For Clients

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE COUNSELING

Children, adolescents, and adults, individuals, couples, and families who:

  • are uninsured, underinsured, have limited resources
  • have low to moderate incomes
  • do not request care for chronic mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse
  • do not require the therapist to appear in court
  • do not present a threat of suicide or violence to the therapist.

IF YOU ARE IN A CRISIS AND IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE HELP

If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away:

  • Call your doctor’s office
  • Call 911 for emergency services.
  • Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
  • Call the toll-free, 24-hour DC Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Ask a family member or friend to help you make these calls or take you to the hospital.

IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND IN CRISIS

If you have a family member or friend who is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get the person to seek help immediately from an emergency room, physician, or mental health professional. Take seriously any comments about suicide or wishing to die. Even if you do not believe your family member or friend will actually attempt suicide, the person is clearly in distress and can benefit from your help in receiving mental health treatment.

DC Department of Mental Health:  Access HelpLine at 1 (888) 7WE-HELP  or 1-888-793-4357 is the easiest way to get connected to services provided by the Department of Mental Health and its certified mental health care providers. This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone line is staffed by mental health professionals who can refer a caller to immediate help or ongoing care. The Access Helpline  can activate mobile crisis teams to respond to adults and children who are experiencing a psychiatric or emotional crisis and are unable or unwilling to travel to receive mental health services.

RESOURCES AND LINKS to 24 hour hotlines and community mental health services