988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you are experiencing significant emotional distress, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or a mental health crisis, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988, or use the 988 Lifeline online chat.

If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, contact emergency services in your area.

SAMHSA — FindTreatment.gov

Search for mental health and substance-use treatment services in the United States.

American Psychological Association — Psychologist Locator

Search for licensed psychologists by location and area of practice.

You may also wish to contact your health insurance provider, primary care clinician, health system, or local behavioral-health organization for assistance locating appropriate care.

Physician Support Line

A confidential peer-support resource created for physicians and medical students and staffed by volunteer psychiatrists.

Physicians may also wish to explore confidential well-being, peer-support, or clinician-support programs available through their hospital, medical group, professional organization, or medical school.

American Nurses Foundation — Nurse Well-Being

Resources developed specifically to support nurses' mental, emotional, and professional well-being.

Nurses may also have access to peer-support, employee assistance, wellness, or behavioral-health programs through their employer or professional organization.

First Responder Center for Excellence

Behavioral-health, stress, wellness, and educational resources for firefighters, EMS professionals, law enforcement personnel, and other first responders.

First responders may also have access to agency peer-support teams, behavioral-health clinicians, chaplain programs, employee assistance programs, or other confidential resources designed specifically for public-safety professionals.

Faith.Hope.Life. — National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

Resources developed to help faith leaders and faith communities recognize distress, respond appropriately, support mental and spiritual well-being, and strengthen suicide-prevention efforts.

Pastors and ministry leaders may also wish to seek support through denominational clergy-care programs, pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, peer-support networks, or licensed mental health professionals.

Association of Professional Chaplains

Professional resources, education, and information for chaplains serving in healthcare and other specialized settings.

Chaplains may also have access to peer consultation, clinical pastoral education networks, professional supervision, employee assistance programs, or mental health services through their institution.

American Counseling Association

Professional resources, continuing education, and member support for counselors and therapists across specialties and career stages.

Counselors and therapists may also have access to consultation, supervision, or peer-support resources through their licensing board, practice group, or professional liability carrier.

Caregiver Action Network — National Caregiver Help Desk

Free, confidential support and resources for family caregivers, staffed by caregiving experts.

Caregivers may also wish to connect with a local caregiver support group, a hospital or hospice social worker, or an Area Agency on Aging for additional resources.

National Education Association — Mental Health Resources

Curated mental health and wellness resources for educators and school staff, developed by NEA and partner organizations.

Teachers and school personnel may also have access to an employee assistance program, district wellness initiative, or school counselor and staff support resources through their school or district.

Humanitarian and aid workers face some of the most sustained and acute exposure of any helping profession, often far from the support structures available to other fields. If your organization provides duty-of-care, staff-care, or psychosocial support services, these are usually the fastest and most context-appropriate path to support.

• Ask your organization about duty-of-care, staff-care, or critical-incident support programs
• Review your organization's employee assistance or insurance benefits for mental health coverage that travels with you internationally
• Use the crisis and professional support resources listed above, which remain available regardless of location or employer
• If you are affiliated with a faith-based sending organization, denomination, or mission agency, they may also offer member care or field-support services

If you work for a hospital, school, university, public-safety agency, government organization, company, or other institution, consider whether your organization provides:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
• Confidential counseling benefits
• Peer-support programs
• Behavioral-health services
• Employee or clinician wellness programs
• Critical-incident support
• Spiritual-care or chaplain services

Availability and confidentiality policies vary by organization. Contact your employer or benefits department for information about the resources available to you.

Students and trainees in medicine, nursing, counseling, social work, ministry, emergency services, and other helping professions are encouraged to use the support resources available through their educational institution. These may include student counseling services, wellness offices, faculty support, residency or graduate medical education programs, student health services, peer-support programs, chaplaincy services, and academic assistance.

If someone participating in a Healer's Journey reflection group, educational program, or facilitated discussion becomes significantly distressed, facilitators should remain within the boundaries of their role and follow the appropriate organizational referral or emergency pathway.

Related Resource

When Someone Becomes Distressed: Facilitator Response & Referral Guide