Reaching out for help can be difficult, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming. Often people may feel ashamed, but finding support is actually a courageous step forward. Finding safe people to share and connect with can help ease the burden. Whether you are struggling with substance use or mental health, we encourage young people to reach out for support from people they may feel safe with. Whether that might be a friend, a counselor, a teacher, or a family member, finding those safe people can really make a difference.
Below are a few resources that are available to young people in Minnesota who may be struggling with substance use or mental health.
How to Help a Friend
This resource sheet from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a useful tool to get started helping someone you care about. It provides a toolbox for starting conversations and information about additional resources to get help.
View Resource SheetSAMHSA Suicide and Crisis Line
Talk to trained counselors who care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This is completely free. If you or a loved is experiencing a crisis, use this resource. Call 988 (anywhere in the US) or text 741741 (Minnesota only) to get started.
Call 988 (Anywhere in US) Text 741741 (MN Only, English) Envia SMS a 741741 (solo MN, Español)National SUD Helpline (SAMHSA)
Free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders just by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
CallNAMI Teen & Young Adult Resources
In addition to the helpline above, the NAMI website contains many youth-focused resources all listed on this page. Even more resources are available here.
View Resource SheetNAMI Teen & Young Adult Helpline
The NAMI Teen & Young Adult (T&YA) HelpLine offers a direct connection with another young person who shares similar experiences and is prepared to offer information, resources, and support to help you move through difficult times to a better place.
Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. Call 1-800-950-6264, or chat, or text “Friend” to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org to connect with us.
Call Text Email Chat (bottom right corner)myHealth for Teens & Young Adults (West Metro Area)
myHealth provides low- and no-cost health care online and in-person care for teens in the West Metro of the Twin Cities. For more information or to make an appointment, please visit their website.
Visit ResourceMN Department of Human Services
The MN Department of Human Services offers many different ways to start getting help with substance use disorder for all kinds of substances, including alcohol. They offer services and programs for folks in all stages of addiction and recovery.
Start Getting Help See Programs and ServicesSteve Rummler Hope Network
The Steve Rummler Hope Network maintains several resources to help folks impacted by with Opioid Use Disorder.
View ResourcesThe Bridge
“When you can’t go home, when you feel shut out, when you just need a break, The Bridge for Youth is a safe and welcoming place that’s open and available whenever you need us—24/7/365.”
View ResourcesThe Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is an LGBTQ-focused helpline aimed at preventing self harm. They provide immediate crisis support 24/7/365 anywhere in the US.
Call Text Chat Visit SiteFastTrackerMN
Helpful support resources for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health.
View Resources