Lifelines/Helplines/Crisis Lines

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  https://988lifeline.org

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline 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.

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

• Crisis Text Line

Text TALK to 741741 for English
Text AYUDA to 741741 for Spanish Text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

• Sexual Violence

An American is sexually assaulted every two minutes, totaling an average of nearly 238,000 individuals over 12 years of age each year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. And the Crimes Against Children Research Center estimates that one in five girls and one in twenty boys will be a victim of sexual abuse in their lifetimes. These assaults leave behind a lifetime of psychological damage. The links below offer excellent resources for those seeking support in breaking the pattern of violence.  

• RAINN/National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE)

https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/trauma-toolkit/victims-sexual-abuse

• The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. We provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386 Text START to 678-678
TrevorChat: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

• Trans Lifeline

Peer support for individuals who are transgender
Call 877-565-8860
https://translifeline.org/

Suicide Prevention Toolkit

• Youth Suicide Prevention Toolkit-clicking on this link brings you to Hope and Healing Center-which is specific to Houston area.

Websites

• Preventing Suicide - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/

• Suicide Prevention Competencies for Faith Leaders: Supporting Life Before, During, and After a Suicidal Crisis
  https://theactionalliance.org/sites/default/files/fhl_competencies_v8_interactive.pdf

• HOPE: A Guide for Faith Leaders to Help Prevention Youth Suicide 
  
  
• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention: https://theactionalliance.org

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center: https://sprc.org
  
  
• Soul Shop: https://www.soulshopmovement.org/
  Suicide Prevention Training for Faith Community Leaders
                      Equipping faith communities to recognize and respond to suicidal desperation.                     
                      Empowering faith communities to be sources of hope and social connection.

General Websites Related to Mental Health Care

• National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/Home
  
  
• National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) FaithNet: www.nami.org/faithnet
  NAMI FaithNet is an interfaith resource network of NAMI members, friends, clergy and congregations of all faith traditions who wish to encourage faith communities who are welcoming and supportive of persons and families living with mental illness.
  
  
• Interfaith Network on Mental Illness:  https://inmi.us/
  
  
• imatter Colorado:  https://www.imattercolorado.org/
  
  
• Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org/
  
  
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA): https://www.samhsa.gov/

• The Hope and Healing Center & Institute (HHCI)

The Hope and Healing Center & Institute (HHCI) is an expression of St. Martin Episcopal Church’s vision to minister to those broken by life’s circumstances and a direct response to the compassionate Great Commission of Jesus. An independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization housed on the St. Martin’s campus, the HHCI is a comprehensive mental health resource serving the Houston community and beyond. To directly access classes, webinars, etc. click on this link: https://hopeandhealingcenter.org/events/

• Pathways to Promise

This website is intended for faith leaders, interested laity, people with Mental Illness and their families, friends, and supporters, plus Mental Health Professionals interested in working with the faith community.
http://www.pathways2promise.org/

• Center of Addiction and Faith

A national ministry to raise awareness about addiction and how faith communities can respond more effectively.  It provides education, inspiration, and practical tools to help develop leadership and assist faith communities to better address the spiritual spiritual needs of those afflicted.  https://www.addictionandfaith.com/

• The Center for Faith and Community Health Transformation

Mental illness touches every family, community and house of worship. Find resources here for education, programs, advocacy and services.

• The Interfaith Mental Health Coalition is a regional group that works with faith communities to reduce stigma, provide support and educate about mental health issues.
  
  
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

SPANISH RESOURCES: NIMH offers basic information on mental disorders and related topics in Spanish for patients and their families, health professionals, and the public. Higher quantities of printed materials are available now and can be ordered free of charge at https://go.usa.gov/xdHTG

El NIMH ofrece información básica en español sobre los trastornos mentales y temas relacionados dirigida a pacientes y sus familias, profesionales de la salud y el público en general. Ahora tenemos disponibles cantidades más grandes de nuestros materiales impresos. Solicítelos gratis en https://go.usa.gov/xdHTG

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/espanol/index.shtml

• PEARLS Program

The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) is a national evidence-based program for late-life depression.  PEARLS brings high quality mental health care into community-based settings that reach vulnerable older adults.
https://depts.washington.edu/hprc/evidence-based-programs/pearls-program/

• Alcoholics Anonymous: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
  
  
• Autism Society of America: http://www.autism-society.org/
  
  
• Mental Health First Aid: http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
  
  
• Narcotics Anonymous: www.na.org

The Kids Mental Health Foundation’s mission is to give expert-created resources and tools to all U.S. communities so that everyone can understand and promote mental health for children.

We know exactly what to do if our child breaks an arm or gets the flu. But watching a child endure a panic attack or struggle with the effects of stress may leave us feeling completely helpless.

We envision a future where mental health is a vital part of growing up. Where mental health is just as important physical health, and where grown-ups have the knowledge and skills to help kids face and manage life’s challenges before a crisis or concern.

We’re taking a different approach. Because we know early action can be life changing.

The Kids Mental Health Foundation Resources page link: https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources

Technology and Social Media and Kids Link: 
https://kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/technology-and-social-media/gaming-and-kids-mental-health

• https://www.rallypoint.com/topics/wellness?utm_source=dept_of_va&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_l
  
  
• https://psycharmor.org/about-us/
  
  
• https://nrd.gov/resource/detail/20739774/PsychArmor+Institute+-+Courses+for+Veteran+Caregiver+%26+Families

• Awareness information (for individuals at risk, family, friends, and colleagues) Practice SAVE – Signs, Ask, Validate, Encourage/Expedite
  https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov
  
  
• Emery Healthcare Veteran’s Program https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/centers-programs/veterans-program
  Treats post-9/11 veterans confidentially and at no cost who have conditions including PTSD, TBI, military sexual trauma, anxiety, and depression
  
  
• Health Care for Re-entry Veterans (HCRV) program https://www.va.gov/homeless/reentry.asp
  HCVR helps to connect justice-involved veterans with VA and community services as they transition from incarceration into the community, facilitating access, to and engagement in, care. A recent analysis found that 56% of veterans seen by the HCRV program engaged with VA health care the following year, and that 93% of those diagnosed with a mental health condition entered treatment for that condition within a year. While this program illustrates the success of current efforts, greater efforts to enhance suicide prevention among this population of veterans remain necessary.
  
  
• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans https://www.va.gov
  
  
• National Center for PTSD https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
  
  
• Real Warriors Campaign https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Centers-of-Excellence/Psychological-Health-Center-of-Excellence/Real-Warriors-Campaign Established in 2009, and expanded in 2023, the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Real Warriors Campaign (RWC) is a public health campaign designed to decrease stigma, increase psychological health literacy, and open doors to access to care by encouraging psychological health help seeking among active duty service members, veterans, and their families.

• The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) Hosts Fireside Chats to discuss the role of leaders in preventing sexual assault and harassment.
  https://www.dspo.mil/Home/Tools/Fireside-Chats/
  
  
• The VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide provides a roadmap for how the VA is working to change the trajectory of suicide among veterans.
  
  
• Stop Soldier Suicide https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/ Their ROGER wellness service provides counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention – 100% free for U.S. veterans and service members.
  
  
• Veterans Crisis Line Dial 988, then press 1 – https://www.veteranscrisisline.net or Text 838255
  
  
• Veterans Justice Outreach Programs https://www.va.gov/homeless/vjo.asp
  To identify justice-involved veterans (incarcerated or recently released) and contact them through outreach to help with access to VA services as early as possible.

The Partnership Center at the Department of Health and Human Services 

Mental Health

• Strengthening the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Tomorrow’s Faith Leaders in Theological Educational Settings, opens in a new tab [PDF, 5.62 MB]
• Youth Mental Health and Well-being in Faith and Community Settings: Practicing Connectedness, opens in a new tab [PDF, 9.75 MB]

Substance Use Disorder

• Practical Toolkit for Preventing Overdose and Supporting Recovery in Community Settings, opens in a new tab [PDF, 2.35 MB] or Spanish Version, opens in a new tab [PDF, 705 KB] (June 2022)
  
  
• Sexual Violence Toolkit: 

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/trauma-toolkit/victims-sexual-abuse

Advocate's Congregational Health Partnerships has a Faith and Mental Health Booklet with resources and information for faith leaders on mental health recovery.

• Mental Health America/Mental Health Toolkits: https://mhanational.org/?wp_form%5Bform_id%5D=1&s=mental+health+toolkit

• Faith and Mental Health: A Biblical Approach to Emotional Healing by Josh Steve

Faith and Mental Health: A Biblical Approach to Emotional Healing offers a compassionate exploration of the intersection between faith and mental well-being. This insightful guide addresses the often-overlooked topic of mental health from a Christian perspective, emphasizing the importance of integrating spiritual practices with practical strategies for emotional healing.

Through a series of engaging chapters, readers will discover biblical teachings on mental health, the healing power of prayer, and the significance of community support. Each chapter provides actionable insights, relatable anecdotes, and practical tools to help individuals navigate their mental health journeys while deepening their faith. Whether you're struggling with emotional challenges or seeking to support someone who is, this book serves as a hopeful resource for finding healing and resilience through faith.

• CareNotes: https://carenotes.com/product-category/aging-health/mental-wellness/
  
  
• Blessed Youth Survival Guide: https://chalicepress.com/products/blessed-youth-survival-guide
  
  
• Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness with Children and Teens
  https://chalicepress.com/collections/family/products/blessed-youth-breaking-the-silence-about-mental-illness-with-children-and-teens

• Held: Showing Up for Each Other’s Mental Health by Barbara F. Meyers

In Held: Showing Up for Each Other’s Mental Health, community minister and mental health advocate Barbara F. Meyers illustrates how members of liberal religious congregations can be supportive to those living with mental health problems, and their loved ones, in our congregations and society at large. Meyers addresses the fundamental elements of spiritual support―truth, hope, presence, acceptance, encouragement, authenticity, public witness, and pastoral care―with stories from real life situations and suggestions for how parishioners can provide and advocate for support in their congregations. A study guide for congregations and a list of resources for more information round out this thoughtful and necessary resource. https://www.amazon.com/Held-Showing-Others-Mental-Health/dp/1558968598 

• The Companionship Series by Craig Rennebohm https://www.pathways2promise.org/product-page/the-way-of-companionship-series-1-3
  
  
• Anaebere, A. K., & Delilly, C. R. (2012). Faith community nursing: supporting mental health during life transitions. Issues in mental health nursing. 33(5), 337–339. https://doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2011.631164
  
  
• Haidt, J. (2024). The Anxious Generation. New York, NY. Penguin Press.
  
  
• Neill, L. (2022). Who told you that? Sisters, OR. Deep River Books.
  
  
• Perry, B. & Winfrey, O. (2021). What happened to you? New York, NY. Flatiron Books.
  
  
• Albers, R. H., Meller, W. H., & Thurber, S. D. (Eds.). (2019). Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and Their Families (2nd ed.). Fortress Press.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Desk reference to the diagnostic criteria from DSM–5. American Psychiatric Association.
  
  
• Ayvaci, E. R. (2017). Religious barriers to mental healthcare.
  
  
• The American Journal of Psychiatry Residents’ Journal, 11(7), 11-13.
  
• Brindle, R. C., Pearson, A., Ginty, A. T. (2022). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) relate to blunted cardiovascular and cortisol reactivity to acute laboratory stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroscience Biobehavior Review. 2022 Mar; 134:104530. doi: 10.1016/j. neubiorev.2022.104530. Epub 2022 Jan 11. PMID: 35031343.

• Champine, R. B., Hoffman, E. E., Matlin, S. L. et al. (2022). What does it mean to be trauma-informed? A mixed-methods study of a trauma-informed community initiative. Journal of Child and Family Studies 31, 459–472.
  
  
• Koenig, H. (2005). Faith and mental health: Religious resources for healing. Templeton Foundation Press.
  
  
• Lucchetti, G., Koenig, H, and Lucchetti, A. (2021). Spirituality, religiousness, and mental health: A review of the current scientific evidence. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 9 (26), 7620- 7631.
  
  
• Moore, D. D., Williams, C., & Cooper, C. E. (2022). Pastoral leaders’ perceptions of mental health and relational concerns within faith-based organizations. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling 76(2), 80-88.
  
  
• Rogers, E. B., Stanford, M. & Garland, D. R. (2012). The effects of mental illness on families within faith communities. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, (15)3, 301–313. 

• Simpson, A. (2013). Troubled minds: Mental illness and the church’s mission. InterVarsity Press.
  
  
• Virdee, G., Frederick, T., Tarasoff, L., McKenzie, K., Davidson, L., Kidd, S. (2016). Exploring the contours of religion and spirituality in creating community: A focus on persons with psychosis. Journal of Community Psychology, 44(8), 1081-1087.
  
  
• Westerfield, C. M., & Doolittle, B. R. (2022). Spirituality of the traumatized child: A call for increased faith community participation in the trauma-healing process for children. Journal of Religion and Health 61, 203–213.  

• Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale: https://psychology-tools.com/zung-depression-scale/
  
  
• Mental Health Screening Tools from Mental Health America (https://mhanational.org/)
  Mental Health America offers many screening tools at their website https://screening.mhanational.org/.

Those available include: Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, OCD, Bipolar, Psychosis and Schizophrenia, Eating Disorders, PTSD, Addition, Gambling Addiction, Post Partum Depression, Parent Test - Your Child's Mental Health, Youth Mental Health, Self Injury Survey, and AI and Mental Health Survey