Mental Health Resources & Hotlines

Help is available — you do not have to do this alone

Last reviewed:

Content reviewed against published PSI, NIMH, SAMHSA guidelines

Editorial policy

Whether you need someone to talk to right now, want to find a therapist, or are looking for peer support from other parents who understand — resources exist. Many are free, confidential, and available 24/7. You deserve support at every stage of struggle, not just in crisis.

Key takeaways

  • PSI Warmline (1-800-944-4773) is available for all parents — you do not need to be in crisis to call.
  • Text-based support is available if calling feels too hard: text HOME to 741741 or text 988.
  • Free online support groups for perinatal mood disorders are available through PSI.
  • You do not need insurance to access many of these resources — several are completely free.
  • Resources exist specifically for dads, LGBTQ+ parents, parents of color, and military families.

Crisis resources (24/7)

If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby:

  • Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988
  • PSI HelpLineCall or text 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish)
  • Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741
  • EmergencyCall 911 if you or your baby are in immediate danger

Support organizations

  • Postpartum Support International (PSI)
    Warmline, online support groups, provider directory, education
    postpartum.net
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
    Support groups, education, helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI
    nami.org
  • SAMHSA National Helpline
    Free referrals, 24/7: 1-800-662-4357
    samhsa.gov
  • 2020 Mom
    Advocacy and resources for maternal mental health
    2020mom.org
  • Motherhood Center
    Day programs and intensive outpatient for perinatal mood disorders
    themotherhoodcenter.com

Finding a therapist

Free and low-cost options

  • PSI Online Support Groups: Free, weekly, led by trained facilitators — options for moms, dads, loss, anxiety, and more
  • Community Mental Health Centers: Offer sliding-scale therapy based on income
  • University Training Clinics: Advanced graduate students supervised by licensed professionals — often low-cost
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers: Offer mental health services on a sliding scale
  • Your employer's EAP: Many Employee Assistance Programs offer 3-8 free therapy sessions
  • Telehealth platforms: Some offer reduced rates for postpartum parents

Specialized resources

For dads and non-birthing partners

  • PSI resources for dads and partners
  • Postpartum Dads (postpartumdads.org)
  • Boot Camp for New Dads (bootcampfornewdads.org)

For pregnancy and infant loss

  • Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support (nationalshare.org)
  • The Compassionate Friends (compassionatefriends.org)
  • Return to Zero (rtzhope.org)

For LGBTQ+ parents

  • Family Equality (familyequality.org)
  • LGBTQ+ Parenting Network
  • Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth/young parents): 1-866-488-7386

For military families

  • Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647 (free counseling for service members and families)
  • Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, press 1

Books and apps

Recommended reading

  • "Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts" by Karen Kleiman
  • "This Isn't What I Expected" by Karen Kleiman & Valerie Raskin
  • "The Postpartum Husband" by Karen Kleiman
  • "Daring to Rest" by Karen Brody

Mental health apps

  • Calm or Headspace (meditation and sleep)
  • Mom's Mental Health Matters (PSI app)
  • Woebot (CBT-based chatbot)

Frequently asked questions

Are these hotlines really confidential?
Yes. Crisis hotlines and warmlines are confidential. Counselors will not contact your family, employer, or anyone else without your permission. The only exception is if there is an immediate, imminent risk of death — and even then, the goal is always to connect you with help, not to punish you.
What is the difference between a warmline and a hotline?
A hotline is for crisis situations — immediate danger to yourself or others. A warmline (like the PSI Warmline) is for support before you reach crisis level. You can call a warmline when you are struggling, need someone to talk to, or want help finding resources. You do not need to be in crisis to use a warmline.
Can I text instead of calling?
Yes. Many services offer text-based support: PSI Warmline (text 1-800-944-4773), Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), and the 988 Lifeline (text 988). Text-based support can be easier if you are anxious about phone calls, near your baby, or in a situation where calling is not possible.
What if I call and I do not know what to say?
That is completely okay. You can simply say: "I am a new parent and I am not doing well" or "I need help." Counselors and volunteers are trained to guide the conversation. You do not need to have your thoughts organized or know exactly what is wrong. They are there to help you figure it out.
Are there resources specifically for dads and non-birthing partners?
Yes. Postpartum Support International has specific resources and support groups for fathers and non-birthing partners. The PSI Warmline serves all parents. Additionally, organizations like Postpartum Dads and the Movember Foundation provide father-specific mental health resources.

Bottom line

Help exists in many forms — crisis lines, warmlines, therapy, support groups, free resources, and specialized services for every type of parent. You do not need to be in crisis to reach out, and you do not need to figure out which resource is right before you call. Just taking the first step is enough.

Reaching out is not a sign of weakness — it is the strongest thing you can do for yourself and your family. Every single resource on this page exists because other parents have struggled too. You are not alone.

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

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