Mental health problems affect one in four people, according to the World Health Organization. Therapy can be a great help in dealing with the issue of mental health, but it isn’t something that everyone can afford.

Here are five great resources that people can reach out to if they feel that they may need help.

1) The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Help Center
www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org
Hotline: 1-888-843-4564

The GLBT National Help Center began in 1996. It aims to support anyone in need, regarding their sexual identity or sexual orientation. The GLBT National Help Center provides hotline services, online chats, and an abundance of information for schools and families. They also have over 15,000 local resources for people to refer to, as well.

2) National Eating Disorder Association of America
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Hotline: 1-800-931-2237

The NEDA is a nonprofit organization that was formed in 2001, combining Eating Disorders Awareness & Prevention (EDAP) and the American Anorexia Bulimia Association (AABA). NEDA provides support for those affected by eating disorders, by promoting and advocating for change.

3) National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nami.org
Hotline: 1-800-950-6264

NAMI is a mental health organisation that began in 1979. NAMI works to help better the lives of those affected by mental illness in many ways.

4) RAINN
www.rainn.org
Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE

RAINN is the acronym for the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. They are the largest anti-sexual violence organization. Look to RAINN to help with any sexual assault issues. They also work alongside more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers.

5) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

The national suicide prevention lifeline provides support for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Their hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The lifeline was created in January of 2005 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Mental Health Association of New York.

Reviewed April 4, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith