Hotlines and Community Resources
At NHCG, we recognize the importance of immediate support and community connection during challenging times. Our carefully curated resources below aim to provide assistance, understanding, and a sense of community for those navigating mental health crises.
If you are currently experiencing an emergency or a mental health crisis, please take immediate action for your safety by calling 911, going to your nearest hospital or crisis center, or dialing 988, the designated hotline for mental health emergencies in the United States.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for confidential support if you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264) for confidential support available Monday through Friday, 10 am to 8 pm ET. NAMI Provides information, support, and referrals for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. Trained volunteers offer guidance and resources.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence. National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence on a 24/7 basis so they can live their lives free of abuse. Contacts to The Hotline can expect highly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
Call 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) for assistance with substance use disorders and mental health concerns. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes with this helpline providing free, confidential, 24/7 support and referrals.
Veterans Crisis Line
Offers support for veterans in crisis and their families. Connects individuals with qualified Department of Veterans Affairs responders for confidential assistance. Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), Press 1, Text "838255" or use their online chat to reach a free, confidential, qualified responder who will listen and help. You decide how much information to share. Support doesn't end with your conversation, with their responders can connect you with the resources you need.
Veterans Suicide Prevention Guide
Includes high-risk warning signs, up-to-date stats, and a curated toolkit of crisis and wellness resources.
PTSD Guide for Veterans
Covers symptoms, treatment options, VA claims guidance, and coping strategies for living with PTSD
Veterans Disability Guide
The calculator allows veterans to enter their disabilities and ratings, then provides a combined disability rating as well as what the 2024 VA monthly payment should be.
Ways to Get Involved or Build Your Community
For non-carceral (meaning no police involvement) crisis support, please consider these options.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center offers support groups, mental health resources, and community events for LGBTQ+ individuals in the D.C. area.
Metro DC PFLAG provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families to promote equality and well-being. You can also find your local PFLAG Chapter here.
MoCo Pride Center serves the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in Montgomery County, Maryland, through support, education, and outreach.
Rainbow Youth Alliance offers adult-facilitated, peer-to-peer support group meetings for LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-18 in Maryland.
The Frederick Center provides support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families in the Frederick community.
Stand in Pride is an organization centered on building friends and families in the LGBTQIA+ community and has a local DC metro chapter. You’ll need to download the app to get connected!
Side by Side offers support groups and other opportunities to connect with LGBTQ+ adolescent residents of Virginia.