National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center Live Help

Live Help for mental health information questions or assistance in navigating NIMH Web pages. Live help is available Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Click on the icon to start a chat.

• If you are in crisis, please call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
• Live Help does not provide medical advice.
• To locate treatment facilities in your area, please contact the Center for Mental Health Services at 1-800-789-2647.
• Live Help is confidential
• To learn more about Live Help, click on the FAQ

Live Help Service Notice

Information Specialists on Live Help provide information and related resources about mental health. They are not health care providers and do not provide medical advice. Live Help is not a substitute for talking with a health care professional.

Live Help users may experience technical problems such as disconnects or lag caused by their Internet connection. Should you have any problems using our Live Help service, please call the NIMH Information Resource Center toll-free at 1-866-615-NIMH (6464) and speak with an Information Specialist. Let the Information Specialist know you experienced technical issues while using Live Help. This information will be useful in improving our service.

Live Help Privacy Notice

Live Help users are anonymous. We cannot identify you, but you should not enter any information that is private. Although we have taken measures to protect your privacy, the security of information you send over the Internet cannot be guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions about the NIMH Information Resource Center Live Help

Q: Is there really a person on the other end?
A: Yes. NIMH's Live Help Service is staffed by real people. By typing, you will have a live conversation with an Information Specialist.

Q: Who are the people on the other end?
A: They are trained Information Specialists with knowledge of NIMH information, publications, and Web sites, as well as other information about mental health and related resources.

Q: Do the people on the other end know who I am?
A: No. Information Specialists will only know what Web page you were on when you clicked the Live Help button, and whatever you tell them. They have no way of getting any other information about you. Information sent over the Internet may not be secure.

Q: Do I need additional software to use NIMH Information Resource Center Live Help ?
A: No. Live Help works within the browser on your computer.

Q: Can I get the same information by telephone?
A: Yes. The NIMH Information Resource Center at 1-866-615-NIMH (6464), is available to answer mental health information related questions Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM– 5:00 PM EST.