Approximately 23 percent of the population in the United States deals with some form of mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). These illnesses vary in severity and may require different approaches to maintain good mental health. While individuals can adopt self-care practices to help regulate their emotions, there are times when the assistance of healthcare experts is crucial in reducing psychological distress.
Documented has compiled a list of organizations and groups that offer low-cost options, accept Medicaid, or provide free services to individuals seeking counseling. The organizations listed offer services in English, Spanish, and sometimes other languages. We recommend contacting the organizations directly for more details about the services they provide. In emergencies, always call 911.
Adelphi University – The Center for Psychological Services.
Mental health clinic providing psychotherapy, psychological evaluations, and support services to children, adolescents, and adults.
Phone: (516) 833-8025 | 75 Varick Street New York, NY 10013
Catholic Charities – Behavioral Health Centers
The Catholic Charities Mental Health Centers offer clients crisis care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They help stabilize and treat clients in the most clinically appropriate settings.
Phone: (718) 722-6001 | Email: info@ccbq.org
Crisis Services/Mental Health: Mobile Crisis Teams
A mobile crisis team is a group of health professionals, such as nurses, social workers, and psychiatrists, who can provide mental health services, primarily in people’s homes. You can request help from a mobile crisis team if you are concerned about a family member, friend, or acquaintance who is experiencing (or at risk of) a psychological crisis. You can also request a team for yourself. To request a team, call NYC Well.
Phone: 988
Grand St. Settlement
Grand St. Settlement offers self-care strategies, access to insurance, and more.
80 Pitt Street, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 674-1740 | Email: info@grandsettlement.org
Healthy Brain Network
A research program offering free mental health and learning assessments for children aged 5 to 21. It also provides referrals to local doctors and other services.
Tel: (212) 308-3118 | Hotline: (347) 694-4357 | Address: 286 Malcolm X Blvd. New York, NY 10027
NAMI NYC Chapter – National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI-NYC sponsors a program called Parent-Match, support groups for parents of children with special needs, and many additional programs that are free or low-cost.
Phone: 212-684-3264
NYC 988 – Free and Confidential Crisis Services
NYC 988 offers free and confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance abuse support, information, and referrals. You can reach the free helpline 24/7 by phone, text, and online chat. Mental health professionals can connect you with the services you need.
Phone or text: 988 | Phone (Spanish): 988, press 2 | Interpretation services available in over 200 languages | TTY: 711, then 988 | Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat
Find services at nyc.gov/988
NYC Health + Hospitals
Through the NYC Cares program, hospitals within the NYC H+H network offer free or low-cost medical services (including mental health care) to New York City residents, regardless of employment, immigration status, or medical history. To apply for membership, click the link above or call 1-646-692-2273.
Also read: Free and Affordable Healthcare for Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants
NYPCC – Mental Health Services
The New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center (NYPCC) is a nonprofit mental health organization providing mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults across the New York area. They have locations in Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx.
NYS Psychiatric Institute – Hispanic Treatment Program
A psychiatric research and treatment center that provides Hispanic adults (18 and older) with depression, anxiety disorders, and/or gambling addiction a variety of services, which may include free outpatient psychiatric treatment or medication management.
Phone: (646) 774-7000 | Address: 1051 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10032
Queens College – Psychological Center (QCPC)
QCPC provides psychological services related to depression, anxiety, PTSD, immigration, and more. Services are provided by trained graduate students pursuing their Doctorate in Psychology under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
Phone: (718) 997-5420 | Address: 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, Frese Hall | 1st FL
SBH Behavioral Health – Adult Outpatient Clinic (AOC)
A mental health outpatient clinic providing adults (18 and older) with individual, family, and group psychotherapy, as well as medication management.
Phone: (718) 960-3071 | Address: 2021 Grand Concourse, 9th Floor, Bronx, NY 10453
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 for people needing emergency mental health assistance. Text or call 988 to connect with counselors who can help you manage mental stress and connect you with local crisis teams.
Voces Latinas
Voces Latinas offers support groups, depression and trauma screenings, mental health first aid, motivational interviews, and psychoeducation. They also provide referrals for therapy with other organizations. Phone: (718) 593-4528 | Address: 37-63C 83rd Street, 2nd Floor, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
FREE Digital Mental Health Care Access For Immigrants
Another way to maintain your mental health is through the use of digital applications that offer meditation, mindfulness and relaxation guidance. Here is a list of free applications that you can use right at this moment:
Depression CBT Self-Help Guide: Provides information about depression and strategies on how to manage symptoms. Available only on Google smartphones.
NYC Well: Free online therapy via Text, Chat for residents living in New York
Mind Shift: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based strategies targeting anxiety. CBT is a technique which emphasizes changing negative thought patterns and focusing instead on present-day challenges. Self-management tools focused on mindfulness, relaxation, thought reframing and action to help the user take charge of their anxiety. Developed for teens, applicable to all.
Smiling Mind: Free meditation App.
Talk Space: Online mental health therapy for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17.
Also Read: How to Get Free Home Health Care Services in New York
