Get support
Helplines and how to find a therapist
If you're in immediate danger, call your local emergency number now.
Find your country below for its emergency number.
Not in these countries? findahelpline.com lists free lines worldwide.
Everything on this site is self-reflection, not therapy. These are the people and services who can give you real support.
United Kingdom
Crisis and listening lines
Samaritans
Free to call from any phone.
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Samaritans Welsh Language Line
Samaritans in Welsh. Free to call.
Children and young people
Childline
For anyone under 19. The NHS says the number will not appear on your phone bill.
Domestic abuse
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
For women who are afraid of a partner or ex-partner.
Free and confidential, 24 hours a day.
If someone might be monitoring your devices, use a safe device, not one they can see.
Men's Advice Line
For male victims of domestic abuse, including trans and non-binary people, and people supporting them.
Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.
If someone might see your screen, use a safe device and a safe moment.
Finding a therapist
NHS Talking Therapies (England)
For problems like anxiety and depression, you can refer yourself without seeing a GP. You need to be registered with a GP and be 18 or over (16 or over in some areas).
Your GP
Not sure whether to self-refer, or think you might have something like an eating disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis or a drug or alcohol problem? The NHS says to speak to a GP, who can refer you to a specialist.
BACP therapist directory
Search the register of therapists kept by the professional body BACP.
UKCP find a therapist
Find an accredited psychotherapist near you, on the UK Council for Psychotherapy's own search.
United States
Crisis and listening lines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
For everyone, including if you're in emotional distress or just need someone to talk to. Free and confidential.
Available 24/7/365.
Crisis Text Line
Free, confidential support by text from a trained volunteer. Message and data rates may apply.
24/7.
Domestic abuse
National Domestic Violence Hotline
For anyone affected by domestic violence.
Free, confidential, 24/7.
Internet use can be monitored and is impossible to erase completely. Use a safe device.
Finding a therapist
FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA)
The US government's online locator for mental health services.
APA Psychologist Locator
Find a psychologist by name or state, from the American Psychological Association.
A primary care provider
The National Institute of Mental Health says a primary care provider can do an initial mental health screening and refer you to a mental health professional.
Ireland
Crisis and listening lines
Samaritans
Free to call, day or night.
Available 24 hours a day.
Pieta
Free of charge, no referral needed. Standard message rates apply to the text.
Crisis helpline 24/7.
Text About It
A text service, listed by the HSE.
Available 24 hours a day.
Children and young people
Childline
For children and young people, listed by the HSE.
Finding a therapist
Your GP
Your GP can help you access talk therapies and can tell you about services in your area. Specialist services usually need a referral from your GP.
HSE-funded counselling organisations
You can contact many of these directly for 1-to-1 counselling or therapy. The HSE says you do not need a GP referral for most. The Mental Health information line is Freephone 1800 111 888.
Pieta therapy services
Free therapy from Pieta, no referral needed. Call 0818 111 126.
IACP find a therapist
The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy's directory of accredited therapists.
Canada
Crisis and listening lines
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Open to anyone in Canada, whether you need help now, aren't sure, or are worried about someone else.
24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Children and young people
Kids Help Phone
For kids, teens and young adults.
Phone and text 24/7.
Finding a therapist
Family doctor, psychologist, mental health nurse or social worker
The Government of Canada lists these as people you can call if you need help, with links to each province's and territory's own mental health services.
Australia
Crisis and listening lines
Lifeline
Crisis support, delivered in English.
Call any time of the day or night. Online chat 24/7..
Children and young people
Kids Helpline
Has sections for kids, teens, young adults and parents.
24/7, by phone and webchat.
Finding a therapist
Australian Psychological Society: Find a Psychologist
Search private-practice psychologists by issue, name, location or area of practice.
New Zealand
Crisis and listening lines
1737, Need to talk?
Free, confidential support from trained counsellors and peer support workers, for anyone in New Zealand.
24/7.
Lifeline Aotearoa
Free and confidential.
Suicide Crisis Helpline
Listed by Lifeline Aotearoa.
Children and young people
Youthline
For people aged 12 to 24. Free to call and text.
24/7.
Finding a therapist
Start with your GP
The Mental Health Foundation says your GP is usually the best starting point. They can assess you and refer you on to community mental health services or a specialist.
Access and Choice at many GP clinics
Free wellbeing support for mild to moderate mental health challenges. It is free for enrolled patients, with no referral needed. Ask your clinic if it takes part.
Checked 17 October 2026. If a number has changed, tell us at hello@selfgrowth.org. We list these services so you can find them. We don't run them, and we can't speak for their opening times, so check the service's own page if you're unsure.