I Need Help Right Now
You do not have to be sure it is an emergency. You can reach out for any hard moment, and a real person will answer.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For any emotional crisis, or if you are thinking about suicide. Free, private, every hour.
Call: 988
Text: 988
Chat online: 988lifeline.org/chat
Veterans and their families
Call 988, then press 1. Or text 838255.
You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care.
In danger right now
Someone is hurt, or you cannot stay safe: 911
Prefer to text? Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741.
Alcohol, drugs, or finding treatment
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Free, private, English and Spanish.
Search for treatment: findtreatment.gov
Not safe at home
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Older adults can be hurt or controlled by a spouse, relative or caregiver too. You can call about someone else.
Caring for someone with memory loss
Alzheimer's Association Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
Free, every hour, help in over 200 languages.
Local help for older adults
Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
Connects you with services for older adults in your own area.
Hard of hearing or deaf? Ask at 988lifeline.org for the options that fit you. Numbers change over time, so if one does not work, search the name above.
How Have I Been Feeling?
Feeling low in later life does not always look like sadness. It can look like aches, tiredness, or just not caring about things you used to enjoy. It is not a normal part of aging, and it can be treated.
Tap anything that has been true for you lately. Nothing is saved.
This is not a test and not a diagnosis. Only a doctor or counselor can tell what is going on. Source for the list of signs: National Institute on Aging.
Find Care Near Me
Choose your state to see where to start.
What Medicare covers
Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health care.
- A depression screening once a year. It costs you nothing if the provider accepts assignment, and it must be done in a primary care office or clinic that can give follow-up treatment and referrals.
- Counseling and therapy: one-on-one, group, and family sessions when the purpose is your treatment. Also psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
- Many kinds of providers: psychiatrists and other doctors, psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, and mental health counselors.
- Telehealth: mental health visits can be done by video or phone.
- Your cost: after the Part B deductible, usually 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Other insurance can change this.
Questions: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or medicare.gov. Ask each provider whether they accept Medicare and "accept assignment."
Questions to ask when you call
- "Are you taking new patients?"
- "Do you accept Medicare, and do you accept assignment?"
- "Do you offer video or phone visits?"
- "Is there a waiting list? Is there someone I can talk to sooner?"
- "Do you have experience with older adults?"
Your first visit is also your chance to see if the counselor feels like a good fit. It is fine to try someone else.
Visits from home
Many people find it easier to start with a video or phone visit. See our guide Embracing Telehealth.
One-Minute Breathing
Sit comfortably. Breathe in through your nose as the circle grows. Breathe out slowly, like blowing on hot soup, as it shrinks. If you feel dizzy, stop and breathe normally.
Look Around: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Take your time. There is no hurry and no wrong answer.
Helping Someone Else
Read the moment and pick what you would say. The explanations are the point.
What to take from this
Listen first. You do not have to fix anything. Being there, and not judging, helps more than you think.
Ask directly if you are worried about suicide: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Asking does not put the idea in someone's head.
Do not promise to keep it secret if someone may be in danger. Stay with them, and help them call or text 988. If they are in immediate danger, call 911.
Offer something small and specific: "I can drive you to the appointment," or "I will sit with you while you call."
Take care of yourself too. You can call or text 988 for your own worries about someone else.
Get Ready for a First Visit
A little preparation makes a short appointment go further. Tap what you plan to do or bring.
- "Could my sleep, medicines or other health problems be part of this?"
- "Can I be screened for depression or anxiety?"
- "What kinds of talking help are there, and can I do them by video?"
- "What will Medicare cover?"
- "What can I do on my own between visits?"
Bring a friend or family member if that would help. You may also ask for a longer appointment.