Washington DC Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Washington DC
Washington, D. C. is no stranger to mental health and addiction issues. With around 14% of adults experiencing depression in the last year and adolescents struggling with depressive episodes at a staggering rate of almost 10%, it’s no wonder officials want to do everything in their power to help the situation.
The opioid crisis and other addiction issues certainly haven’t missed Washington, D.C., either. Thus, the area has implemented resources throughout the region to help.
There are initiatives like the Community Response Team, providing 24-hour service to people struggling with psychiatric emergencies and substance use conditions.
In 2024, the Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Support and Hospitalization Amendment Act was introduced to illustrate a commitment to providing more access to care. There are also crisis stabilization centers and other resources for those needing assistance.
Legislative support is in place to raise awareness and encourage citizens to seek treatment when needed. Those in charge are taking steps in favor of treating mental health and substance use issues across Washington, D.C., and many of the services offered are at no cost.
14%
Adults in D.C. living with depression
Nearly 10%
Adolescents in D.C. struggling with depressive episodes
Free Mental Health Resources in Washington DC
The DC Department of Behavioral Health provides recovery support for mental health issues. They have free substance use and mental health call lines to find local providers. They also provide an access and referral center number for walk-in or appointment assistance. There are sign language and language interpretation services to offer more help for those needing recovery support.
Provide Services for
All Populations
All Mental Health
DC SAFE (Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment) provides city-wide partnerships to respond to domestic violence in the community. They operate a victim hotline to report abuse and offer advocacy training for change. They have 24/7 direct crisis programs, including a bilingual crisis line that coordinates real-time resources from on-call advocates who act as first responders.
Provide Services for
Women
Teens & Students
Domestic Violence
The Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Services provides help for adults seeking mental health treatment and support. They offer medication management, case management services, and intake assessments for diagnostic guidance. They also provide counseling and community support services to promote independence and a productive lifestyle for individuals and families experiencing mental health conditions.
Provide Services for
All Populations
All Mental Health
The New Freedman Clinic, part of Howard University, provides free healthcare and education to the community. They have a range of services, including preventative and primate care, screening, pregnancy exams, and blood pressure testing at no cost. They also offer empowerment through education on disease and management in underserved areas.
Provide Services for
All Populations
All Mental Health
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center provides trauma-informed mental health support. They offer individual and group therapy sessions in person and by telehealth services. The center provides free stabilization services and short-term counseling, advocacy, and referrals for adult LGBTQ+ trauma survivors. There are also community events and workshops for gender-affirming support.
Provide Services for
LGBTQ
All Mental Health
SMYAL(Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) provides access to care for LGBTQ+ youth through affirming services and programs that empower them with life skills and a sense of belonging. The programs include therapy and resources that give queer and trans youth safe spaces to be expressive and feel supported in the DC community.
Provide Services for
LGBTQ
All Mental Health
Teens & Students
The House of Ruth provides free shelter and support services for women affected by domestic violence. They empower survivors to break the cycle of abuse through counseling, stable housing, and childcare assistance. They have 14 programs across the DC region to help women become independent and live without fear.
Provide Services for
Women
Teens & Students
Domestic Violence
My Sister’s Place provides shelter and support for survivors of domestic abuse and their children. They empower women through education, leadership, and a supportive community. There is a hotline to report violence, clinical counseling services, case management, and trainings offered to increase community awareness about the patterns of abuse.
Provide Services for
Women
Teens & Students
Domestic Violence
La Clínica Del Pueblo offers culturally appropriate health services for the Latino community. They have free programs that remove treatment barriers and provide healthcare access in the DC area. Guests have comprehensive primary medical care with wrap-around services that include mental health and substance use treatment.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
All Mental Health
The Women’s Center offers mental health counseling, support, and education to help clients live a more stable, healthy lifestyle. They offer individual, couples, and family counseling services. The center has workshops and training that provide expert instruction from field leaders, career advice, mediation, legal, and financial counseling referrals. They accept insurance, but many services are at reduced cost.
Provide Services for
Women
Men
Domestic Violence
The Arc District of Columbia supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). They offer services and resources that promote independence and quality of life. The Arc of DC provides employment programs through neighborhood businesses and advocacy to encourage awareness of the issues surrounding the I/DD community.
Provide Services for
Disability
All Mental Health
Easterseals DC MD VA expands access to healthcare to military members and their families. They empower and strengthen these communities through mental health treatment, 24/7 crisis hotlines for immediate care, and online chat services. There are also online mental health screenings to provide public access and referrals for treatment.
Provide Services for
Veterans
All Mental Health
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Washington, D.C. offers free support for people experiencing mental health conditions. They provide education, advocacy, and public awareness to build a stronger mental health system with access to care and support that promotes healthier lives in the community. They have support groups, resources, and a crisis and prevention helpline.
Provide Services for
All Populations
All Mental Health
Whitman-Walker provides community-centered, inclusive healthcare. They support the LGBTQ community through advocacy, research, prevention, and treatment. The center promotes equal opportunity healthcare for the DC area, including affirming care for transgender and gender-expansive patients. They provide group psychotherapy, substance use treatment, counseling, and peer support services.
Provide Services for
LGBTQ
All Mental Health
Teens & Students
The DC Department of Health Care Finance provides support and information on mental health and counseling services for the community. They offer helplines for emergency care and comprehensive services. They also have local behavioral health and substance use treatment resources for District residents.
Provide Services for
All Populations
All Mental Health