health self-assessments with local follow-up options.
Use the Print button above to generate a handout; highlight or annotate items that resonate with your audience.
Many hotlines and organizations offer Spanish, ASL, and interpretation services—ask for language support when connecting.
Crisis & immediate help
Reach out to emergency responders or a crisis line if you or someone you support is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others. These hotlines operate 24/7 unless otherwise noted.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 within the U.S.; chat available in English and Spanish.
- Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat for veteran-specific support.
- Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 (U.S.), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (UK & Ireland).
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357); provides treatment referrals and information.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-7233; strong overlap with mental health safety planning.
- International Lifeline Directory — Search global crisis and helpline numbers by country.
- Trans Lifeline — Peer hotline for trans and nonbinary people in crisis: 877-565-8860 (U.S.) / 877-330-6366 (Canada).
- Native and Strong Lifeline — Dial 988 then press 4 for crisis counselors serving Native communities in Washington (expanding nationally).
- Teen Line — Call 800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863 (6–10pm PT) for youth-to-youth support.
- 988 Deaf/Hard of Hearing resources — Access options for Deaf/Hard of Hearing, hearing loss, and TTY users.
- National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline — 855-812-1001 (video phone/text) for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing survivors.
Mobile crisis teams and warmlines may be available locally; use 211 or state behavioral health websites to locate regional services.
When calling 911 in the U.S., ask for "a mental health response team" or "CIT-trained officers" if available.
Most hotlines support LanguageLine or interpreter services on request—ask for assistance if English is not your preferred language.
TTY users can dial 711 then the hotline number; 988 also supports chat for keyboard-only access.
National organizations & helplines
National nonprofits provide education, advocacy, and structured support groups for people living with SMI and their families.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — Education, support groups, and advocacy; find local affiliates via the find your NAMI directory.
- Mental Health America (MHA) — Community-based resources, mental health screening tools, and peer programs.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) — Peer-led support groups, wellness tools, and research updates focused on mood disorders.
- Treatment Advocacy Center — Guides on serious mental illness policy, civil commitment, and Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — National programs for crisis, prevention, housing, and evidence-based treatment.
- National Council for Mental Wellbeing — Support for community behavioral health providers and Mental Health First Aid training.
- National Empowerment Center — Peer-run recovery resources, trauma-informed curricula, and alternatives to coercive care.
- National Federation of Families — Family peer support, policy advocacy, and training focused on children and youth experiencing mental health challenges.
- Vibrant Emotional Health — Oversees the 988 Lifeline and provides specialized programs for diverse communities.
- Partnership to End Addiction — Family coaching, support groups, and evidence-based education for co-occurring substance use.
Large organizations often maintain state or county chapters listing in-person groups and services; check affiliate directories for local schedules.
Most national organizations offer Spanish-language materials and translation assistance; explore accessibility statements on each site for details.
Condition-specific support & education
Tap into organizations specializing in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, early psychosis, and related SMI needs.
- Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance — National support groups, policy advocacy, and educational series for psychosis spectrum conditions.
- Hearing Voices Network USA — Peer-led support groups for people who hear voices or experience unusual beliefs.
- Strong365 — Early psychosis education, coaching, and peer stories for young adults and families.
- International Bipolar Foundation — Webinars, online support groups, and educational toolkits for bipolar spectrum disorders.
- CREST.BD — Evidence-based self-management tools and research updates for bipolar disorder.
- Psychosis REACH — Caregiver training workshops using evidence-based communication strategies for psychosis.
- National EPINET — Early psychosis clinic network, Coordinated Specialty Care resources, and program finder support.
- IEPA Early Intervention in Mental Health — International professional and peer network sharing early psychosis program resources and conferences.
- Balanced Mind Parent Network (DBSA) — Online parent community supporting youth with mood or bipolar spectrum disorders.
- National Latino Behavioral Health Association — Programs and cultural humility resources for Latino/x communities navigating SMI.
Many condition-focused groups offer virtual support meetings; pre-registration may be required to maintain secure spaces.
Look for culturally specific chapters (e.g., Black, Latino, LGBTQIA+) within these organizations to match community needs.
Family & caregiver support
Caregivers benefit from peer coaching, psychoeducation, and respite options tailored to supporting someone with SMI.
- NAMI Family-to-Family — Free 8-session course for adult family members and friends.
- NAMI Family Support Groups — Ongoing peer-led meetings nationwide.
- LEAP Institute — Training on listening, empathy, and partnership skills for caregivers (based on Dr. Xavier Amador’s LEAP approach).
- SAMHSA Coping Resources (Children & Families) — Coping resources and support guidance for families navigating mental health challenges.
- ARCH National Respite Network — Locator for respite programs that provide caregiver breaks.
- Psychosis REACH for Families — Skills-based workshops focused on communication and problem-solving.
- Family Connections (NEABPD) — Free 12-week course for relatives supporting someone with emotion dysregulation or BPD features.
- Siblings & Adult Children Network (NAMI) — Peer groups and toolkits tailored to siblings and adult children of people living with SMI.
- Caregiver Action Network — National caregiver helpline, advocacy, and disease-agnostic resources including mental health.
- Family Peer Support Certification (FFCMH) — Training, competencies, and application resources for family peer support certification.
Encourage caregivers to build their own support network and set boundaries; consider multidisciplinary teams for complex care planning.
Many programs offer interpretation services or translated materials—ask coordinators about language options and accessibility (virtual, hybrid, or in-person).
Peer-led communities & recovery supports
Peer specialists and community programs offer mutual aid, validation, and recovery-focused skill building.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Online Groups — Facilitated peer groups for mood disorders and co-occurring conditions.
- Support Groups Central — Aggregated virtual peer meetings including DBSA, MHA, and specialized topics.
- Clubhouse International — Global network of psychosocial rehabilitation clubhouses promoting social connection and employment.
- Fountain House — Peer-driven clubhouse model and national advocacy for serious mental illness.
- Warmline Directory (Warmline.org) — Directory of peer-run warmlines offering non-crisis emotional support (hours vary by program/state).
- Peer Support Credentialing — State-level certification directories for peer support specialists.
- NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group — Peer-led groups for any adult living with a mental health condition.
- Hearing Voices Network Groups — National directory of local and virtual meetings for voice-hearers and people with unusual beliefs.
- Intentional Peer Support — Training programs and community resources rooted in mutuality and shared learning.
- PeerRespite Network — Map of peer-run crisis respites offering short-term, voluntary stays as an alternative to hospitalization.
Check moderation policies and confidentiality expectations before joining online forums to ensure safety and privacy.
Peer respites and warmlines often publish community agreements—review them ahead of time and request accessibility accommodations (interpreters, captions) if needed.
Practical assistance & daily living
Address housing, employment, legal, and financial stability—foundation pieces for ongoing recovery.
- Continuum of Care (CoC) Program — HUD-funded housing initiatives; locate contact info via HUD Exchange.
- SAMHSA Homeless Programs — Grants and services for people experiencing homelessness with SMI.
- Individual Placement and Support (IPS) — Evidence-based supported employment; state contacts listed on the IPS Works map.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services — State agencies assisting with job training and accommodations.
- SOAR overview (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) — Helps individuals with serious mental illness apply for SSI/SSDI benefits.
- Protection & Advocacy Agencies — Legal rights organizations available in every U.S. state and territory.
- National Disability Rights Network — National support for legal advocacy and accommodations.
- Patient Assistance Programs — Pharmaceutical assistance search tool for prescription costs.
- 211 Helpline — Call or search online to connect with local housing, food, utility, and mental health resources.
- ABLE National Resource Center — Guides to tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities and their families.
- Centers for Independent Living Directory — Peer-led organizations providing skills training, benefits counseling, and advocacy.
- Fair Housing Act overview — Housing rights, complaint processes, and accessibility protections under the Fair Housing Act.
- National RTAP / ADA Paratransit Directory — Find complementary paratransit and travel training programs for people with disabilities.
Local governments often provide additional behavioral health resources; search "behavioral health department" with the county or state name.
When connecting with new services, ask about culturally specific providers, interpretation services, and ADA accommodations (e.g., captioning, wheelchair access).
Disability benefit navigation: SOAR assists with SSI/SSDI applications when partnered with trained caseworkers.
Regional directories & local support
Local chapters and regional agencies maintain calendars of in-person support groups, mobile crisis teams, and community events.
- NAMI Local Affiliate Finder — Connect with county and city chapters for support groups and classes.
- Mental Health America Affiliates — Locate community-based support and education programs.
- DBSA Support Group Locator — Find in-person and virtual peer-led meetings by ZIP code.
- State & Territorial Mental Health Agencies — Contact information for public behavioral health systems.
- NASW Resources by State — Social work chapter directories with region-specific resource lists.
- Indigenous Support — SAMHSA Tribal Technical Assistance Center links to Native community services.
- Warmlines.org Directory — State-by-state listing of peer-run warmlines offering non-emergency emotional support.
- State Consumer Assistance Programs — Contacts who help resolve insurance coverage and parity complaints.
- Psychosis REACH training partners — Program overview with training resources and contact information.
If you cannot find in-person groups nearby, ask local organizations about virtual options or hybrid offerings.
Check local public library and community college event calendars—they often host support groups and may offer bilingual sessions or interpretation.
Advocacy & policy engagement
Amplify SMI voices, learn mental health policy basics, and participate in legislative change efforts.
- National Council for Mental Wellbeing Advocacy — Policy briefs and action alerts covering community mental health.
- Inseparable — Grassroots campaigns advancing mental health parity and stigma reduction.
- Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law — Legal advocacy for disability rights and mental health parity.
- NAMI Advocacy Center — Legislative priorities, storytelling guidance, and research policy updates.
- Mental Health America Advocacy Network — Tools for contacting legislators and tracking bills.
- DBSA Advocacy Center — DBSA tools for sharing lived experience with policymakers and tracking policy updates.
- ParityTrack — State-by-state parity implementation tracker with templates for filing complaints.
- Kennedy Forum Parity Registry — File parity appeals and access step-by-step guides for challenging denials.
- National Disability Rights Network Issues — Federal and state advocacy priorities spanning housing, justice, and health care protections.
Share personal stories with caution; decide in advance how much to disclose and ensure privacy protections are clear.
Understand the landscape: AOT laws, parity protections, and Medicaid waivers vary by state.
Request accessibility accommodations (interpreters, captions, plain-language materials) early when registering for advocacy days or public testimony.
Education & self-paced learning
Explore psychoeducation modules, evidence-based training, and trusted multi-media series tailored to SMI.
- Psychosis REACH Learning Library — Recorded workshops on communication strategies for psychosis.
- Strong365 Learning Center — Articles, videos, and interactive guides on early psychosis.
- DBT Skills Training Handouts — Do-it-yourself dialectical behavior therapy resources (supplement, not replacement for therapy).
- Coursera Mental Health Courses — University-hosted modules on mental health, psychosis, and recovery.
- PsychosisNET (CBT for Psychosis) — Psychoeducation and self-help tools focusing on psychosis recovery.
- SAMHSA Knowledge Network — Evidence-based toolkits, webinars, and technical assistance products.
- EASA Center for Excellence — Early Assessment and Support Alliance training modules, handbooks, and fidelity tools.
- OnTrackNY Training Library — Manuals and videos supporting early psychosis coordinated specialty care teams.
- National Association of Peer Supporters Academy — Continuing education for peer specialists, including SMI-focused curricula.
- Kelty Mental Health Literacy Resource Centre — Plain-language guides and videos (English/French) for youth and families navigating mental health conditions.
Verify whether materials are clinician-led or peer-produced to match the learner’s needs; many courses are free but require registration.
Check for captioning, transcripts, and multilingual subtitles—many organizations provide accessible formats on request.
Financial, insurance & legal assistance
Understand insurance coverage, financial supports, and legal protections that help sustain treatment access.
- Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act Guide — CMS overview of parity protections.
- State Insurance Department Directory — File complaints or request assistance when coverage is denied.
- Social Security Ticket to Work — Employment support for SSDI beneficiaries exploring return to work.
- Medicaid Behavioral Health Services — Federal overview of covered behavioral health benefits with links to state specifics.
- NeedyMeds — Database of prescription assistance programs and sliding-scale clinics.
- Legal Aid Nationwide Directory — Locate civil legal aid for disability benefits, housing, and guardianship issues.
- NAMI Health Insurance Navigation Resource Guide — Step-by-step worksheets for understanding benefits, filing appeals, and preparing for crisis care.
- Patient Advocate Foundation — Case management and financial aid for medical debt, insurance denials, and co-pay relief.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Your Money, Your Goals — Toolkits tailored to social service providers supporting clients with budgeting and debt management.
- National Disability Institute Financial Resilience Center — COVID-era benefits updates, free financial coaching, and tax prep support for people with disabilities.
Document treatment needs and denials thoroughly; parity appeals often require medical necessity letters from providers.
When contacting insurers or assistance programs, request communications in your preferred language and ask about accessible formats (Braille, large print, TTY).
Frequently asked questions
How often are these resources reviewed?
We aim to confirm links and program availability quarterly. Major changes are logged in the site updates feed.
My area is missing from the directory—what should I do?
Start with national organizations’ chapter finders or your state behavioral health authority. Community mental health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and local hospitals often host support groups as well.
Can I reuse this list for my clinic or peer group?
Yes. Please keep PsychMed cited as the source, and check each organization’s guidelines before redistributing their materials.