Websites and Apps
Here are some tools and information regarding mental health, parenting, and more!
Virtual Hope Box
Virtual Hope Box is one of the apps available for when an individual is experiencing anxiety or depressive thoughts. It is free and password protected to ensure privacy. Its simple, user friendly layout allows users to add a contact list of hotlines and people they can reach out to when feeling bad. Users can also:
Add media, such as pictures of friends, messages from a loved one, and moving songs, to remind them of what’s important.
Play games to provide distraction
Experience guided techniques for muscle relaxation, controlled breathing, and meditations to imagine different nature sceneries.
Create coping cards where a user can note a problem area, identify emotions and physical symptoms, and add corresponding coping skills
Swipe through customizable inspirational quotes
Plan activities
Mental Health Texas
The Mental Health Texas website has information on different types of mental health struggles like:
Anxiety
Trauma
IDD
Psychosis
How to best help others
Finding professional services for yourself
The website includes resources geared towards different populations by age, veteran status, and involvement in the criminal justice system.
There is also information on social services for both the general population and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Bright by Text
This service sends texts geared toward parents who are expecting a new baby up to when their children are eight years old. Adults can customize the information received based on location and age of their child. Messages fall under three umbrellas:
Pregnancy - Information to help expecting parents stay healthy and prepare for a new baby
Parenting - Information to help parents remain resilient, manage stress, bond with children, and cope with challenging behaviors. Information also includes connecting parents with local and state resources to address safety, health, food, and other needs.
Supporting Children - Information on growth milestones, academic learning, how to keep children safe and healthy, and helping children with socio-emotional development as they interact with their community.
NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Health provides thorough information on mental illnesses geared towards veterans, young adults, parents, family members, and teens. On their site you will find:
HelpLine - If you or someone you know needs help, the NAMI HelpLine is available Mon. - Fri. from 10:00am to 10:00pm ET (9:00am to 9:00pm Central). The phone number is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). You may also send an e-mail at info@nami.org.
2022 Resource Directory - Includes the NAMI HelpLine, specialized resources for various disorders and populations, insurance information, medication treatments, healthy relationships, on-demand resources, and much more.
For Parents/Guardians - Tools and practical advice for talking to a child about mental health concerns, how to identify if a child is experiencing a crisis and responding appropriately, and how to find mental health care for children.
For Adults, Young Adults, & Teens - Determining if what you’re experiencing is normal, how to talk to friends and family about your mental health, finding support at school, disclosing mental health conditions to an employer and significant others, and much more.
24/7 Helplines
This list contains information about hotlines to meet various needs. Each hotline is free and accessible 24/7 (though some data rates may apply based on your phone plan). Besides calling, several of these services can also be accessed by text, online chat, or mobile app. You may need to visit their website to access these options.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, then please reach out the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Denton County MHMR Crisis Hotline
DCMHMR serves as Denton County’s Mental Health Authority. If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call their hotline and/or visit their walk-in clinic.
Denton County Friends of the Family (DCFOF)
DCFOF provides an array of services for victims and survivors of domestic/intimate partner violence and sexual assault. All services for victims and survivors are free and include crisis intervention, child and adult counseling, emergency and transitional housing, legal services, education, and other advocacy services. If you feel unsafe around your partner or spouse, are being stalked, or have been sexually assaulted you may call or text their 24 Hour Crisis Line. If you have other questions about how to receive help then you may also visit their website below.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides a safe and confidential space for LGBTQIA youth to talk to a counselor if they are feeling lonely or have urges to hurt themselves. Youth may call or text the numbers below, or visit the link to chat online. The link also explains what to expect when you reach out, along with other helpful information and resources.
Texas Youth Helpline
The Texas Youth Helpline provides free and confidential services to youth, their parents, and other family members of youth in crisis who need help finding a counselor, safe shelter, legal information, other local referral information, or just someone to talk to. This is not a reporting hotline, or is it associated with law enforcement or Child Protective Services. There is the option to remain anonymous. Follow the link for more information, or to reach out by phone, text, or online chat.
Social Services
If you need food, healthcare, housing, childcare, counseling for mental health and substance abuse needs, emergency services, state benefits, or other similar services then you may call 211 or access the link below. A local or state representative will help you identify local organizations and resources that may be able to help. This service is free and anonymous.
Texas Abuse Hotline
In the State of Texas everyone is a mandated reporter of suspected abuse and neglect of children or certain adults (adults who are 65 or older or with disabilities). This means that if you have suspicion that abuse is occurring you must report it to the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS) or risk being charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If you believe a child or qualifying adult to be in immediate danger call 911 first, then the abuse hotline. The link below has more information on recognizing possible abuse, and information you need when preparing to call.
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
Anyone affected by sexual assault, whether it happened to you or someone you care about can find the following through RAINN:
Confidential support from a trained support specialist
Someone to help you talk through what happened
Resources that can assist with your next steps toward healing and recovery
Referrals for long term support in your area
Information about the laws and resources in your community
The hotline can be accessed by phone, secure online chat, or the mobile app. This information and more can be found at the link below.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. This crime occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against their will. Force, fraud, or coercion need not be present if the individual engaging in commercial sex is under 18 years of age. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking please contact the hotline. It is confidential and accessible by call, text, or online chat.
National Runaway Safeline
The National Runaway Safeline is similar to the Texas Youth Helpline, but specializes in helping youth in crises aged 12-21 who have run away from home, were kicked out, or simply need somewhere to turn to for advice. If you aren’t sure exactly what you need then they can also refer you to another service if needed. The Safeline can help you identify employment resources, alternative living arrangements, food pantries, or a way back home if that is a safe option and what you desire. You can contact the Safeline by call, text, chat, e-mail, or a forum.
