Pennsylvania Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976 established the state’s standards for the mental health profession. Since then, Pennsylvania has earned relatively good marks for making mental health care a public concern.
One study by Forbes in 2024 ranked Pennsylvania sixth in terms of having access to care, and a mental health snapshot shows the state ranking 18th in overall mental health, with 23% of adults and 20% of youths experiencing depression or other mental health disorders.
6th
Pennsylvania is ranked 6th nationally for access to mental health care
18th
Ranked 18th nationally for overall mental health
Even as the state’s statistics are close to the national average, there is much room for improvement. Forbes noted that over 54% of children did not receive mental health services, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness noted that over 2,000 Pennsylvanians committed suicide in 2021.
Grassroots groups like NAMI Philadelphia and the SAM Foundation continue to reach out to locals and spread awareness and assistance.
Free Mental Health Resources in Pennsylvania
The State of Pennsylvania, under the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, offers an online and telephone helpline that can assist individuals with locating substance use disorder treatment in their areas. This is a free service that is staffed by trained professionals and is available around the clock.
Under the state of Pennsylvania, if residents are enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program then they are automatically enrolled in the HealthChoices Behavioral Health Program. This program ensures that individuals get high quality and timely access to mental health and drug and alcohol services.
PA Link is a program through the state of Pennsylvania that assists individuals and their loved ones who need services and support for older people or those with disabilities. This program can help with issues such as health care, housing, in home services, legal advice, meal programs and support groups.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
Center County Mental Health (CCMH) offers free programs for individuals aged three and older who are impacted by a mental health disorder. Their services include a crisis intervention team, early intervention programs, case management, child and family centered programs, peer support and access to outpatient mental health services.
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services offers residents an online database to locate behavioral health services and their contact information by county. This free service can be accessed 24/7.
PA 2-1-1 is a free resource that helps residents of Pennsylvania connect with social services in their area. This helpline is staffed 24/7 and offers services in 170 languages and dialects. Individuals can also access the services via text and their online database.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Keystone Pennsylvania is an organization that provides recovery focused support, education and advocacy for individuals and their loved ones impacted by mental illness. They offer free in person and online support groups and educational programs as well as a telephone crisis and helpline.
The Williamway LGBT Community Center in Philadelphia works to engage and support the diverse LGBTQIA+ community. Their free services include peer counseling programs, trans-specific programs like TransWay, Gettin’ On for older members of the community, and wellness programs that include online support groups.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Centre LGBT+ located in State College is an organization that supports the LGBTQIA+ community through education, advocacy and activities. Their free services include support and social groups for adults and teens, a gender affirming clothes closet, a library, an after school program and organize local PRIDE events.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
The Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition (PaPSC) is a statewide network of people who use their personal history of mental illness or alcohol and substance use disorder to help others. Members of the coalition are thoroughly trained to provide peer support and help others on their recovery journey.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
Depression
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Up Street is a teen mental wellness program offered by JFCS Youth Services in Pittsburgh. They provide free drop in consultations with therapists, scheduled therapy appointments, text based peer support and support groups for teens.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
Men
Women
Mental Health Partnerships is a program in Southeast Pennsylvania that supports individuals and their loved ones with mental health conditions and addiction. They use evidenced based wellness strategies to assist people on their recovery journey through case management, education, residential and homeless outreach, and the MHP chat line.
Brookline Teen Outreach, in South Pittsburgh, offers a safe and engaging environment for teens. Their free services include counseling services, focus groups and activities such as cooking classes, sports, art programs, STEM programs and homework help. They also offer support groups.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Mental Health America of Lancaster County offers programs that promote optimal mental health. These include community mental health assistance programs, support groups, a suicide prevention coalition, a prison program, educational programs and advocacy services for children and families.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Seniors
Disability
Michael’s Giving H.A.N.D. in Philadelphia is an organization that provides education, outreach and advocacy related to suicide and depression. Their programs include community outreach and an adolescent mental health counseling program that helps connect individuals in need with mental health professionals in their area.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women