Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month wouldn’t exist without the long legacy of continuous advocacy and support from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The United States Congress declared the 1990s the “Decade of the Brain,” which launched a period of national recognition, brain research, and public education. This established Mental Health Awareness week in October (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Mental Health Month is recognized as being established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and others in the Department of Health and Human Services and across the federal government, the public health community, and the general public have increased understanding of the prevention and treatment of mental illness. These efforts have significantly improved the outlook for those affected by mental illnesses (statement from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Mental Health Month).


For those needing help or wanting to learn more about mental health conditions, there are a wealth of resources, both local and national, available. You are #NotAlone. The following resources are listed by category, however, organizations may provide a spectrum of services to meet the many diverse needs of our community. 
 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Local Chapter - Sacramento

NAMI Sacramento is a self-supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit rganization and the Sacramento Affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is a grassroots, self-help, volunteer support and advocacy organization of consumers, family members and friends of persons afflicted with serious brain disorders (mental illnesses), such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders.

Free or Low-cost Counseling
CALHope Warmline
The Peer-Run Warm Line (855-845-7415) began operation in 2014 and is a non-emergency resource for anyone in California seeking mental and emotional support. CalHope Warmline provides assistance via phone and web chat on a nondiscriminatory basis to anyone in need. Some concerns callers share are challenges with interpersonal relationships, anxiety, pain, depression, finances, alcohol/drug use, etc.

Loaves and Fishes - Genesis Project
The Genesis program provides free mental health services by removing the barriers that people often encounter through private and government-funded agencies. Genesis implements a client-centered approach that promotes trauma-informed care and treats guests holistically rather than labeling them as a diagnosis. Their Master's level social workers and therapists are well-trained to build positive rapport, de-escalate crisis situations, and strengthen therapeutic alliances. Treatment is individualized to each guest and can include one-on-one counseling, supportive groups, on-campus crisis intervention, connections with other social service organizations, and internal referrals to other programs at Loaves & Fishes.

NorCal Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
One-on-one peer counseling and support group meetings, crisis intervention and support for situations involving domestic violence, child or elderly abuse, and violent crimes, referral to professional counseling, mental health and alcohol/drug treatment services.


Resources for Youth
Amala Youth Hopeline Text-In Services
AMALA Hopeline is now offering the option to text-in to our lines for peer support and resources. During social distancing, many of our community’s youth do not have access to support outside of their homes or the ability for a quiet space to speak on the phone about things that they may need support with. Having a text-line will allow folks to reach out for help regardless of whether they have access to a quiet space or feel uncomfortable talking on the phone.

California Coalition for Youth - Youth Crisis Line
The California Youth Crisis Line (1-800-843-5200) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week as the statewide emergency response system for youth (ages 12-24) and families in crisis. Professionally trained staff and volunteer counselors respond to 20,000 calls annually with crisis intervention counseling and resource referrals to service providers in the caller’s local community. They have access to more than 5,500 free or low-cost resources for youth and families across California.

La Familia Counseling Center - All ages
The program connects the Latino community with suicide prevention resources and intervention training. La Familia works to build a mentally healthy and resilient Latino community through risk awareness workshops and groups and events. Parenting of Teens and Tweens is a 8 week workshop offered to reduce risk and increase levels of communication in the family.

Wind Youth Services
Wind Youth Services provides supportive services and opportunities to youth experiencing homelessness as they pursue self-determined lives of stability and independence.


BIPOC/AAPI Resources
Asian Mental Health Project
In many Asian American communities, and in the greater American population, there exists a general lack of knowledge about mental health and mental illnesses. Because many of the symptoms of suffering are “invisible,” it is often harder for mental illnesses to be acknowledged. There is a misconception that struggling with mental health is a choice or a sign of weakness.

Asian Pacific Community Counseling Center
Asian Pacific Community Counseling, Inc., promotes the mental health and wellness of Asian and Pacific Islander communities through culturally and linguistically relevant outreach, prevention, education, therapy, counseling and recovery support services. In partnership with other community-based organizations and government agencies, APCC promotes a thriving, healthy and productive community.

California Black Health Network
CBHN works to ensure that all Black Californians, regardless of their education, socio-economic class, zip code, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness, or immigration status have access to high-quality and equitable primary and behavioral healthcare, and avoid unnecessarily succumbing to disease. 

Call Blackline
BlackLine (1-800-604-5841) provides a space for peer support, counseling, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences to folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens. Call BlackLine prioritizes Black, Indigenous and People of Color.

La Familia Counseling Center - All ages
The program connects the Latino community with suicide prevention resources and intervention training. La Familia works to build a mentally healthy and resilient Latino community through risk awareness workshops and groups and events. Parenting of Teens and Tweens is a 8 week workshop offered to reduce risk and increase levels of communication in the family.

Muslim American Society-Social Services Foundation
MAS Social Service Foundation has trained volunteers from various educational and ethnic backgrounds to offer peer counseling. The training was conducted by well-known experts and scholars such as Drs. Ekram and Rida Beshir who wrote numerous books on parenting and marriage; Shahina Siddique, President of the “Islamic Social Services Association” of Canada; and Dr. Sameera Ahmad, a clinical psychologist, formerly with Muslim Family Services, Detroit, MI.

Sacramento Native American  Health Center               
Sacramento Native American Health Center aims to create a compassionate space where people can open up, explore possibilities for change, and take steps to recover and heal. The BH team is made up of expert listeners who uphold a trauma-informed approach to care. Their mission is to support individuals and their families in achieving optimal health, safety, and wellness. Sacramento Native American Health Center is committed to getting results by providing holistic, coordinated, and culturally responsive services and programs.

We R Native
We R Native is a comprehensive health resource for Native youth, by Native youth, providing content and stories about the topics that matter most to them. They strive to promote holistic health and positive growth in local communities and the  nation at large.


Resources for LGBTQIA Community Members
Gender Health Center
At the Gender Health Center, counseling services focus on queer-informed narrative therapy. This modality of therapy utilizes the power of peoples’ personal stories. Community members are encouraged, through a respectful and cooperative relationship, to address the issues in their lives that exist amidst social, political, and cultural contexts. 

National Queer and Transgender Therapists of Color Network
This directory is an interactive digital resource that helps QTPoC locate QTPoC mental health practitioners across the country. It includes a Google map as well as a Featured Practitioners page which is organized regionally to assist people in identifying a practitioner to work with. To date, there are 145+ psychotherapists in the directory.

Sacramento LGBT Community Center
Creating a region where LGBTQ+ people thrive means supporting your health and wellness. If you are dealing with any issue that feels beyond your control, including depression, anxiety, victimization, homelessness, stress or relationships issues, Sacramento LGBT Community Center is there to listen without judgement and empower you with the coping strategies and culturally affirming mental health services and resources that provide relief. All services are free

The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. We’re run by and for trans people.


Warmlines
A Mother’s Heart
While many women feel some mild mood changes during pregnancy or after the birth of a child, fifteen to twenty percent of women feel worse symptoms of depression or anxiety. Please know that with help, you can feel better. This is not your fault—there is no reason not to ask for support. You are not alone (916-681-2907).

CALHope Warmline
The Peer-Run Warm Line (855-845-7415) began operation in 2014 and is a non-emergency resource for anyone in California seeking mental and emotional support. CalHope Warmline provides assistance via phone and web chat on a nondiscriminatory basis to anyone in need. Some concerns callers share are challenges with interpersonal relationships, anxiety, pain, depression, finances, alcohol/drug use, etc.

Institute on Aging Friendship Line
Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line (1-800-971-0016) is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Institute on Aging also makes on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. While there are other organizations that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA’s Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly.

Project Return Peer Support Network
Peers bring their own personal knowledge of what it is like to live and recover from mental health conditions and have a unique ability to connect with others who share in this experience (888-448-9777). 

Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. We’re run by and for trans people.


Crisis Intervention Organizations 
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S, anytime, about any type of crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text & responds, all from a secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a “hot moment to a cool moment.”

California Coalition for Youth - Youth Crisis Line
The California Youth Crisis Line (1-800-843-5200) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week as the statewide emergency response system for youth (ages 12-24) and families in crisis. Professionally trained staff and volunteer counselors respond to 20,000 calls annually with crisis intervention counseling and resource referrals to service providers in the caller’s local community. They have access to more than 5,500 free or low-cost resources for youth and families across California.

Loaves and Fishes - Genesis Project
The Genesis program provides free mental health services by removing the barriers that people often encounter through private and government-funded agencies. Genesis implements a client-centered approach that promotes trauma-informed care and treats guests holistically rather than labeling them as a diagnosis. Their Master's level social workers and therapists are well-trained to build positive rapport, de-escalate crisis situations, and strengthen therapeutic alliances. Treatment is individualized to each guest and can include one-on-one counseling, supportive groups, on-campus crisis intervention, connections with other social service organizations, and internal referrals to other programs at Loaves & Fishes.

Turning Point Community Programs Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic - Sacramento
MHUCC is a walk-in clinic for individuals with an urgent mental health need. The MHUCC is a client-centered program that focuses on providing immediate relief to individuals and families in distress. The program intends to avert psychiatric emergency room visits and involuntary hospitalizations. The goal of MHUCC is to foster recovery for individuals and families through the promotion of hope and wellness.

Veterans Crisis Line
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
 
WEAVE Crisis Line
WEAVE’s mission is to promote safe and healthy relationships and support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and sex trafficking. WEAVE’s vision is a community free of violence and abuse.
 
Wind Youth Services
Wind Youth Services provides supportive services and opportunities to youth experiencing homelessness as they pursue self-determined lives of stability and independence.


Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
 
Suicide Prevention Hotline - Sacramento
The Effort operates the region’s Suicide Prevention Crisis Line (916-368-3111). The hotline serves Sacramento County residents 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. The Suicide Prevention Crisis Line receives calls from people of all ages who are experiencing depression, hopelessness, alone, desperate, considering suicide. They also take calls from third parties who are concerned about a friend or loved one who is suicidal. They are available to listen and understand, and to offer information and resources as needed. The Crisis Lines are staffed by extensively trained, carefully selected volunteers who not only understand how a suicidal person reaches such despair, but also help the individual choose life.
 
Teen Lifeline
Teen Lifeline’s (1-800-248-8336) work is towards its mission to prevent teen suicide in Arizona through enhancing resiliency in youth and fostering supportive communities. This happens through its peer-to-peer crisis hotline and suicide prevention education services for teens, educators, and parents. The hotline provides a safe way for teens to talk to other teens about thoughts of suicide, depression, anxiety, grades, and friend/family issues.