Federal resources for mental health listeners and emotional support are designed to provide individuals with immediate assistance, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate services. Here are key resources:
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### **1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline**
- **Phone**: **988**
- **Website**: [988lifeline.org](https://988lifeline.org)
- Offers 24/7, free, and confidential support for people experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. While its focus includes suicide prevention, the Lifeline also provides emotional support and a listening ear for non-crisis situations.
- **Chat**: Available through the website.
- **Text**: Text "988" for support.
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### **2. SAMHSA National Helpline**
- **Phone**: **1-800-662-HELP (4357)**
- **Website**: [findtreatment.samhsa.gov](https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov)
- This confidential, 24/7 helpline provides free information and referrals for mental health and substance use concerns. Operators can offer emotional support and connect callers to local resources for counseling and therapy.
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### **3. Disaster Distress Helpline**
- **Phone**: **1-800-985-5990**
- **Text**: **“TalkWithUs” to 66746**
- **Website**: [disasterdistress.samhsa.gov](https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline)
- Offers crisis counseling and support for individuals experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-made disasters, including pandemics. Available 24/7.
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### **4. Veterans Crisis Line**
- **Phone**: **988, Press 1**
- **Text**: **838255**
- **Website**: [veteranscrisisline.net](https://www.veteranscrisisline.net)
- Provides 24/7 confidential support for veterans, their families, and friends. The line includes emotional support services even for non-crisis situations.
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### **5. LGBTQ+ Support – The Trevor Project**
- **Phone**: **1-866-488-7386**
- **Text**: Text "START" to **678678**
- **Website**: [thetrevorproject.org](https://www.thetrevorproject.org)
- While not a federal agency, The Trevor Project partners with government programs to provide 24/7 emotional support to LGBTQ+ youth in need of a safe space to talk.
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### **6. National Parent Helpline**
- **Phone**: **1-855-427-2736 (1-855-4A PARENT)**
- **Website**: [nationalparenthelpline.org](http://www.nationalparenthelpline.org)
- Provides emotional support for parents and caregivers, helping them navigate parenting challenges and find appropriate resources.
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### **7. Crisis Text Line**
- **Text**: **“HELLO” to 741741**
- **Website**: [crisistextline.org](https://www.crisistextline.org)
- Connects individuals to trained crisis counselors who provide free, confidential support via text. This service is ideal for those who prefer texting over talking.
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### **8. Friendship Line for Older Adults**
- **Phone**: **1-800-971-0016**
- A 24/7 helpline specifically for seniors feeling isolated, lonely, or in need of emotional support. Operated by the Institute on Aging and supported by federal grants.
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### **9. Mental Health America (MHA)**
- **Website**: [mhanational.org](https://mhanational.org)
- Offers online emotional support through peer communities and forums. While not a federal agency, it collaborates with government programs to support mental health initiatives.
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### **10. American Red Cross – Psychological First Aid**
- **Website**: [redcross.org](https://www.redcross.org)
- Offers emotional support and coping strategies after emergencies and disasters. While primarily crisis-focused, volunteers trained in psychological first aid provide comfort and listening support.
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### **11. Federal Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)**
- Federal employees have access to confidential counseling and emotional support through their EAPs. Services include short-term counseling and referrals for ongoing support.
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### **12. Tribal and Urban Indian Health Services**
- **Indian Health Service (IHS)**:
- **Website**: [ihs.gov](https://www.ihs.gov)
- Provides culturally sensitive emotional support and counseling for Native American and Alaska Native communities.
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### **13. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)**
- **NAMI Helpline**: **1-800-950-NAMI (6264)**
- **Text**: **“HELPLINE” to 62640**
- **Website**: [nami.org](https://nami.org)
- Provides emotional support, education, and resources for individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges.
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These resources are designed to provide emotional support for various needs, whether immediate or ongoing. If you need help accessing or navigating these services, let me know!