Anxiety Help
Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Resources

Noor AbdiBy Noor Abdi
Mind & Mood

Crisis Support (Available 24/7)

If you're in crisis right now, please reach out immediately. These resources are free, confidential, and available anytime.

Immediate Help

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (treatment referrals)
  • NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) (mental health information and resources)

For Specific Communities

  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
  • Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
  • BlackLine (BIPOC): 1-800-604-5841
  • StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-7NATIVE

Finding a Therapist

Directories

  • Psychology Today: therapist finder — filter by insurance, specialty, location
  • Inclusivetherapists.com: Find culturally responsive therapists
  • TherapyDen: Modern therapist directory with detailed filters
  • OpenPath Collective: Sliding scale therapy ($30-60/session, $65 membership fee)

Affordable Options

  • Community health centers: Search "[your city] community mental health center"
  • University training clinics: Low-cost therapy with supervised graduate students
  • NAMI support groups: Free peer support groups across the US
  • 7 Cups: Free emotional support from trained listeners (not professional therapy)

Online Therapy

  • BetterHelp: Online counseling (better than no therapy, but in-person is generally more effective)
  • Talkspace: Text, video, and audio therapy
  • Note: Online therapy platforms are more accessible but vary significantly in quality

Free and Low-Cost Self-Help Resources

Workbooks (Evidence-Based)

  • The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne — comprehensive CBT-based workbook (~$25)
  • The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook by McKay et al. — DBT skills for emotional regulation
  • The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety — ACT-based approach

Apps (Free Versions Available)

  • Insight Timer: Free meditation library with thousands of guided meditations
  • MindShift CBT: Free anxiety management app based on CBT principles
  • Sanvello: Anxiety and depression support with free basic features
  • DARE: App based on the DARE anxiety recovery approach

Websites and Online Tools

  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): Evidence-based information and resources
  • National Institute of Mental Health: Research-based anxiety information
  • Centre for Clinical Interventions: Free CBT workbooks and resources from Western Australia

Educational Resources

Understanding Anxiety

Therapy Types Explained

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance
  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Accepting thoughts rather than fighting them
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): For trauma and PTSD

For Friends and Family

How to Support Someone with Anxiety

  • NAMI Family Support Groups: For family members of people with mental illness
  • NAMI Family-to-Family: Free educational program for families
  • Mental Health America: Resources for supporting loved ones

What to Say (and What Not to Say)

Helpful:
  • "I'm here for you."
  • "What would be helpful right now?"
  • "Your feelings are valid."
  • "Would you like company or space?"

Not Helpful:
  • "Just relax."
  • "Don't worry about it."
  • "Other people have it worse."
  • "Think positive."

Workplace and Legal Resources

Workplace Accommodations

  • Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Guidance on workplace accommodations for anxiety
  • ADA National Network: Information on rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Insurance and Financial Help

  • Healthcare.gov: Marketplace insurance with mental health coverage
  • Medicaid: State-based low-income health coverage
  • SAMHSA treatment locator: Find low-cost treatment options in your area

Remember

These resources are starting points. They're not replacements for professional help. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. You deserve support.

If you found this page because you're in crisis right now:
  • Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
  • Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)

You don't have to go through this alone.

Disclaimer: I'm not a therapist or medical professional. These resources are for informational purposes only. This is not medical advice. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional.