Resources
Here is a compilation of resources available both nationally and locally (DC, Maryland, Virginia). They include mental health, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, substance abuse, and abuse/assault resources.
National
Mental Health
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Phone: Call or Text: 988
Hours: 24/7
Description: National 24/7 suicide & crisis lifeline offering call, text, and chat; connects to local crisis centers.
Website: 988lifeline.org
NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | Text: NAMI to 741741
Hours: M-F, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM ET (hours may vary)
Description: Provides information, resource referrals, and support to people living with mental health conditions and their families.
Website: nami.org/help
Phone: Text HOME to 741741
Hours: 24/7
Description: Free, 24/7 text-based crisis support for anyone in the U.S.; helpful for teens and adults who prefer texting.
Website: crisistextline.org
Phone: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) | Text: 66008
Hours: 24/7
Description: Support for runaway and homeless youth — crisis intervention, family mediation, and referrals to local resources.
Website: 1800runaway.org
Substance Abuse
SAMHSA National Helpline
Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Hours: 24/7
Description: Free, confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Website: samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines
Sexual Assault
RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline
Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | Text: HOPE to 64673 | Online chat: hotline.rainn.org
Hours: 24/7
Description: Provides confidential support to survivors of sexual assault via phone, text, and online chat; also has resources on reporting and healing.
Website: rainn.org
LGBTQ+
The Trevor Project
Phone: Call: 1-866-488-7386 | Text: START to 678678
Hours: 24/7 (youth-focused)
Description: Suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization focused on LGBTQ young people; phone, text, and chat support.
Website: thetrevorproject.org
Trans Lifeline
Phone: 1-877-565-8860
Hours: 24/7 (hotline availability may vary)
Description: Peer-run hotline by and for trans people offering emotional support and resource referrals; does not initiate involuntary emergency services.
Website: translifeline.org
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective)
Phone: See website for programs and trainings
Hours: Varies by program
Description: Movement-building organization focused on removing barriers to mental health care for Black communities; offers resources, trainings, and grants.
Website: beam.community
Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | Text: START to 88788
Hours: 24/7
Description: Confidential, 24/7 support for survivors of domestic violence, including safety planning, resources, and referrals.
Website: thehotline.org
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Phone: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Hours: 24/7
Description: Confidential support and resources for child abuse prevention, reporting, and assistance; available in many languages via phone, text, chat.
Website: childhelphotline.org
Teen Violence
Phone: 1-866-331-9474 | Text: LOVEIS to 22522
Hours: 24/7
Description: Supports teens and young adults experiencing dating abuse; offers phone, text, and chat support plus safety planning.
Website: loveisrespect.org
Local
Mental Health
Phone: Dial 2-1-1
Hours: Varies; many regions 24/7
Description: Connects callers to local health and human services, including mental health, shelters, and crisis supports in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Website: 211.org
ChAMPS (Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service) - DC only
Phone: 202-481-1440
Hours: Varies; many regions 24/7/365
Description: An emergency response service for children, teenagers and adolescent adults who are having a mental health or behavioral health crisis.
Website: catholiccharitiesdc.org/program/champs-child-and-adolescent-mobile-psychiatric-service/
Sexual Assault
The DC Rape Crisis Center
Phone: Hotline: 202-333-7273
Hours: Hotline: 24/7 (check site for program hours)
Description: Provides advocacy, counseling, and crisis services to survivors of sexual violence in Washington, DC.
Website: dcrcc.org
LGBTQ+
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center
Phone: Support Desk: 202-682-2245
Hours: Mon–Fri 12:00 PM–6:00 PM; Sat 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (check site for updates)
Description: Local hub for LGBTQ+ services, support groups, and referrals in Washington, DC.
Website: thedccenter.org
Immigration
CASA (We Are CASA) — Maryland
Phone: Main contacts vary by center; general: 301-933-4461 (Wheaton)
Hours: Varies by program; Salud es Vida Hotline M–F 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (see site)
Description: Provides legal, employment, and health navigation services for immigrants in Maryland (citizenship help, legal referrals, and community programs).
Website: wearecasa.org
Ayuda (DC/MD/VA)
Phone: (202) 387-4848
Hours: Walk-in / phone hours vary; call site for appointment times (typically M–Th 9:00 AM–3:00 PM for walk-ins)
Description: Offers legal services, social services, and counseling for immigrants — including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking.
Website: ayuda.com