Mental health is for everyone. Organizations and individuals worldwide work to ensure that people everywhere have access to quality resources to help with mental health challenges and to enhance overall wellbeing. While this list isn’t comprehensive, it includes multiple resources in Canada, the United Kingdom (and its individual countries), Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Use this list to find trustworthy help and support for yourself or a loved one.
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BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.
LGBTQ Resources Outside the US
LGBTQ and ALL features a directory of mental health providers who focus on serving the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to the directory of therapists and other mental health professionals, the LGBTQ and ALL also has a business directory and wide range of articles.
Inclusive Therapists is another place to find therapists who serve the LGBTQ+ community, though their current international listing are in Canada, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
The Trevor Project is a safe place for youth who identify as LGBTQ+ to connect, network, and share and discover local resources.
Mental Health Resources in Canada
Emergency Hotlines
Canada’s Emergency Number
If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can go directly to the hospital emergency department or call 911.
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is a helpline for Canadian youth in crisis. Text 686868 24/7 for help and support.
National Suicide Prevention Support Line
Use this support line by calling 1-833-456-4556, or in Quebec call 1-866-277-3553.
Government Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
The Canadian Mental Health Association provides information on general mental health as well as specific disorders or for specific populations. The CMHA also provides advocacy and services throughout Canada such as Peer Support Canada, Workplace Mental Health, substance use services on college campuses, and mental health and wellbeing learning centers.
Government of Canada Mental Health and Wellness
The Canadian government supplies a wealth of information about mental illness, suicide, and other topics related to mental heath and wellbeing. They also support research into mental health conditions and concerns. Use their site as a trusted source of information.
Nonprofits
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP)
This group is a resource for communities and individuals. Learn pertinent information about suicide and prevention here. CASP is not a crisis hotline, however.
The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH)
The CAMIMH is an organization that seeks to provide people with mental health education and information. They host two annual campaigns to increase awareness and understanding to ultimately reduce stigma and help all people gain access to mental health care.
Mood Disorder Society of Canada (MDSC)
This group provides education, support, advocacy, and research to help Canadians living with mood disorders and for caregivers. Their discussion forum provides online support in a variety of topics.
National Network for Mental Health (NNMH)
Operated entirely by people with lived experience with mental health challenges, the NNMH provides education and advocacy work in order to increase understanding and reduce the stigma faced by those experiencing mental health struggles. Their extensive blog addresses many specific mental health topics, and they host in-person meetings and other events.
Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC)
YMHC exists to support the mental health of Canadian youth in schools and society. They provide education, resources, an informative blog, and research.
Private Directories
Search for private therapists or other mental health providers in Canada using these services:
- Psychology Today (individual counseling services)
- Psychology Today (group therapy, support groups)
- Therapy Tribe
Mental Health Resources in the United Kingdom
Emergency Hotlines
Emergency Numbers in the UK
If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can always go to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 112 or 999.
Lifeline
Lifeline is a free, confidential mental health crisis hotline for those living in Northern Ireland. Contact them by phone any time: 0808 808 8000
Samaritans
Contact a Samaritan online or on the phone from anywhere in the UK or Ireland anytime you are experiencing a mental health crisis: 116 123. You can also email [email protected].
Shout
Shout is a 24/7 crisis text line for anyone in the UK to use. It’s free on all major mobile networks. Text Shout to 85258.
Government Resources
National Health Services Wales: Mental Health
In Wales, the NHS Health Services Mental Health division has implemented a 10-year strategy for improved mental health and wellbeing, and the organization has created Health Challenge Wales, a campaign to support all people as they take charge of their health, including mental health.
Nidirect
The government agency in Northern Ireland, nidirect, supports mental health endeavors for those living in that country. The website has numerous links to helpful resources, information, and support for those living with mental illness and for loved ones or carers.
Public Health Scotland
The government of Scotland’s Public Health Scotland devotes itself in part to improving the mental health of all Scots. In particular, this agency works to increase everyone’s access to child and adolescent mental health services, improve the response to common mental health issues, and integrate services among community organizations, inpatient centers, and crisis mental health services.
Public Mental Health
The government of England provides resources to support mental health organizations through Public Mental Health. They actively seek to promote better mental health and wellbeing for everyone.
Nonprofits
Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation seeks to prevent mental health challenges from occurring and seeks to provide information and support to people living with mental illness and their families. Their work is strongly rooted in research, and research drives their advocacy work throughout the UK.
Mental Health UK
Mental Health UK provides support, education, advice, information, and support groups for people throughout the UK who live with a mental health challenge and their families or caregivers. This group also partners with businesses and provides trainings.
Mind
An organization promoting better mental health for everyone in the UK, Mind provides a plethora of information on its website about mental health. In addition to providing insights and giving advice, Mind actively campaigns for better legal and social treatment for those living with mental illness.
Rethink Mental Illness
This large organization serves people with mental illness as well as loved ones and caregivers throughout the UK. They offer community support groups, information, support, and a variety of services such as help with housing, employment, and legal rights. Rethink Mental Illness groups also advocate for positive change in public policies. Additionally, they offer an advice line for people living with mental illness, caregivers, and health professionals.
Samaritans
Samaritans provides direct assistance to people in need of mental health help. They serve individuals as well as groups like schools, workplaces, prisons, the military, and the health and care industry. They also offer a self-help app. They’re reachable by phone, email, mail, and in offices around the UK, and via an app.
Private Directories
Visit the website of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) to locate a therapist. Use their therapist directory, check to see if a therapist is registered, or consult their accredited services directory to locate services and therapists throughout the UK.
Each city has many mental health centers and therapy offices, such as Harley Therapy in London. Local doctors, hospitals, mental health organizations, and community centers often have information about area services.
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Mental Health Resources in Ireland
Emergency Hotlines
Ireland’s Emergency Numbers
If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can always go to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 112 or 999.
Pieta House
A counselling organization for people experiencing mental health crisis, Pieta House also operates a 24/7 crisis hotline: 1800 247 247. You can also text HELP to 51444.
Samaritans
Contact a Samaritan online or on the phone from anywhere in the UK or Ireland anytime you are experiencing a mental health crisis: 116 123. You can also email [email protected].
Government Resources
Department of Health
The Government of Ireland’s Department of Health oversees the Corporate Legislation, Mental Health, Drugs Policy and Food Safety Division. The agency has implemented such public campaigns as A Vision for Change for mental health and suicide prevention and Connecting for Life—Suicide Prevention Strategy 2015-2020.
Health Service Executive (HSE) Mental Health Services
Ireland’s HSE provides mental health services for people in communities and hospitals throughout Ireland. Their website provides detailed information about the services they provide, which range from general to specific and low- to high-structured support.
Nonprofits
Grow
Grow is a network of community organizations that offers education and support for people experiencing mental health challenges. Peer support groups are positive places to gain insight and skills for healing and recovery. The charity also provides educational and workplace programs in communities.
Jigsaw
This organization provides mental health support to youth, parents, and adults who work with kids. Youth can use Jigsaw’s Talk to Someone feature to ask mental health questions and receive answers from clinicians. Ireland teens and young adults aged 12 to 25 can participate in group chats for support around specific themes.
Mental Health Ireland
Ireland’s oldest mental health charity, Mental Health Ireland works nationwide to promote positive mental health for everyone and to support people in recovery from mental health challenges. Their network of associations throughout Ireland assist people in person, and their website has a large collection of information and resources.
Samaritans
Samaritans provides direct assistance to people in need of mental health help. They serve individuals as well as groups like schools, workplaces, prisons, the military, and the health and care industry. They also offer a self-help app. They’re reachable by phone, email, mail, and in offices around the UK and Ireland, and via an app.
Private Directories
Find mental health services and therapists in Ireland using these directories:
- Directory of Services to Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Mental Health Resources in Australia
Emergency Hotlines
Australia’s Emergency Number
If you are feeling suicidal, you can dial 000 or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Lifeline Australia
Lifeline Australia provides round-the-clock crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14 anytime.
Suicide Callback Service
If you are feeling suicidal, are concerned about a friend or loved one who is feeling suicidal, or are dealing with the grief accompanying the loss of someone to suicide, counsellors at Suicide Callback Service are available 24/7 to help: 1300 659 467. Visit their website for useful information and articles.
Samaritans
Call the Samaritans at 135 247 any day, any time for help when you are in crisis.
Kids Helpline
Kids, teens, and young adults (ages 5-25) can call Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) any time to talk with someone about things that are bothering them. Their website also provides great mental health information, videos, and chats specifically for each age group. While this organization is geared toward people under 25, they also provide resources for parents and teachers so they can best help kids and students.
Government Resources
Australian Government Department of Health: Head to Health
The program Head to Health provides numerous resources and helpful information to promote mental health and wellbeing. Learn about living a meaningful life, what mental health difficulties people experience and what to do about them, and how to help yourself. Additionally, they offer resources for mental health professionals. Use Head to Health’s directory to find help.
Australian Government Department of Health: Mental Health
Discover important information and resources, including what the nation is doing to promote mental health for all, through the Department of Health. The site is user-friendly, designed for the public, and contains many relevant links to more information.
Government of Western Australia Centre for Clinical Interventions
The Centre for Clinical Interventions provides links to reputable self-help resources for a range of mental health conditions.
Nonprofits
Everymind
This group seeks to develop and provide research-based programs to improve mental health. Everymind works with existing organizations, businesses, and government agencies to implement effective programs to prevent mental health problems, including suicide.
Mental Health Australia (MHA)
MHA is a charity that provides mental health resources and organizes several projects and events to increase awareness of mental health issues as well as increase access to support. The organization also provides separate forums for people living with mental health challenges and carers.
ReachOut
A charity to help youth and the adults who care about them, ReachOut provides evidence-based tools, articles and discussion forums to help improve mental health. They are one of the world’s longest-standing online mental health help groups for kids and youth.
SANE Australia
SANE Australia actively works to provide help and support to people experiencing mental health challenges. Their help centre connects people via phone or chat to professionals or peers for direct help. SANE also provides useful, factual information, supports research, and works to reduce misinformation and stigma.
Private Directories
Use these directories to find mental health help in Australia:
Mental Health Resources in New Zealand
Emergency Hotlines
New Zealand’s Emergency Number
When you are in immediate crisis, you can go straight to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 111.
Lifeline Aotearoa
In addition to online resources and helplines, Lifeline Aotearoa offers a 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention hotline. Call 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357.
Samaritans
You can call the Samaritans day and night year-round for immediate help: 0800 726 666.
Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call this suicide hotline any time at 0508 828 865.
Government Resources
New Zealand Ministry of Health: Mental Health
According to the Ministry of Health, Mental Health is a priority for the nation of New Zealand. The Ministry establishes equitable policies that support the mental health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. You can visit their website to discover information on what to do after a traumatic event and to learn what initiatives and laws are being created to advance mental health as a human right.
Nonprofits
Changing Minds
Changing Minds is run by people who have lived experience with mental health or addiction issues. The group provides information and support to help those struggling. They also lead social programs to promote positive change and better treatment of those with mental health challenges.
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
This charitable group works to enhance the wellbeing and mental health of everyone living in New Zealand. They advocate for improved national policies and treatment as well as provide services and conduct campaigns to reach people throughout the island. Members of Mental Health Foundation New Zealand work directly with individuals, conduct programs in the workplace, and more.
Private Directories
- Mental Health Foundation Find a GP or Counsellor
- Mental Health Foundation List of Support Groups
- New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists Find a Psychologist
- Psychology Today Find a Counsellor
- The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Find a Psychiatrist
List of International Crisis Centers
This list is from the International Association for Suicide Prevention and is a collection of organizations and mental health hotline numbers by region. Each link contains country-specific resources.
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
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For Further Reading
- Find ways to get involved during Mental Health Awareness Month (May)
- Get help finding an LGBTQ therapist
- Get help finding a Latinx therapist
- Get help finding a Black therapist
- How to find a therapist for your teenager
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