Get Help Now HOW CAN I HELP?

Get help now

Need help right now?

If you’re in a crisis or having thoughts of suicide or need someone to talk to, these resources below can help.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

If you’re in a crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or need someone to talk to, 988 can support you in your immediate crisis, and connect you with follow-up resources.

Share only what you want. Open 24/7 and 100% free of charge.

Call or text 988

Chat at 988lifeline.org

Teenline

For teens, staffed by trained teens. (After hours, you’ll be redirected to 988.)

Talk about anything — a rough day, school, relationships, friendships, family issues, or a mental health crisis.

 

Call 1-800-852-8336 (6 PM–10 PM PT)

Text TEEN to 839863 (6 PM–9 PM PT)

Teenline.org

BrightLife Kids App

If you are a parent or caregiver in California, this free app offers coaching and mental health support in English and Spanish. Coaches are also experienced in LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Video or chat. Free, confidential, and no insurance needed.

Soluna App for the Youth in Your Care

Soluna lets your teen or young adult chat one-on-one with professional coaches. For 13- to 25-year-olds in California, this app also offers free-writing journals, de-stressing tools, and forums where they can get and give advice — or vent. Free and confidential.

Find someone who
can help

You’re not on this journey alone. There are people all around you who are trained to help with your healing process. Strategies for managing stress, dealing with others, and how to move forward to your goals are just a few examples of this support.

Providers can range from mental health therapists to trained peers available both in-person and virtually.

Explore the different forms of support, learn how to talk to a provider, and understand your rights when it comes to privacy and more.

Finding a provider

Who can help, what do they do, and how can I find them? Knowing where to turn can make a big difference. Here are some people who can help you:

  • Peer specialists
  • Mental health clinicians
  • Physicians
  • Trusted adults
Who they are:

Individuals who have gone through similar experiences, such as ACEs or mental health challenges, and have been trained to support others.

How they can help:

Peer specialists listen without judgment, share coping strategies, and help you feel less alone. They understand what you’re going through because they’ve been there too.

Where to Find Peer Support in California:

Teenline: For teens, staffed by trained teens. (After hours, you’ll be redirected to 988.) Talk about anything — a rough day, school, relationships, friendships, family issues, or a mental health crisis. Call 1-800-852-8336 (6 PM–10 PM PT), text TEEN to 839863 (6 PM–9 PM PT), or visit Teenline.org

Wondering what happens when you call 988 or the Teenline?
Wondering what to do if a friend needs help?
Check out the Never a Bother campaign.

Who they are:

Therapists, counselors, psychologists, or social workers trained to help people understand and manage their emotions and behaviors.

How they can help:

Mental health clinicians provide a safe, confidential space to explore how ACEs have impacted you. They help you develop tools to cope with stress and guide you through the healing process.

Where to find mental health support in California:

CalHOPE: CalHOPE offers no-cost crisis counseling and support services, including connections to mental health clinicians across California including both individual therapy and community support groups. Call or text the CalHOPE Warm Line: (833) 317-HOPE (4673)

Find mental health and substance use support options available in your community: findhelp.org

Who they are:

Doctors, including family doctors or pediatricians, who can address both your physical and mental health needs.

How they can help:

Physicians can screen you for ACEs and identify how stress might be affecting your body and mind. They can suggest treatments, recommend lifestyle changes, or refer you to specialists for further support.

Where to Find Medical Support in California:

Use the ACEs Aware Clinician Directory to find Medi-Cal providers who have taken an ACEs Aware training, and are eligible to receive Medi-Cal payment for providing qualified ACE screenings.

If you have an insurance plan, start by visiting your insurance provider’s website to find a physician that works with your plan. If you have Medi-Cal, you can search for a provider here.

Who they are:

This could be a teacher, coach, family member, neighbor, or community leader — anyone you feel comfortable with and trust.

How they can help:

Trusted adults offer emotional support, help you navigate your options for getting help, and can connect you with professionals if needed. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares and is there for you can make a big difference.

Where to Find Trusted Adult Support in California:

Soluna: Soluna offers free confidential support for 13- to 25-year-olds in California including access to trusted adults via free 1:1 chats with a professional coach.

BrightLife Kids: Free and confidential coaching and resources for California families. Kids ages 0–12 and their parents or caregivers can access services in English and Spanish. Coaches are also experienced in LBGTQ+ and BIPOC communities.

School Counseling Services: Most California schools offer counseling services where students can talk to trusted adults like school counselors. They can help you with academic, emotional, and social issues and guide you toward additional resources if needed.

Know your rights

Understanding your rights can help you feel more in control of your situation.
Here’s what you should know if you’re in California:

What’s Confidential

In California, mental health professionals are required to keep your information private. This means that most of what you discuss with a therapist or counselor is confidential and can’t be shared without your permission. However, there are some exceptions. If the professional believes you’re at risk of harming yourself or others, they may need to break confidentiality to keep you safe. This might involve contacting someone who can help. Ask your mental health provider for more specific information on how this might apply to your situation.

If you’re a minor

In California, if you’re 12 years old or older, you have the right to seek mental health services without the consent of a parent or guardian. This includes counseling and therapy. You also have the right to confidentiality, meaning your therapist cannot share information with your parents unless you give permission, with some exceptions for safety.

You can find out more about your rights as a minor here.

Caregiver involvement

While you have these rights, there are situations where a caregiver might be informed about your care. For example, if there’s a serious risk to your safety, professionals might need to involve a parent or guardian to help protect you. However, your wishes should be taken into account, and professionals are trained to work with you to ensure your voice is heard and respected.

How to talk to a provider

It’s important to listen to your feelings. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just not yourself, it might be time to ask for help. Toxic stress can show up in various ways — difficulties with relationships, trouble sleeping, having a hard time concentrating, or even physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches.

You don’t have to wait for things to get really bad. Trust your instincts — if you think you need help, it’s time to reach out. Seeking help is a courageous and positive step toward taking care of yourself.

For more on how to get started seeking professional help, and other helpful resources, download our patient guide.

DOWNLOAD

How do I ask for help?

Starting a conversation about your feelings or experiences can be difficult, but it’s a powerful first step. Here are some tips to help you get started:

It’s okay if you don’t know where to start:

Sometimes, the hardest part is starting the conversation. Simple prompts can break the ice and get the discussion flowing without overwhelming you.

How to do it:

You might say something like, “I’m not sure where to start, but I’ve been struggling and could use some help.” Or, “I don’t know exactly what I need, but I need someone to talk to.” These phrases signal that you’re opening up and make it easier for the other person to ask follow-up questions that guide the conversation.

Be specific about your feelings:

Being upfront about your emotions help others understand the seriousness of what you’re going through.

How to do it:

Start by naming your feelings. For example, you might say, “I’ve been really anxious lately,” or “I’m feeling overwhelmed and don’t know how to handle it.” If you’re unsure how to describe your feelings, try explaining how your daily life is being affected, like, “I haven’t been sleeping well because I can’t stop worrying.” Being specific also means not downplaying what you’re experiencing; if it feels significant to you, it is important enough to share.

Additional tips:

Set realistic expectations:

Understanding that asking for help doesn’t mean all your problems will be solved immediately. It’s a step in the right direction, but healing takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and the process.

Practice self-compassion:

Be kind to yourself as you navigate asking for support. It’s normal to feel nervous or uncertain, but remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Follow up:

Understanding that asking for help doesn’t mean all your problems will be solved immediately. It’s a step in the right direction, but healing takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and the process.