Mental Health Support for Caregivers & People with Dementia
We understand that finding the right resources can be overwhelming, which is why we've compiled a list of helpful helplines that can offer emotional support during challenging times. Please know that you are not alone and there is support available to help you navigate this journey with care and compassion. We hope you find these helplines and resources helpful.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention, crisis resources, and best practices for professionals in the US. There's also options for people who are Spanish speaking and deaf or hard-of-hearing.
To find resources for yourself click here.
To find resources for someone else click here.
Phone Number: 988
Text Number: 988
WebChat: 988lifeline.org/chat
Hours: 24/7
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is a resource for individuals in crisis, providing free and confidential support through text messaging or webchat. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, there are counselors available for you. They also have a WhatsApp option.
Please keep in mind, their system is only able to process 160 characters in one message at a time.
For international support click here.
Text Number: Text "HOME" to 741741
WebChat: connect.crisistextline.org/chat
Hours: 24/7
National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine
The NAMI HelpLine is a free and confidential national service offering personalized emotional support, mental health information, and resources to help you, your family, or friends navigate difficult situations. You can also explore their self-help resources online to find the information you need.
Phone Number: 800-950-6264
Text Number: Text "NAMI" to 62649
Email: helpline@nami.org
Hours: Monday to Friday: 10am - 10pm ET
Veterans Crisis Line
If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, the Veterans Crisis Line will connect you with a VA responder who is ready to listen and help. This service is completely free and confidential. They will also connect you with relevant resources, if necessary.
However, you can explore local VA resources here as well.
Note: The Veterans Crisis Line can help even if you’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
Phone Number: 988 then press 1
Text Number: 838255
WebChat: Start online chat here
Hours: 24/7
AARP Friendly Voice Program
AARP Friendly Voice is a free program designed to help anyone feeling lonely, isolated, or anxious. Trained volunteers are available to offer a simple but meaningful connection—a friendly phone call. Whether you need someone to talk to, someone to listen, or just a warm hello, a caring voice is just a call away.
Phone Number: 888-281-0145
Hours: 7 days a week: 9am – 5pm local time
Friendship Line
If you are feeling lonely, isolated, or depressed, the Friendship Line through the Institute on Aging offers emotional support for adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. They can also connect you with virtual grief and bereavement support groups.
Phone Number: 888-670-1360
Hours: 24/7
Senior Planet
Senior Planet from AARP offers a wide range of free, live online classes tailored specifically for older adults, covering topics such as fitness (including strength training, gentle kung fu, and morning stretch), wellness, finance, creative expression, and technology.
Phone Number: 888-713-3495
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am – 8pm EDT, Saturday 9am - 2pm EDT
GriefShare
GriefShare helps you find in-person and online grief and loss support groups.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support to anyone impacted by relationship abuse. Services include connecting you with live advocates and offering a directory of local providers for additional resources and support.
If you are deaf click here.
Phone Number: 800-799-7233
Text Number: Text "START" to 88788
WebChat: Go to website and click "Chat"
AI Chat: Start chat with Ruth (AI) here
Hours: 24/7
National Sexual Assault Hotline
The National Sexual Assault Hotline is a confidential, 24/7 support service operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). You can connect with trained support specialists who offer crisis intervention, emotional support, and guidance on local resources. The hotline provides a safe, anonymous space for survivors, their loved ones, and concerned individuals seeking help.
Phone Number: 800-656-4673
WebChat: Start a chat here
WhatsApp: Click here
Hours: 24/7
Note: If you are caring for someone living with dementia and looking for more resources to support your care journey, consider investing in our resource guide, Hidden in Plain Sight: The Ultimate Resource Guide for Dementia Caregivers.
Leave us a review.
We love hearing from you.
Every review helps us reach and help more caregivers like you.