Get Help: County-by-county guide to mental health and crisis resources in NC

In the wake of tragic and traumatic events, feelings like stress, anxiety, grief and depression are natural. Here is a list of crisis counseling and county-by-county resources in North Carolina, as well as nationally. These resources are available for you -- just call.

Posted 7:22 p.m. May 25, 2022 — Updated 7:17 p.m. May 2

WRAL Health Team

In the wake of tragic and traumatic events, feelings like stress, anxiety, grief and depression are natural. Children are particularly vulnerable and may need extra support.

You are not alone, and there are organizations and individuals ready to help. According to statistics from Mental Health America, nearly 20% of adults in the county are experiencing a mental illness -- equivalent to nearly 50 million Americans.

Out of all the states, North Carolina is ranked number 12 for people experiencing mental health struggles.

FAQ: Getting help for mental health issues

To help in times of need, here is a list of crisis counseling and county-by-county resources in North Carolina, as well as nationally. These resources are available for you -- just call.

Here's a list of mental health resources for parents, caregivers, children and people in general.

Wake County crisis support and mental health resources

Counseling and student services from Wake County Public Schools: Wake County Public Schools have counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other specialists as well as resources to provide additional help to students and families. School staff are available to assist you with connecting with these and other programs and services

Wake County Behavioral Health: Treatment for mental illness and/or substance abuse. They will connect you to a wide variety of behavioral health services in your community.

Cumberland County crisis support and mental health resources

Cumberland County Schools Behavioral Health: Cumberland County Schools partners with local mental health agencies to make it easier for families and students to access mental health services. They provide students with comprehensive clinical assessments, person-centered planning, individual, family, and group counseling.
Cumberland County Public Mental Health: This website offers a list of specific mental health resources in Cumberland County, including inpatient and outpatient services at local care sites, local helplines, assistance with children in crisis and more.

Johnston County crisis support and mental health resources

Johnston County Schools student services: Supports students and families in Johnston County by addressing behavioral, social and emotional health. Staff members include advocates, consultants and advisers that can connect families with specific local resources in the community.

Johnston County mental health and behavioral services: Services include walk-in crisis care, psychiatric evaluation, individual and group therapy and more. Can be reached on their website or by phone at (919) 989-5500.

Chatham County crisis support and mental health resources

Chatham County Schools Student Support Services: Offers multi-tiered system of support, including behavioral, intervention, family support, basic needs and mental health.

Chatham County Mental Health Resources: Provides a long list of county-specific resources, such as mental health care for children, women and families mental health, Spanish-language mental health resources and more.

Orange County crisis support and mental health resources

Orange County Schools Counselors and Social Workers:Orange County Schools A link to school counseling and social work services for students and families with Orange County Schools.

NAMI Orange County: An organization of people whose lives have been affected by mental illness, who now advocate for better lives for those individuals who have a mental illness. They offer support groups, crisis help, education and resources. More information is on their website, but they can also be reached at their NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by texting NAMI to 741-741.

Statewide mental health and crisis care available by phone

HopeLine Crisis Intervention: Trained volunteers offer free and confidential supportive and non-judgmental active listening, gentle and understanding discussion of crisis resolution, and referrals to appropriate community resources. Call or text 919-231-4525 or 877-235-4525. The Crisis Line is available 24/7. The text line is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for immediate help from someone who cares.

Alliance Health: Serves people in Cumberland, Durham, Johnston, Mecklenburg, Orange and Wake counties who are insured by Medicaid or are uninsured. Providers offer treatment and support for mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Sandyhook Promise: This website, created by parents of children killed in the Sandhook school shooting, lists critical warning signs of potential violence.