Support for all New Yorkers

Mental health resources for aging New Yorkers

If you feel lonely or isolated or have questions about mental health services you currently receive through NYC Aging, call the Aging Connect hotline: call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469). Telehealth services are available. The Aging Connect hotline also provides information for caregivers.

Friendly Visiting

NYC Aging runs a volunteer programs that is designed to build friendships and limit social isolation. Called Friendly Visiting, this program trains and matches volunteers with older adults to connect on a weekly basis.

Friendly Visiting is for traditionally homebound older adults, who have ongoing health challenges that make it difficult for them to go out. Volunteers visit the older adult in their home, on the phone, or on video to talk about shared interests and experiences, forming friendships in the process.

If you would like to volunteer for this program, call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469. An older adult who wishes to join the program can also call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469.

Find an Older Adult Center

NYC Aging funds nearly 250 Older Adult Centers and dozens of affiliated sites through community partnerships in every borough. Older Adult Center membership is free and open to anyone age 60 or older, and you can join any center you like. Language services are available on site.

Find an Older Adult Center near you, including centers that provide mental health services through the Clinicians in Older Adult Centers program.

Mental health resources for veterans

Mental health resources for veterans

If you are a veteran living in New York or New Jersey, you can get wellness support.

Veterans can also access mental health support by visiting Mission: VetCheck, a partnership between New York Cares and DVS that leverages volunteers to make supportive check-in calls to veterans across the city.

If you want to speak to a peer who is a veteran, or a member of the military community, go to Vets4Warriors or call: 1-855-838-8255

In an emergency, call 911.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or hurting others, or experiencing an emotional crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate assistance. You may also call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1, or NYC 988 by calling or texting 988.

Additional resources for veterans

Veterans can subscribe to a weekly newsletter featuring the latest news and information by clicking here.

Mental health resources for young people, caregivers, people working with youth

Youth Mental Health Virtual Support

To get mental health help immediately, students and their families can contact NYC 988 for help. NYC 988 is a free, confidential helpline for mental health support available 24/7 in over 200 languages. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

NYC Teenspace

NYC Teenspace is a free mental health support program available to any teenager aged 13 to 17 living in New York City. Whether you struggle with mental health challenges or just want somebody to talk to about your everyday ups and downs, you can sign up for Teenspace to be connected to a licensed therapist for ongoing support. You will also get access to online mental health exercises to complete at your own pace.

Teenspace is offered by the NYC Health Department and powered by Talkspace.

Sign Up Instructions for Teens

Follow these steps to register:

1. Visit Talkspace and enter your address and birthday.
2. Enter your parent or guardian’s information and email address so they can provide consent.
3. Complete a simple online assessment to share your mental health needs and preferences.

You will then get matched with a licensed therapist for ongoing virtual support, access online mental health exercises or both.

Virtual ExpressCare

New Yorkers who need to talk to a provider for urgent health issues can connect to a NYC Health + Hospitals emergency medicine provider for an evaluation within minutes. To access the service, patients can go to Expresscare.nyc from any web browser on their computer, phone, or tablet device with a camera. No apps or downloads are needed to use Virtual ExpressCare and the service offers live in-screen interpretation services in over 200 languages, including American Sign Language.

Virtual ExpressCare agents can also help eligible New Yorkers enroll in health insurance or NYC Care at the time of the visit. Patients can call 631-EXP-Care (631-397-2273) for a phone-only care option. Virtual ExpressCare hours are now 24/7.

Mental Health Support in Hospitals and Primary Care Locations

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Clinics

NYC Health + Hospitals offers a wide range of affordable and compassionate mental health services and programs for children and adolescents. For an appointment at a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic, call 1-844-NYC-4NYC.

Primary Care Clinics

Pediatricians and primary care clinicians are good resources for mental health support. Many primary care physicians screen for mental health problems like anxiety and depression and will provide a referral to a mental health specialist upon request or if needed. Find a primary care clinic near you Locations – NYC Health + Hospitals (nychealthandhospitals.org) or call 1-844-NYC-4NYC to make an appointment.

If you are 12 or older, New York City Health + Hospitals Youth Health Services Find NYC Health + Hospitals YouthHealth Services (nycyouthhealth.org) offer a place to go to learn about healthy behaviors and how to make responsible decisions to manage life. YouthHealth is here for you whether you need a regular check-up, help with a sports physical or injury, are feeling overwhelmed with school, need LGBTQ Care, are in need of birth control, think you might be pregnant, whatever your concern. Clinicians at the Teen Center can make referrals to specialized doctors, including mental health providers, and referrals to local community organizations for other resources. To schedule an appointment, call 866-947-8336.

DYCD Youth Connect

The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development provides services, including mental health support, for young people in Runaway and Homeless Youth Residences and Drop-In Centers. Call DYCD Youth Connect at 1-800-246-4646 or 1-646-343-6800 from 9:00am-5:00pm.

In Schools

Let’s Talk

Work in an NYC high school? Register for a Let’s Talk NYC training to gain the skills to have conversations with student about mental health and connect them to mental health support. Let’s Talk NYC aims to increase communication around mental health in our city’s schools by encouraging students to reach out to school staff and providing staff with training to help them support students who seek help from school staff who have been identified and trained as “mental health allies.” There is also guidance for caregivers to support them in their conversations about mental health with young people.

Find resources on how to have conversations about mental health.

School mental health services vary depending on your school location. If you are a student or parent and need mental health support, please reach out to your school’s Parent Coordinator, Guidance Counselor, or School Social Worker

School Mental Health Program

School mental health services vary depending on your school location. If you need help obtaining support for your student, please reach out to your school’s Parent Coordinator, Guidance Counselor, or School Social Worker.

The Department of Education also provides information about Mental health support and resources for students and families from the Department of Education.

In Your Community

Growing up NYC

Growing up NYC offers many programs and resources for families to enhance quality of life for New Yorkers, from discounted internet services to childcare vouchers, to seasonal activities and year around programs for enjoyment. Virtual events for children and teens, ranging from art and storytelling workshops to college/career counseling, are also available from Growing Up NYC.

Additionally, parents of small children can learn about developmental milestones and how to foster healthy development in children and youth of all ages.

Support for Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Ways to connect with DYCD Runaway & Homeless Youth Services

1. Find locations for youth services here:

• RHY_Informational_Flyer.pdf (nyc.gov) [English]
• RHY_Informational_Flyer-sp.pdf (nyc.gov) [Spanish]

2. Call DYCD Youth Connect at 1-800-246-4646 or 1-646-343-6800 from 9:00am-5:00pm.

Early Childhood Mental Health Network

Services, including in person mental health care, are located throughout the five boroughs. Services include a variety of programs and resources for young people in Runaway and Homeless Youth Residences and Drop-In Centers.

Parents, caregivers, and families looking for remote mental health support for children aged 0 to 5 can contact the nearest clinic participating in the Early Childhood Mental Health Network, overseen by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:

• Bronx North: The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services: 1- 844-663-2255 (844-ONE-CALL)
• Bronx South: Association to Benefit Children: 929-288-4320
• Brooklyn (Northern and Eastern): OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services 800-603-6435 (800-603-OHEL)
• Manhattan: Northside Center for Child Development: 212-426-3400
• Queens: The Child Center of New York: 718-530-6892
• Staten Island: Staten Island Mental Health Society, a division of Richmond University Medical Center 718-448-9775, ext. 551

Family Resource Centers

Family Resource Centers are overseen by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and provide individual and group-based family support services to parents/caregivers of children and youth (birth-age 24) who have or are at risk for developing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.

Contact the nearest clinic for remote support:

• Bronx North: 718-220-0456  / Bronx South: 718-220-3868
• Brooklyn North: 877-425-8133 / Brooklyn South: 347-394-5186
• Manhattan North: 212-410-1820 / Manhattan South: 212-964-5253
• Queens West: 718- 651-1960 / Queens East: 347-644-5711
• Staten Island: 718-698-5307

On Our Website

The Office of Community Mental Health regularly publishes resources including webinars promoting child, youth, and family mental health, as well as resource guides of services available to young people from birth to age 24.

Mental health resources for people impacted by violence, crime or abuse

If you or someone you know has been physically harassed or assaulted because of your identity— including your race, ethnicity, or religion—please call 911.

NYPD officers will not ask about the immigration status of anyone seeking help and language assistance is available. Officers can also help connect individuals to victim support services available to them. You can also contact a Crime Victim Advocate to help deal with the emotional, physical, and financial aftermath of a crime, and explore other options. Call the All Crimes Hotline at 1-866-689-HELP (4357) TDD: 866-604-5350.

If you or someone you know has been harassed or discriminated against by a business, employer, or landlord because of your identity please call NYC Commission on Human Rights at 212-416-0197.

You are protected against discrimination in housing, at work, and in public places based on your race, religion, national origin, age, immigration status, disability, or other protected classes under the NYC Human Rights Law, enforced by the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Violators may be required to pay penalties and/or damages to victims. To request training, call 212-416-0197 or visit nyc.gov/humanrights.

Do you need immigration legal assistance?

If you are the survivor of certain serious crimes (including labor or sex trafficking), you may be eligible for certain types of immigration relief. For free and safe immigration legal help, regardless of your immigration status, call the City’s immigration legal hotline at 1-800-354-0365, Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.

Safe Horizon operates NYC’s 24-hour hotline: 1-800-621-4673. You can also chat with a Safe Horizon advocate, who can offer information, advocacy and support through SafeChat (Monday-Friday 9:00am-6:00pm).

You can access this chat service here.

For anyone needing resources to help themselves or a loved one experiencing dating, domestic, or gender-based violence, you can call New York City Family Justice Centers for immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, mental health support, and other resources — by phone, Monday to Friday, from 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Call 311 to get connected to a Family Justice Center or call direct at your borough number below:
During evenings and weekends, call NYC’s 24-hour hotline: 1-800-621-4673.

• • • Bronx: 718-508-1220
    • Brooklyn: 718-250-5113
    • Manhattan: 212-602-2800
    • Queens: 718-575-4545
    • Staten Island: 718-697-4300

Additional resources 

• • • Request Bystander Intervention Trainings & Other Events Relating to Human Rights from the Commission on Human Rights. Commission staff works with organizations to provide free workshops to educate staff and community members about their rights and obligations under the law. For more information, feel free to contact your local Community Service Center or dial 311 or 212-416-0197. To request a workshop for your organization, please fill out a Workshop Request Form
    • NYC crime victims can use this website to find victim service locations
    • NYC Hope Resource Directory includes information about community-based organizations that work with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in all five boroughs

Mental health resources for people with disabilities 

Resources for people with disabilities, including mental health support, from the NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. For help with disability-specific concerns you or your organization have, contact the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities directly by calling 212-788-2830 or via videophone (ASL) at 646-396-5830.

Mental health resources for faith leaders

Faith and community leaders can use this Toolkit to understand mental health needs, how to access mental health resources, and concrete actions to take immediately and year-round to support yourselves and your communities.

This toolkit was developed as a conversation between faith leaders, including the Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY) and New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), and the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health. Throughout, NYDIS offers information on how mental health challenges may manifest in faith communities during and following a disaster, and the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health provides information on free mental health resources available to help.

Download the toolkit here

For additional strategies and resources, download our guide on supporting your faith community through grief and loss. Download Strategies & Resources to Cope with Grief & Loss in Faith Communities.

Faith leaders can also watch a webinar on how to support your community through grief, create spaces for healing, and connect community members in need to mental health services. Watch a webinar on promoting mental health in the face of bereavement.

Trauma support in communities: Understanding trauma & trauma-informed strategies for faith leaders 

This guide for faith leaders shares information about how trauma affects people and communities, as well as resources that work to help those experiencing trauma. Download the guide here.

Webinars on trauma support for Black, Brown, and interdenominational faith leaders 

The following series of webinars for Black and Brown faith leaders across New York City provide an overview of the science on how trauma affects individuals and communities, strategies for faith leaders to help address trauma in the communities they serve, and information about trauma resources available to support communities and faith leaders.

Watch the webinars below:

• Trauma in the 67th precinct for Black & Brown faith leaders
• Trauma in Brooklyn for Black & Brown faith leaders
• Trauma Citywide for Black & Brown faith leaders
• Trauma Citywide for Interdenominational faith leaders

Webinars on the role of faith communities in promoting mental health following a disaster

Join us for virtual conversations that bring together leaders from diverse faith traditions to discuss the lessons in the Mental Health Toolkit for Faith and Community Leaders, including strategies and resources to help faith leaders better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the mental health of your faith community. A partnership between the Interfaith Center of New York, New York Disaster Interfaith Services, and the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health, these free webinars also offer faith leaders an opportunity to support and learn from one another.

Pandemic grief & clergy self-care toolkit and panel discussion
This webinar includes an overview of the Toolkit and a moderated panel discussion on how trauma impacts grief and the unique importance of self-care during periods of grief.
WATCH NOW

Mental health resources for City government employees

• • • Support for New York City government employees, including the NYC Employee Assistance Program, from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations
    • WorkWell’s Be Well program supports employees’ emotional, mental, and social well-being, promotes access to mental health benefits, and creates inclusive, stigma-free work environments.
    • Mental health support for New York City Police Department employees, including internal Department resources and external resources

All employers and employees

• • • Learn how to support a caregiver’s mental health at work, including information in several languages
    • If you or someone you know has been harassed or discriminated against by a business, employer, or landlord because of your identity please call NYC Commission on Human Rights at 212-416-0197.You are protected against discrimination in housing, at work, and in public places based on your race, religion, national origin, age, immigration status, disability, or other protected classes under the NYC Human Rights Law, enforced by the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Violators may be required to pay penalties and/or damages to victims. To request training call 212-416-0197 or visit nyc.gov/humanrights.

    • Mayor’s Office of Nightlife

Additional support from the City of New York

Food assistance

• • • Visit FoodHelp NYC for a map of free food resources across the city, available for all children or adults in need
    • Find information on the Food Reserve Emergency Distribution Program, including details on how you can become a food provider, on HRA’s food assistance page
    • Search donateNYC for food donations by simply entering your address, “Find” and “Food/Beverage”

Employment and unemployment

• • • Information for jobseekers, including how to access remote Workforce1 career services, from the NYC Department of Small Business Services

Benefits and housing

• • • For information and resources, including the NYC Tenant Resource Portal which helps renters access free tools to help prevent evictions, visit the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants
    • For low-income New Yorkers in imminent risk of entering the New York City shelter system who want to remain stably housed in their communities, Homebase can help you make a personalized plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and achieve housing stability

Opioid Overdose Prevention

• • • Naloxone is a safe and effective medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Free naloxone kits are available at select Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs) and select chain pharmacies.
    • The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provides free virtual naloxone trainings. On completion, participants can request a free kit by mail. See more information on the NYC Health Naloxone webpage.

How you can help

• • • How to help people, including how to donate to Help Now NYC and volunteer for NYC Service