Is the 988 Lifeline really free and confidential?

Yes. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is completely free, confidential, and available 24/7. You do not need insurance. Your call or text connects you to a trained crisis counselor at a local crisis center. The counselor will listen, provide support, and help you find resources. You do not have to be suicidal to call — it is for anyone in emotional distress. The service is available in English, Spanish, and other languages through interpreter services.

How do I find a therapist I can afford?

Start with Open Path Collective ($30-80 per session with a one-time $65 membership). Search Psychology Today's directory filtered by 'sliding scale.' Check if your local community mental health center has availability. Look for university training clinics in your area ($5-30 per session). If you qualify for Medicaid, therapy is covered. NAMI support groups are free and can supplement professional therapy.

Can I get mental health help with a criminal record?

Absolutely. Your criminal record does not prevent you from accessing mental health services. Community mental health centers, crisis lines, and NAMI programs serve everyone. Medicaid covers mental health care and does not disqualify people based on criminal history. Many community organizations specifically serve people reentering the community after incarceration. You deserve care regardless of your past.

What is the difference between 988 and the Crisis Text Line?

Both are free, confidential crisis services. 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — you call or text the number 988 to reach a crisis counselor by phone or text. The Crisis Text Line is a text-only service — you text HOME to 741741 to chat with a crisis counselor via text message. Use whichever format you are most comfortable with. The Crisis Text Line may be better if you cannot speak privately or prefer written communication.

Does Medicaid cover therapy and psychiatry?

Yes. All state Medicaid programs cover mental health services including individual and group therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management, substance use disorder treatment, and crisis services. Copays are usually $0-4 per visit. Medicaid is the single largest payer for mental health services in the United States. Apply at HealthCare.gov if you think you may qualify.

I think I need medication for depression or anxiety. What do I do?

Start by seeing a provider who can evaluate you — this could be your primary care doctor at a community health center, a psychiatrist at a community mental health center, or a provider through Medicaid. Many primary care doctors prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. If cost is a concern, generic versions of most mental health medications are available for $4 at Walmart or at steep discounts through GoodRx. Community health centers may offer medications at 340B discount prices.

Are there free mental health resources online?

Yes. NAMI offers online support groups and educational programs at no cost. The 988 Lifeline has an online chat at 988lifeline.org. SAMHSA provides a free, confidential online treatment locator at findtreatment.gov. Many NAMI affiliates run virtual peer support groups. Mindfulness and meditation apps like Insight Timer offer free content. While these should not replace professional care for serious conditions, they can be valuable supplements.

Free Mental Health Services

Crisis lines, free therapy, community mental health centers, and support groups — you do not need insurance or money to get help.

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Quick Answer

If you are struggling with your mental health, help is available right now — for free, no insurance needed. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. These services are free, confidential, and staffed by trained counselors.

For ongoing care, community mental health centers provide therapy, psychiatry, and substance use treatment on a sliding fee scale — meaning you pay based on what you can afford, including $0 if your income is very low. Open Path Collective connects you to licensed therapists for $30-80 per session (compared to $150-250 at typical rates). NAMI offers free peer support groups, education, and crisis resources across the country.

You deserve care. Mental health is health. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, substance use, or the stress of rebuilding your life after incarceration, homelessness, or a difficult period — there are people who want to help, and there are programs designed to make that help accessible.

How to Get Started — Step by Step

1.
If You Are in Crisis, Reach Out Now
Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), or call 1-800-662-4357 (SAMHSA Helpline). These are free, confidential, and available 24/7. You do not need to be suicidal to call — any emotional distress counts.
2.
Find a Community Mental Health Center
Use the SAMHSA Treatment Locator at findtreatment.gov or call 1-800-662-4357 to find a community mental health center or behavioral health provider near you. You can also call 211 for local referrals. Most centers offer sliding scale fees and do not require insurance.
3.
Explore Affordable Therapy Options
Join Open Path Collective (openpathcollective.org) for sessions at $30-80. Search Psychology Today's directory for sliding scale therapists. Check for university training clinics in your area. These options make regular therapy possible even without insurance.
4.
Connect with NAMI
Find your local NAMI affiliate at nami.org. Attend a free support group (NAMI Connection for yourself, NAMI Family Support Group for loved ones). Call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-6264 for information and referrals.
5.
Apply for Medicaid to Cover Ongoing Care
If your income is low, apply for Medicaid at HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid agency. Medicaid covers therapy, psychiatric care, medication, and substance use treatment with little or no copay. A community health center can help you apply.

Crisis Resources — Get Help Right Now

If you or someone you know is in crisis, these services are free, confidential, and available 24/7:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Connects you to a trained crisis counselor at one of over 200 local crisis centers across the country. Available in English and Spanish, with interpreter services for other languages. Veterans can press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. The 988 Lifeline is not only for people who are suicidal — it is for anyone experiencing emotional distress, including anxiety, substance use crises, and mental health emergencies.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. A trained crisis counselor will respond and help you work through your situation. This is a good option if you prefer texting over calling, or if you cannot speak privately.

SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 (HELP). Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish. They can connect you to local mental health and substance use treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations.

NAMI Helpline: Call 1-800-950-6264 or text "HELPLINE" to 62640. Available Monday through Friday, 10am-10pm ET. Provides information, support, and referrals for mental health conditions. Staffed by trained volunteers, many with lived experience.

Community Mental Health Centers

Community mental health centers (CMHCs) are the backbone of the public mental health system. They provide a wide range of mental health services to anyone, regardless of ability to pay or insurance status. Services typically include: individual therapy and counseling, group therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management, substance use disorder treatment, crisis intervention, case management, and peer support services.

CMHCs use a sliding fee scale, so your cost depends on your income. Many people pay nothing at all. You do not need a referral — you can call and schedule an appointment directly. Wait times vary, but many centers prioritize urgent cases.

To find a community mental health center near you, use the SAMHSA Treatment Locator at findtreatment.gov, call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-4357, or call 211 for local referrals. Many Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) also offer behavioral health services — search at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Affordable Therapy Options

Even without insurance, you have options for ongoing therapy that will not break the bank:

Open Path Psychotherapy Collective: A nonprofit that connects individuals, couples, and families with licensed therapists who charge $30-80 per session (compared to typical rates of $150-250). You pay a one-time membership fee of $65, then book sessions at reduced rates. Open Path has a network of over 35,000 vetted therapists. You qualify if your household income is under $100,000 and you lack adequate mental health insurance. Visit openpathcollective.org.

Sliding scale therapists: Many private therapists reserve slots for clients who pay on a sliding scale based on income. Ask therapists directly if they offer sliding scale fees. Psychology Today's therapist directory (psychologytoday.com) lets you filter by "sliding scale" to find affordable providers.

Training clinics at universities: Graduate psychology and counseling programs run training clinics where advanced students provide therapy under close supervision by licensed faculty. Sessions typically cost $5-30. Quality is high — these students are well-trained and closely supervised. Search for "psychology training clinic" plus your city.

Online therapy platforms: BetterHelp and Talkspace offer financial aid programs that can reduce costs to $40-65 per week. Apply for financial aid through their websites. While not free, this may be more affordable than traditional therapy.

NAMI — Free Support Groups and Education

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the country, with over 600 local affiliates. NAMI offers free programs that can be a lifeline:

NAMI Support Groups: Free, peer-led support groups for people living with mental health conditions (NAMI Connection) and for family members and caregivers (NAMI Family Support Group). Groups meet regularly — in person and online — and are led by trained facilitators with lived experience. No registration or diagnosis required.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer: A free 8-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions, taught by trained peers. Covers recovery, communication, relapse prevention, and more.

NAMI Family-to-Family: A free 8-session course for family members, partners, and friends of people with mental health conditions. Covers understanding diagnoses, treatment, communication, self-care, and advocacy.

NAMI HelpLine: Call 1-800-950-6264 or text "HELPLINE" to 62640 for free support, information, and referrals.

Find your local NAMI affiliate and program schedule at nami.org/Support-Education.

Mental Health for People with Criminal Records

People who have been incarcerated or who have criminal records face unique mental health challenges. Trauma from incarceration, the stress of reentry, difficulty finding housing and employment, separation from family, and the stigma of a record can all take a serious toll. You are not alone in this, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

Here are resources specifically relevant to your situation:

Medicaid covers mental health services in all states, including therapy, psychiatry, and substance use treatment. Having a criminal record does not disqualify you from Medicaid. If you were enrolled before incarceration, your coverage must now be suspended (not terminated) and can be reactivated upon release.

Community health centers (FQHCs) offer behavioral health services on a sliding fee scale. You do not need insurance or ID. Many health centers have staff experienced in working with people reentering the community.

Substance use treatment: If you are dealing with substance use alongside mental health challenges (very common), SAMHSA's treatment locator at findtreatment.gov can help you find dual-diagnosis treatment programs. Many are free or covered by Medicaid.

Peer support programs: Organizations like A New Way of Life, The Fortune Society, and local reentry programs offer peer mentoring and support groups specifically for people with criminal records. These can be invaluable during the transition back to the community.

Veterans Mental Health Services

If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for VA mental health services regardless of your VA enrollment status for certain conditions:

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Available 24/7 for veterans, service members, and their families.

VA Mental Health Services: The VA provides comprehensive mental health care including therapy, psychiatry, PTSD treatment, substance use treatment, and peer support. You may be eligible even if you are not enrolled in VA health care for other services.

Vet Centers: Community-based centers that provide readjustment counseling, including PTSD and trauma therapy, at no cost. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care. There are over 300 Vet Centers nationwide. Find one at va.gov/find-locations.

Make the Connection: An online resource (maketheconnection.net) where veterans share their stories of recovery and connect to local resources.

If you are a veteran with a criminal record, you may still be eligible for VA benefits. Contact your local VA medical center or call 1-877-222-8387 to find out what you qualify for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 988 Lifeline really free and confidential?: Yes. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is completely free, confidential, and available 24/7. You do not need insurance. Your call or text connects you to a trained crisis counselor at a local crisis center. The counselor will listen, provide support, and help you find resources. You do not have to be suicidal to call — it is for anyone in emotional distress. The service is available in English, Spanish, and other languages through interpreter services.
How do I find a therapist I can afford?: Start with Open Path Collective ($30-80 per session with a one-time $65 membership). Search Psychology Today's directory filtered by 'sliding scale.' Check if your local community mental health center has availability. Look for university training clinics in your area ($5-30 per session). If you qualify for Medicaid, therapy is covered. NAMI support groups are free and can supplement professional therapy.
Can I get mental health help with a criminal record?: Absolutely. Your criminal record does not prevent you from accessing mental health services. Community mental health centers, crisis lines, and NAMI programs serve everyone. Medicaid covers mental health care and does not disqualify people based on criminal history. Many community organizations specifically serve people reentering the community after incarceration. You deserve care regardless of your past.
What is the difference between 988 and the Crisis Text Line?: Both are free, confidential crisis services. 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — you call or text the number 988 to reach a crisis counselor by phone or text. The Crisis Text Line is a text-only service — you text HOME to 741741 to chat with a crisis counselor via text message. Use whichever format you are most comfortable with. The Crisis Text Line may be better if you cannot speak privately or prefer written communication.
Does Medicaid cover therapy and psychiatry?: Yes. All state Medicaid programs cover mental health services including individual and group therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management, substance use disorder treatment, and crisis services. Copays are usually $0-4 per visit. Medicaid is the single largest payer for mental health services in the United States. Apply at HealthCare.gov if you think you may qualify.
I think I need medication for depression or anxiety. What do I do?: Start by seeing a provider who can evaluate you — this could be your primary care doctor at a community health center, a psychiatrist at a community mental health center, or a provider through Medicaid. Many primary care doctors prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. If cost is a concern, generic versions of most mental health medications are available for $4 at Walmart or at steep discounts through GoodRx. Community health centers may offer medications at 340B discount prices.
Are there free mental health resources online?: Yes. NAMI offers online support groups and educational programs at no cost. The 988 Lifeline has an online chat at 988lifeline.org. SAMHSA provides a free, confidential online treatment locator at findtreatment.gov. Many NAMI affiliates run virtual peer support groups. Mindfulness and meditation apps like Insight Timer offer free content. While these should not replace professional care for serious conditions, they can be valuable supplements.

Helpful Resources

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 — free, confidential crisis support 24/7. For veterans, press 1.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 — free, 24/7 crisis support via text message
SAMHSA Treatment Locator
Find mental health and substance use treatment programs near you — searchable by location and service type
SAMHSA National Helpline
Call 1-800-662-4357 — free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral service in English and Spanish
NAMI — Support and Education Programs
Free support groups, peer education, and family programs. Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
Affordable therapy with licensed therapists at $30-80 per session (one-time $65 membership fee)

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If You Are in Crisis

Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) — free, confidential, 24/7. Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You are not alone.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Program availability, eligibility rules, and benefits may vary by state and change over time. Contact your local health center or call 211 for the most current information. For medical emergencies, call 911.