Mental Health – CA and National Resources

Help is available! Find easy access to mental health and suicide prevention resources by using the links provided here.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or 988. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals; the call is free and confidential. If you need to be connected to mental health services in Riverside County, call the Helpline at (951) 686-HELP. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

  • Live Your Life Well Campaign
    This website, sponsored by Mental Health America, offers comprehensive and useful tips and tools to live a healthy and well balanced life. Topics range from stress reduction to the importance of sleep, among many others.
  • Take Action for Mental Health
    Take Action for Mental Health is the campaign for California’s ongoing mental health movement. It builds upon established approaches and provides resources to support Californians’ mental health needs. An evolution of the Each Mind Matters campaign, it continues the progress of reducing stigma of mental illness and increasing awareness of mental health needs and resources, asking Californians to take action to Check In, Learn More, and Get Support for themselves and the people they care about. Californians can get involved by taking a pledge and wearing a lime green ribbon – the color of mental health awareness.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
    This website offers comprehensive information on mental disorders, their symptoms, treatments, as well as opportunities to get involved in the fight against mental illness. It also enables online communities to connect with other people interested in these issues.

    • NAMI California is the California chapter and their website offers education and information about statewide initiatives.
  • National Institute of Mental Health
    The National Institute of Mental Health hopes to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. On the NIMH site you can find staff directories, research programs, clinical trials, and a myriad of resources and information pertaining to mental health as well as suicide prevention.
  • Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
    This website offers research, resources and publications related to mental illness, mental health, substance abuse, prevention, treatment and recovery.
  • HelpGuide
    HelpGuide’s mission is to help people understand, prevent and resolve many of life’s challenges by providing knowledge and hope. Their goal is to give individuals the information and encouragement they need to take charge of their health, well-being and make healthy choices. The website provides comprehensive information for mental and emotional health; family and relationships; healthy living; and seniors and aging.
  • Beyond Blue
    This website provides very comprehensive information on depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, as well as a special section on postnatal depression. Each section includes warning signs, screening tools and an explanation of treatment options. In addition, the website features a link to information focused on youth.
  • California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions
    The California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions (CIBHS) promotes excellence in mental health services through training, technical assistance, research and policy development. The website provides a searchable database for mental health services throughout the state, information, policy updates and new developments in treatment options for mental health.
  • Families for Depression Awareness
    A national nonprofit organization helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders to get people well and prevent suicides. The website includes profiles of families and experts and an online depression wellness analyzer to help people with depression and their families actively monitor their treatment.
  • Hike for Mental Health
    The mission of this nonprofit is to increase public awareness of the challenges and suffering faced by those afflicted by mental illness and their families. Visit the website to learn how you can volunteer, join a hike, lead a hike or sponsor a hiker.
  • Disability Rights California
    Helps with mental health parity issues by providing counsel and advice, technical assistance to file complaints, and direct representation in select cases raising systemic issues.

    • For legal assistance call (800) 776-5746
    • For all other purposes call (916) 504-5800 in Northern CA or (213) 213-8000 in Southern CA.