The DC Victim Hotline has compiled a list of frequently needed resources related to mental health and self-care. This is not an exhaustive list of options available to you. The resources listed consist of both national and local resources. If you are interested in resources in jurisdictions other than the District of Columbia (such as Maryland and Virginia) please visit VictimConnect Resource Center.
For an individualized plan, please reach out to a DC Victim Hotline Victim Service Specialist, here.
DC Resource
ACCESS Helpline: This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone line is staffed by behavioral 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 behavioral health services. Call at 1-(888)7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357.
The Wendt Center: With nationally recognized expertise, the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing is a premier resource for restoring hope and healthy functioning to adults, teens, and children who are coping with grief, loss and trauma in the Greater Washington region. Make an appointment by calling 202-624-0010.
The Women’s Center: Counseling with professional therapists, who have experience support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Provides emotional support and counseling, information and referral, victim advocacy, crisis intervention and support groups to women, men, and families. Make an appointment at 202-293-4580.
Mobile Crisis Mobile crisis services are available from 9 am to 1 am every day and can provide crisis stabilization including dispensing medication and perform assessments for voluntary and involuntary hospitalizations and linkages to other services, such as crisis beds and substance abuse detoxification and treatment. Call at 202-673-9300.
National Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call at 1-800-273-8255. You can also find a therapist or support group through their website.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:
The NAMI Helpline assists individuals and families who have questions about mental health disorders, treatment, and support services. Call 1-800-950-6264Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to6:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, or email [email protected]
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides free and confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance abuse disorders.Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone in English and Spanish at 1-800-662-4357
Crisis Text Line: Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Also available in Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Boys Town USA – Your Life Your Voice Helpline: Your Life Your Voice is a program of Boys Town USA and is available to children, parents, and families who are struggling with self-harm, mental health disorders, and abuse. Call 1-800-448-3000, text VOICE to 20121, or email for 24/7 assistance.
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA): If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder; you can call the toll-free, confidential NEDA Helpline, Monday-Friday with varying hours you can call 800-931-2237 or text 800-931-2237. For 24/7 needs, text “NEDA” to 741741 to be connected with the Crisis Text Line.
Psychology Today: Browse their extensive directory of the best Therapists, Psychologists, and Counselors near you.
Self-care: Everyone reacts differently to trauma and crime. Self-care is taking the time to care for yourself in the ways that work best for you. There’s no one way to practice it and we can’t tell you what will work in your situation. For ideas and information visit Boys Town’s 99 Coping Skills, 101 Self Care Suggestions for When It All Feels Like Too Much on The Mighty, RAINN’s Self-Care Self-Care Tips for SurvivorsTips for Survivors, and National Domestic Violence Hotlines 5 Powerful Self-Care Tips for Abuse and Trauma Survivors.
More Information & Resources
For more information, visit our Self Care page.