For people and families
A first step that should feel safe
Respectful guidance and connection without shame. You decide what you share, who is contacted and what happens next — support is never conditional on telling your story in public.
Mental Help Foundation in the United States
United States
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crisis support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day.
Mental Help Foundation across Africa
Africa
Call your local emergency number if someone is in immediate danger. African Minds Hotline is building a country-by-country directory of mental health, crisis and support lines.
Somewhere else in the world?
Contact your local emergency service first. You are still welcome to write to us — we will point you to what we know, and we will be honest when we do not have a verified local service to recommend.
Be clear about scope
What we can do — and what we cannot
Clear boundaries over exaggerated claims. Knowing the limits up front is part of keeping you safe.
We can
- Listen without judgment and help you name what is happening
- Share accurate, plain-language mental health information
- Help you identify trusted people and supports around you
- Explain referral options, their limits, eligibility and known cost
- Connect you to a partner service with your consent
- Check back on whether the contact happened and what is still blocking you
We cannot
- Provide emergency or crisis response
- Diagnose a mental health or substance use condition
- Prescribe or change medication
- Provide psychotherapy or clinical treatment
- Guarantee that another provider will accept or is available
- Promise confidentiality where safety exceptions apply
Foundation training does not confer professional licensure. Psychosocial support, crowdfunding and digital tools do not replace emergency, legal, protection, medical or licensed mental health services.
Where to begin
You can enter anywhere in the pathway
Whatever brought you here, the system is designed to connect you onward rather than leave you at the first door.
What happens after you contact us
Explain. Choose. Connect. Confirm.
A referral is not complete because a phone number was shared.
- 01
Explain
Describe the option, purpose, limits, eligibility and known cost.
- 02
Choose
Respect the person's decision and preferred communication.
- 03
Connect
Use a warm referral where possible and authorised.
- 04
Confirm
Check whether contact occurred and identify remaining barriers.