Mental Health Resources

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental illness, please know that you are not alone. You can always reach out to a family member, friend, clergy member, or other trusted adult. Please see below some lists of major national hotlines and crisis resources in the United States and Canada as well as selected Jewish communal resources. Some of these resources offer 24/7 crisis support, while others provide information and referrals in non-crisis situations.

Please note that these lists are designed as a starting point and are not exhaustive. Visit each website for the most accurate and updated information.  

Hotline and Crisis Resources in the United States

Emergency Medical Services: Call 911

If you are concerned someone in your life is in immediate, life-threatening danger and may harm themselves, and you cannot reach their parent or guardian, call 911 for immediate emergency assistance in the United States and Canada. Please keep in mind that interactions with law enforcement can be complicated and dangerous for people experiencing crisis or mental illness, especially People of Color and people with disabilities, and make the best choice you can for the situation.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988 or Chat Online

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Note: the previous 1-800-273-8255 suicide prevention lifeline number will continue to function indefinitely.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or chat online

Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information. Help is also available in Spanish and other languages.

National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-4673 or chat online

Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Free chat support is available online 24/7.

Trevor Project TrevorLifeline: Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat online

The Trevor Project provides a national 24-hour, toll-free, and confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline. You can also chat online or text START to 678-678

Trans Lifeline Hotline (United States): Call 877-565-8660

Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for our trans and questioning peers.

SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-633-4357

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Crisis Text Line: Text NAMI to 741-741

Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: Call 1-800-950-6264

The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–8pm, ET. The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained and able to provide guidance. Note: the NAMI HelpLine is not a hot line, crisis line, or suicide prevention line.

Hotlines and Crisis Resources in Canada

Emergency Medical Services: Call 911

If you are concerned someone in your life is in immediate, life-threatening danger and may harm themselves, and you cannot reach their parent or guardian, call 911 for immediate emergency assistance in the United States and Canada. Please keep in mind that interactions with law enforcement can be complicated and dangerous for people experiencing crisis or mental illness, especially People of Color and people with disabilities, and make the best choice you can for the situation.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service: Call 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4pm-12am ET)

Crisis Services Canada offers a national suicide prevention hotline available in English and French.

Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

The Kids Help Phone service is available 24 hours a day to Canadians aged 5 to 29 who want confidential and anonymous care from professional counsellors.

Trans Lifeline Hotline (Canada): Call 877-330-6366

Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for our trans and questioning peers.

Hope for Wellness Help Line: Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online

The Hope for Wellness Help Line is available to all Indigenous people across Canada who need immediate crisis intervention. Telephone and online counseling are available in English and French. On request, telephone counseling is also available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

Jewish Resources

Local Jewish Social Services Agency

Some Jewish communities have a local Jewish social service agency (i.e. Jewish Family Services or Jewish Family and Children’s Services) which may offer mental health services. Contact your local agency for more information.

Local Jewish Federation

Your local Jewish Federation may know about Jewish mental health services in your area. Find your local federation.

HereNow App

HereNow is a teen-led community for teens to connect with other teens to learn about mental health and wellness, share their experiences and stories, and access resources about mental health. The HereNow App is available on Google Play and the App Store. HereNow is a project of The Jewish Board and made possible with the support of UJA-Federation of New York.

Refuat Henefesh

The mission of Refuat Hanefesh is to create a Jewish community that is more aware, respectful, and empathetic to people living with mental illness. Refuat Hanefesh offers a variety of webpages, blog posts, and other resources.

The Jewish Education Project

The Jewish Education Project works to inspire and empower educators to create transformative Jewish experiences. To mark Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the Jewish Education Project compiled a collection of resources to help Jewish educators support mental health and wellness.

Additional Local Jewish Mental Health Resources