National Mental Health First Aid Resources
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911 or one of the national crisis resources below.
National Crisis Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
This is a crisis hotline that can help with may issues, not just suicide. For example, anyone who feels sad, hopeless, or suicidal; family and friends who are concerned about a loved one; or anyone interested in mental health treatment referrals can call the Lifeline. Callers are connected with a professional nearby who will talk with them about what they are feeling or concerns for other family and friends. Call the toll-free Lifeline, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Crisis Text Line
Text “MHFA” to 741741
Available 24/7, 365 days a year, this organization helps people with mental health challenges by connecting callers with trained crisis volunteers who will provide confidential advice, support, and referrals if needed.
Lifeline Crisis Chat
Visit Lifeline Crisis Chat to chat online with crisis centers around the United States.
The Trevor Project
Call 866-488-7386 or Text “START” to 678678.
Trained counselors available 24/7 to support youth who are in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment free place to talk. Specializing in supporting the LGBTQI+ community.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to national or human caused disasters.
Finding a Behavioral Health Provider
The National Council for Behavioral Health
Search for organizations that are committed to providing mental health services to anyone in the community who needs it regardless of their ability to pay.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA provides information on mental health services and treatment centers through an online service locator. You can search by your location, whether or not they provide services for youth, payment options (private insurance, cash, or something else), languages spoken, etc.
Additional Resources
Mental Health First Aid USA
The Mental Health First Aid website has additional resources related to the most common mental disorders.
Self-Care and Reflections
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) provides tips for self-care in addition to Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting.
- Take a moment of pause with this poem on Ritualwell, written by a parent on reading the news of this tragedy and find other personal essays.
Starting Difficult Conversations
- Child Mind Institute offers advice for Going Back to School After a Tragedy.
- Talking to children about terrorist attacks and school and community shootings in the news – Q&A with common questions from youth in this moment, from Children’s Hospital of Los Angele’s National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement.
- Guiding Adults in talking to Children About Death and Attending Services, created by the NCTSN, covers grief responses, how to talk about death, and guidance for families attending memorials or community vigils.
Resources for Educators
The Jewish Education project has a curated collection of resources, Responding to Gun Violence, to support students and educators after community trauma.
Preventing Gun Violence
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism shares information on gun violence prevention.
