Resource Hub
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Free Counseling Services
These services offer free mental health support, often through helplines, text lines, or online chats with trained counselors or peers.
1. Crisis Text Line
• Description: Free, 24/7 confidential crisis support via text with trained volunteer counselors.
• Link: www.crisistextline.org
• How to Access: Text “HOME” to 741741 (U.S.), or visit the site for international options.
2. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Description: A national U.S. service providing free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone in distress.
• Link: www.988lifeline.org
• How to Access: Call or text 988, or use the online chat feature.
3. NAMI HelpLine (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• Description: Free peer-support service offering information, referrals, and support for mental health conditions. Not a crisis line, but available M-F, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET.
• Link: www.nami.org/help
• How to Access: Call 800-950-6264, text “NAMI” to 62640, or chat online.
4. SAMHSA’s National Helpline
• Description: Free, confidential 24/7 referral and information service for mental health and substance use disorders (U.S.).
• Link: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
• How to Access: Call 800-662-HELP (4357).
5. Veterans Crisis Line
• Description: Free, confidential 24/7 support for veterans and their families, even if not enrolled in VA healthcare.
• Link: www.veteranscrisisline.net
• How to Access: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online.
6. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
• Description: Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth.
• Link: www.thetrevorproject.org
• How to Access: Call 866-488-7386, text “START” to 678678, or use online chat.
7. Disaster Distress Helpline
• Description: Free, multilingual 24/7 crisis counseling for those affected by natural or human-caused disasters.
• Link: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
• How to Access: Call or text 800-985-5990.
8. Kids Help Phone (Canada)
• Description: Free, 24/7 anonymous support for youth aged 5-29 in Canada.
• Link: www.kidshelpphone.ca
• How to Access: Call 800-668-6868, text “CONNECT” to 686868, or use online chat.
9. Samaritans (UK)
• Description: Free, 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress in the UK.
• Link: www.samaritans.org
• How to Access: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
10. Find A Helpline (Global)
• Description: A directory of free, confidential helplines in over 130 countries for various issues (mental health, domestic violence, etc.).
• Link: www.findahelpline.com
• How to Access: Search by country and issue for local contact options.
Meditation Apps
These apps offer free access to guided meditations and mindfulness exercises. Some have premium features, but the free versions are robust enough for general use.
1. Insight Timer
• Description: Offers the largest free library of meditations (over 60,000), plus a timer for unguided practice. Available in multiple languages.
• Link: www.insighttimer.com
• Download: Available on Apple Store and Google Play.
2. Healthy Minds Program
• Description: Free app with meditation training and podcast-style lessons based on a four-pillar well-being model (awareness, connection, insight, purpose).
• Link: www.hminnovations.org/healthy-minds-program-app
• Download: Available on Apple Store and Google Play.
3. UCLA Mindful
• Description: Free app with guided meditations, a timer, and podcast-style lessons in English and Spanish for stress management and mindfulness.
• Link: www.uclahealth.org/programs/marc/free-guided-meditations/ucla-mindful-app
• Download: Available on Apple Store and Google Play.
4. Smiling Mind
• Description: Free Australian app with meditations for schools, home, and work, designed to improve mental well-being.
• Link: www.smilingmind.com.au
• Download: Available on Apple Store and Google Play.
5. Calm (Limited Free Version)
• Description: Offers a limited free version with meditations, music, and breathing exercises in multiple languages.
• Link: www.calm.com
• Download: Available on Apple Store and Google Play.
Crisis Hotlines
These hotlines provide immediate, free, and confidential support for specific crises, such as suicide, domestic violence, or substance use.
1. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)
• Link: www.988lifeline.org
• Contact: Call or text 988, or chat online.
2. Crisis Text Line (U.S.)
• Link: www.crisistextline.org
• Contact: Text “HOME” to 741741.
3. Veterans Crisis Line (U.S.)
• Link: www.veteranscrisisline.net
• Contact: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
4. National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.)
• Link: www.thehotline.org
• Contact: Call 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.
5. National Sexual Assault Hotline (U.S.)
• Link: www.rainn.org
• Contact: Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or use online chat.
6. National Human Trafficking Hotline (U.S.)
• Link: www.humantraffickinghotline.org
• Contact: Call 888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.
7. SAMHSA’s National Helpline (U.S.)
• Link: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
• Contact: Call 800-662-HELP (4357).
8. Kids Help Phone (Canada)
• Link: www.kidshelpphone.ca
• Contact: Call 800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868.
9. Samaritans (UK)
• Link: www.samaritans.org
• Contact: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
10. Hope for Wellness (Indigenous Peoples, Canada)
• Link: www.hopeforwellness.ca
• Contact: Call 855-242-3310 or use online chat.
Additional Notes
• Verification: All links were checked for validity as of April 08, 2025, and connect to active, reputable services. However, services may change, so it’s wise to confirm availability in your area.
• Global Access: For international options beyond those listed, findahelpline.com is an excellent resource to locate local helplines by country.
• Language Support: Many services offer multilingual support; check individual websites for details.
• Meditation Apps: Free versions are highlighted, but some apps offer premium upgrades. The free content is sufficient for basic use.
If you need further assistance or specific recommendations based on your location or situation, feel free to ask!
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