Mental illness is a serious problem. Getting through it is not as simple as a friend telling you to "just get over it," "try to think positive," "do some exercise," or "don't take yourself so seriously." It can be difficult to tell yourself to ask for help, but help is out there, and all you have to do is ask for it.

If you or someone you know is in crisis right now and needs immediate help, call 911.

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed with stress and/or you have thoughts to harm yourself or other people, call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health 24/7 Access Center Helpline at 800-854-7771, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, or text "LA" to 741741 to message a Crisis Text Line counselor.

There are several options for free or low cost mental health services in Los Angeles County.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a hotline at (800) 950-6264 that operates Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can get information about mental illness and referrals, support groups and other resources.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a 24/7 mental health hotline you can reach at (800) 662-4357. SAMHSA also offers a Behavioral Health Treatment Locator.

NOTE: This is not a comprehensive and complete list. We will continue to update services here.