RESOURCES

Mental Health – Local

If you or someone you care about is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the Crisis Hotline at (888) 724-7240. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals available 24/7; the call is free and confidential. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Resources for Suicide Prevention and Support

  • Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL)
    Phone: (619) 482-0297
    SOSL provides self-help support groups for those who have lost a relative or friend through suicide. Support materials and a quarterly newsletter are available either electronically or in hard copy. A speaker’s bureau provides information on suicide issues and prevention of suicide.
  • Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program San Diego
    Phone: (760) 635-5904
    Yellow Ribbon is a community and school-based suicide prevention and outreach program. The website includes tips on how to recognize warning signs, how to reach out and a special section for parents to help them recognize signs of depression in children and teens.
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – San Diego Chapter
    Phone: (760) 459-9959
    The AFSP San Diego Chapter is dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide. The Chapter offers educational programs for highs schools, colleges, professionals, and community groups. The Chapter’s Survivor Outreach Program provides survivors of suicide loss and their families support and reassurance that surviving a suicide loss is possible.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    Hotline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
    A free 24-hour hotline available if you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Press 1 for a dedicated line for veterans and their families.
  • Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
    The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) provides prevention support, training and resources to assist organizations to develop suicide prevention programs, interventions and policies and to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
  • The Jed Foundation
    This foundation is dedicated to reduce emotional distress and prevent suicide among college students. The website provides resources for students, professionals, parents and friends.
  • Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA)
    SPAN USA is a national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.
  • Survivors of Suicide
    The Survivors of Suicide website was developed to help those who have lost a loved one to suicide resolve their grief and pain in their own personal way.
  • Youth Suicide: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Injury Center
    The CDC offers national level data and information about suicide among youth, including risk factors and resource recommendations for youth suicide prevention.

Resources for Men

  • It’s Up To Us – Website for Men
    This website provides information and resources specifically for men who are going through tough times.
  • Courage to Call
    Phone: 2-1-1
    This program is a Veteran-run, peer-to-peer support program in San Diego County providing free and confidential services to active and former military members, reservists, National Guardsmen, their families and loved ones. The program connects callers with referrals to resources and support to reduce stress and improve overall mental health. These services are provided off-base in a safe and private atmosphere.
  • Your Head: An Owner’s Manual
    This publication, published by the Men’s Health Network, provides men of all ages, and those who love them, with realistic information about depression, anxiety, stress and mood disorders, along with practical actions that can make a difference in their lives.
  • Blue Print For Men’s Health
    This publication, published by the Men’s Health Network, discusses the main physical and emotional health issues that men face today, including factors that increase health risks, how to recognize symptoms, and practical, easy-to-implement prevention strategies.
  • Men’s Health Network
    Phone: (202) 543-6461
    Men’s Health Network (MHN) is a non-profit educational organization of physicians, researchers, public health workers, other health professionals and individuals committed to improving the health and wellness of men, boys, and their families. Their website provides men with a wide range of resources and publications related to their health.
  • The Shed Online
    This online social community is a place for men to socialize, network, make friends and share skills. It aims to recreate the atmosphere of “real life” Men Sheds which exist throughout Australia. In addition to being a place for men to interact with other men, The Shed Online provides men with information on well-being and health, including depression.
  • Face It
    This website is committed to helping men feel comfortable and confident in addressing their depression. Face It provides support, education and tools to help you or a man you care about recover and get back on track.

Resources for Women

  • 2-1-1 San Diego
    Phone: 2-1-1
    This hotline connects people with community, health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free phone service and searchable online database. 2-1-1 serves the entire population of San Diego County as the only free, confidential, dialing code service in San Diego.
  • NAMI San Diego Helpline
    Phone: (800) 523-5933 or (619) 543-1434
    Hours of Operation: 12pm-6pm M-F
  • NAMI San Diego
    Phone: (858)634-6580
    This organization is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families experiencing mental illness. NAMI provides information about local resources, advocacy efforts, trainings, classes and workshops on mental illness, community events and outreach.
  • Pregnancy Resource Center
    Phone:(760)945-4673
    All services are free, provides pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and crisis counseling. Parenting classes and bible study twice per month to earn items for your baby.
  • San Diego Network of Care for Behavioral Health
    This website is a resource for individuals, families and agencies looking for mental health resources and information in San Diego County.
  • San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA)-Behavioral Health Services
    HHSA provides a broad range of health and social services promoting wellness, self-sufficiency and a better quality of life for all individuals and families in San Diego County. The Behavioral Health Division provides a continuum of services aimed at providing an array of mental health, alcohol and other drug services for children, youth, families, adults, older adults and improving the quality of life within our communities. The website provides an overview of services available to community members.
  • Recovery Innovations of California (RICA)
    RICA provides recovery-based services to adults with mental health and/or addiction challenges and conducts workshops on mental health recovery. Their dedicated and passionate network of peer support specialists provide support in many different areas to individuals in recovery.
  • Mental Health America (MHA) San Diego
    Phone: (619) 543-0412
  • Family & Youth Roundtable (FYRT)
    This organization is an independent family and youth-led organization that works to build an interconnection between public agencies, including those responsible for mental health issues and the families and young people who receive their services. They offer support groups and workshops, among other services.
  • The San Diego Postpartum Health Alliance
    Warmline: (619) 254-0023
  • San Diego Psychiatric Society
    This website offers a database of physicians that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders and substance abuse.
  • San Diego Psychological Association
    Psychologist Referrals: (800) 251-2937
  • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) San Diego
    DBSA is a peer-facilitated group of people who support one another on the road to wellness, including those diagnosed with mood disorders, their families, friends and anyone else who seeks to learn more about depressive and bipolar mood (affective) disorders.
  • Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) in San Diego
    Phone: Mid City Location: (619) 229-2999
    Phone: Serra Mesa Location: (858) 268-4933
    Phone: Child and Adolescent Mental Health: (619) 232-6454
  • Operation Samahan
    Phone: (619) 474-5567
  • Kalusugan Community Services
    Phone: (619) 477-3392
  • San Diego Family Care
    Phone: Linda Vista Health Care Center (858) 279-0925
    Phone: Mid-City Community Clinic (619) 563-0250 (Adults)
    Phone: Mid-City Community Clinic (619) 280-2058 (Children)
  • La Maestra Community Health Centers
    Phone: (619) 280-4213

Resources for Parents

  • National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
    This is a family-run organization with more than 120 chapters and state organizations representing the families of children and youth with mental health needs. It offers a wealth of resources and information for families.
  • Project ABC
    This website provides resources and tip sheets for families, professionals and community organizations to promote the healthy emotional development of infants and young children.
  • Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
    This website offers information, resources and the opportunity to connect with others.
  • Evidence Based Mental Health Treatment for Children and Adolescents
    This website is a valuable resource for parents who want an effective treatment based on scientific findings. Developed by researchers and clinicians, the site reflects the most current research on the treatment of childhood disorders. In addition, the site enables parents to search for a local therapist committed to the practice of science-based therapy.
  • The Balanced Mind Foundation
    Offers information, resources and the opportunity to connect with others.
  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
    This website offers resources and a wide range of “Facts for Families” in different languages.
  • National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
    A central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth. Parents can find easy-to-read information on IDEA, the law authorizing early intervention services and special education; as well as find state resource fact sheets to connect with disability agencies and organizations in your state.

Resources for Older Adults

  • County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services (AIS)
    Phone: (800) 510-2020
    AIS offers more than 30 programs to assist seniors and disabled adults with staying active, healthy and involved in their communities.
  • Elder Multicultural Access and Support Services (EMASS)
    Phone: (760) 233-1984
    This program provides education, referrals, benefits advocacy, peer counselling, transportation services, as well as home and community based services for older adults.
  • Positive Solutions Program
    Phone: (619) 238-1783
    This program helps homebound seniors (60+) with recognition of and coping strategies for minor depression.
  • Geriatric Mental Health Foundation
    This website provides mental health information for older adults and their families and assists people with finding a geriatric psychiatrist.
  • National Family Care Giver Association
    This is a grassroots organization that was created to educate, support and empower people who care for loved ones who are chronically ill, aging, or disabled.
  • San Diego Eldercare
    This website offers a comprehensive online directory for services and programs for the elderly in San Diego County.

Resources for Young Adults

  • Impact Young Adults (IYA)
    Impact Young Adults (IYA) is a group of young adults ages 18-35 that are in recovery from mental illness. They have come together to change their experience from one of striving to one of thriving!
  • Reach Out
    This website is focused on providing tips and resources for youth to help them get through tough times or help a friend. Youth “who have been there and made it through” can share their personal stories or view those submitted by other youth. The site also features the “Reach Out” blog.
  • UC San Diego Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
    Phone: (858) 534-3755
  • What a Difference A Friend Can Make
    This website is a resource for young people living with mental health challenges – and their friends. The site offers tools to help in the recovery process, information about different kinds of mental illnesses, and read real-life stories about support and recovery. A very cool feature of this site is an interactive video to see how friends can make all the difference and the “2gether Forums, a great place to ask questions and share experiences.
  • Half of Us
    This website offers resources for college students to recognize problems, where to find help and how to offer help to a friend. A large number of viral videos share experiences and model how to recognize if a friend is having problems and how to offer help.
  • TeensHealth
    This website provides health information with different sections for kids, teens and parents. The TeensHealth section is an interactive site filled with games, animations, quizzes, fact sheets, and many other resources. Topics include exercise and nutrition, depression, drugs and alcohol, sexual health, recipes, preparing for college, volunteering, finding a job and even tips for taking tests and studying.

Resources for College Students

Resources for Veterans, Active Military and Their Families

  • Support Your Vet
    This website offers forums, tips and mental health resources for family members and friends of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
    This section of the website offers tips and resources related to mental health and suicide prevention.
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline – for Veterans
    Hotline: (800) 273-TALK, press “1” for Veterans
    This is a free, 24-hour hotline available to veterans in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
  • Military.com
    This portion of the website offers information about dealing with deployment. It makes recommendations of how best to prepare, communicate with children and cope with stress and anxiety.

Resources for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Individuals

  • The Trevor Project
    Trevor Lifeline: (866) 488-7386
    Teen Line – available 6:00pm-10:00pm PST: (800) 852-8336
    The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including their nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, and digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone.
  • It Gets Better Project
    This website is a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender can see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future. It’s a place where people can share their stories, take the It Gets Better Project pledge, watch videos of love and support, and learn about resources.
  • Family Acceptance Project
    This community research, intervention, education and policy initiative works to decrease major health and related risks for LGBT youth, such as suicide, substance abuse, HIV and homelessness – in the context of their families. The site offers online videos and research-based information on how families can help support their LGBT children.

Resources for Faith Based Communities

  • Jewish Family Service of San Diego
    Phone: (877) 537-1818
  • Mental Health Grace Alliance
    Mental Health Grace Alliance is a Christian non-profit mental health recovery support organization serving the community and church through the implementation of support groups, educational trainings and mental health recovery resources within your local community.
  • Mental Health Ministries
    This website is dedicated to providing educational resources to help erase the stigma of mental illness in faith communities and to help congregations become caring congregations for persons living with a mental illness and their families. The site includes printer friendly media and print resources that can be adapted to the unique needs of each congregation.

Resources for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Note: We are not responsible for the content, claims or representations of the listed sites.