The COVID-19 pandemic has created unimaginable hardships for individuals across the world. Frontline workers are plagued by additional burdens. We hope that the resources provided here have been beneficial, but understand that it is okay to seek professional help if life simply seems too overwhelming. Please seek professional help for significant and/or persistent distress. You may also need legal or financial assistance. The numbers and/or links provided below can connect you with various resources.
As provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/COVID-19-Information-and-Resources/COVID-19-Resource-and-Information-Guide:
Find mental health resources
- Find a free online support group (see “explore online support groups” section)
- Contact your local NAMI Affiliate or NAMI State Organization for information on programs in your area
- Visit the NAMI Resource Library, an extensive list of in-person and online support groups and other mental health resources
Gather information about ways you can get help in a mental health emergency or when you want immediate support:
- Warmline directory: non-crisis, emotional and preventive care support over the phone
- NAMI HelpLine: call (800) 950-NAMI (6264) Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET for mental health resources or email info@nami.org
Explore online support communities
- NAMI hosts online community discussion groups where people exchange support and encouragement. Create a free NAMI account to join one. Contact your local NAMI Affiliate to see what online and other resources are in your area.
- 7 cups: 7cups.com [En Español]
- Free online chat for emotional support and counseling. Also offers fee-for-service online therapy with a licensed mental health professional.
- Service/website also offered in Spanish. Website also offered in languages other than English
- Free, peer-to-peer online support community for people experiencing a range of mental health issues
- Offers online mental health resources, quizzes, news, “ask the therapist” and online support communities
- Emotions Anonymous: emotionsanonymous.org
- Nonprofessional group focusing on emotional well-being in in-person and online weekly meetings
- For Like Minds: forlikeminds.com
- Online mental health support network for people are living with or supporting someone with experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders or stressful life events
General financial assistance
- The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides financial assistance for both individuals and small businesses.
- Need help paying bills: needhelppayingbills.com
- Information on assistance programs, charity organizations, and resources that provide help paying bills, mortgage and debt relief (financial, rent and governmental assistance)
- 211 / 211.org
- Referrals to agencies and community organizations that offer emergency financial assistance
- To access:
- Dial 211 from any phone, or
- Visit 211.org and search for contact information by zip code
- Aunt Bertha: Auntbertha.com
- Online resource that connects users to free and reduced cost local resources such as medical care, food, housing, transportation, etc.
- Website can be converted to Spanish.
- Help When You Need It: helpwhenyouneedit.org
- Nationwide listings of private and public resources for food pantries, stores that accept food stamps, assisted living facilities, domestic violence and homeless shelters, mental health and substance use treatment, free clinics and legal and financial assistance
- Help With Bills: USA.gov/help-with-bills [En Español]
- Information about government programs that help with bill payment, temporary assistance, jobs/unemployment, credit, etc.
Suicide & Crisis
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides referrals to support groups and mental health professionals, resources on loss, and suicide prevention information (888-333-2377)
- The Suicide Prevention Lifeline connects callers to trained crisis counselors (800-273-8255)
Financial Assistance
- Allsup provides non-attorney representation when applying for SSDI (800-279-4357)
- HealthCare.gov provides specific information about coverage options in your state, including private options, high-risk pools and other public programs (800-318-2596)
- Needhelppayingbills.com provides information on state and local assistance programs, charity organizations and resources that provide help paying bills, mortgage assistance, debt relief and more
- NeedyMeds provides information on available patient assistance programs (800-503-6897)
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying individuals without prescription drug coverage get the medications they need
Advocacy & Legal
- Legal Services Corporation provides civil legal aid to low-income Americans. Use their website to find programs in individual states. Scroll to the bottom of their website to find locate legal aid near you
- National Bar Association provides a directory of state and local bar associations to help find legal representation
- National Disability Rights Network protects the civil rights of individuals with disabilities, particularly in hospitals and state prison systems. Click on the map on the right-hand side of their website to locate the agency near you
