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Jewish Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Resources

The Jewish Community is extremely lucky to have a growing list of Jewish mental health and addiction resources across the globe. Resources include inpatient and outpatient treatment facilitators in addition to emotional and spiritual support for individuals and educational resources for individuals and organizations.

Create Your Own Local Resource Guide

Resources by Category

  • Achiezer – Works hand in hand with the community’s existing organizations in assisting families contending with issues such as illness, death, family discord, mental health disorders and financial crises. Achiezer unites professionals, rabbis, lay leaders and volunteers, helping families navigate through these challenging times.
  • Aleph Institute – Provides crucial financial, emotional and spiritual assistance to thousands of shattered families – helping them persevere through extraordinary crises – while providing support for their loved ones in prison and mental institutions. Aleph’s benevolent mandate also encompasses spiritual assistance to thousands of soldiers in the United States Armed Forces across the globe.
  • BaMidbar – Addresses mental health and wellness in the Jewish community through a three-pronged approach for Jewish youth and young adults. We focus on mental health prevention, education, and treatment.
  • BeWell – The mental health and wellness initiative of Jewish Federations of North America, a resource designed to educate, prepare, and support the local Jewish community through consultancy, trainings, and grant funding. Our goal is to normalize the conversation around mental health and equip the Jewish community to support all aspects of well-being: mind, body, and spirit. 
  • Best Colleges Suicide Prevention Guide – Research indicates that more and more college students are thinking about suicide. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and get help.
  • Communities Confronting Substance Abuse – Communities Confronting Substance Use & Addiction, Inc. (CCSA) is a not-for-profit organization founded with the goal of creating stigma-free Jewish communities through awareness, education and prevention programming regarding substance use and addiction. 
    • CCSA Support Group for loved ones of those suffering from substance misuse or addiction is held virtually.
  • Ease – Ease teaches online classes for teens and adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities on Relationships & Sex Ed.  We have students from all over the US.  Everyone has the right to have a safe and healthy relationship, free from abuse, and the ability to be a self-advocate.
  • Elijah’s Journey – A Facebook community centered around a Jewish response to the issues of suicide awareness and prevention.
  • Gateways – Gateways offers ongoing programs for professional learning and support as well as custom designed initiatives for educators, parents, lay leaders, clergy and students throughout your community as you work to build a more inclusive Jewish educational experience. Gateways is a national model of expertise in providing high-quality special education services and support, enabling students with diverse learning styles and mental health needs to succeed in Jewish educational settings and participate meaningfully in Jewish life.
  • Here Now – A teen-led online and in-person initiative promoting mental health, well-being, and resilience through innovative content and creativity.
  • JACS – A program of the The Jewish Board that is dedicated to providing a mutual-aid support network for Jews in recovery, their loved ones, and those who may be still struggling with addiction. 
  • JCS – Serves individuals and families seeking recovery from addiction in all five boroughs and the New York metropolitan area. Offers virtual and in-person options.
  • Jewish Discussions About Grief and Mourning Facebook Group  – A place to discuss Jewish approaches to grief & mourning, ask questions, and find support from others who have been through this before.
  • Jewish Grief, Loss, & Bereavement Facebook Support Group – This group provides grief and bereavement support to Jews nationwide, and to help find grief support and recovery services, information and other resources to help the bereaved.
  • Jewish Survivors Forum – A community of survivors of sexual abuse from all walks of Judaism, who come together on the platform to share, vent, learn, and support each other.
  • JProactive – Project Proactive aims to break mental health (and related) stigmas while proactively alleviating barriers to health and wellness through awareness, advocacy, and education.
  • Keshet – Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life. They equip Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge to build LGBTQ-affirming communities; create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued; and advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.
  • MASK – Mothers and Fathers Aligned Saving Kids (MASK) has a mission to ensure that all parents/caregivers in the Jewish community receive the resources necessary to help raise emotionally healthy families.
  • Mental Health in the Jewish Community Facebook Group  This group is meant to be a safe and confidential space to discuss issues, offer support, ask questions, and share resources related to mental health in the Jewish community. 
  • A Mitzvah to Eat  – A Mitzvah to Eat supports those who need to connect to fast days, mitzvot, or holidays differently to protect their health, save their lives, or reduce their suffering. They empower individuals and communities with learning, prayers, and resources to bring holiness to acts of self-preservation.
  • National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including in online spaces. For too long harassment, cyberbullying, and sexual abuse and exploitation have come to be expected as typical and unavoidable behaviors online. Building Safe Online Spaces Together is possible when we practice digital consent, intervene when we see harmful content and behaviors, and promote online communities that value respect, inclusion, and safety.
  • OKclarity – A peer to peer mental health support community for the Jewish world. The community forum & professional directory connects members with social & professional supports, empowering users to move towards greater emotional, physical, & holistic health.
  • Our Jewish Recovery – This group exists to support Jews in recovery, and their loved ones, and to help us all find experience, strength, and hope. They welcome Jews dealing with any and all addictions, Jewish educators looking to understand addiction and bring recovery to their communities, and Jewish and non-Jewish allies who wish to share the journey of recovery with them.
  • Refa’enu – An organization dedicated to increasing awareness in the Jewish community about depression, bipolar disorder, as well as other behavioral health issues, and their management.
  • Refuat Hanefesh – Refuat Hanefesh hopes to create a Jewish community that is more aware, respectful, & empathetic to people living with mental illness.
  • RUACH – A Jewish project that provides nondenominational and inclusive emotional and spiritual (virtual) support that is accessible wherever you are physically, emotionally, financially, or spiritually.
  • Shalom Task Force (STF) – The mission of STF is to combat and prevent domestic violence and foster healthy and safe relationships and families. STF focuses its work in the Jewish community, to help those that may not have access to traditional services and need culturally sensitive programming. They believe everyone has the right to be safe in their relationship and family.
  • ZA’AKAH – ZA’AKAH is dedicated to advocating for survivors of child sexual abuse in the Orthodox Jewish community. We do this by raising awareness in the community, organizing and participating in educational events for parents and teachers on how to identify and correctly handle suspicions and disclosures of child sexual abuse, and by advocating for legislative reforms designed to prevent sexual abuse in the future and secure justice for survivors.
  • ZA’AKAH Shabbos & Yom Tov Peer Support Hotline – A regular Shabbos and Yom Tov Peer Support Hotline staffed by a rotation of volunteers available at all hours of Shabbos and Yom Tov to provide support to those who feel they need it. Please note, this is a peer support line. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

Click to view resources for your state.

Map of the United States

  • Canada
    • Jewish Child and Family Service Winnipeg – JCFS Winnipeg offers a host of services to the Jewish community of Winnipeg (and Manitoba). Supports include Older Adult Services, Child Welfare, Settlement and Integration, Financial Assistance, and Emergency Food. In addition, JCFS has offers extensive mental health supports, such as individual counselling, therapeutic groups, community mental health work, addictions and substance use support, and educational presentations.
    • Teshuvah Healing Circle​ – The Teshuvah Healing Circle is open to anyone looking for a refuge of peace and sanity in these times of uncertainty and who brings a willingness to participate fully. It may appeal particularly to practitioners of the Choose Again Six Step process looking for a specifically Jewish context and forum. Choose Again experience is not required to participate. circles happen on Thursdays once a month at 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm Pacific time. Facilitated by Anne Andrew.
  • Israel
    • Natal – NATAL – Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center (established: 1998, Tel Aviv) is a non-profit organization founded by Yossi Hadar and Judith Yovel Recanati. NATAL specializes in the field of war-and-terror-related trauma, PTSD and resiliency-building among civil society. NATAL was the first center in Israel to standardize and create protocols for coping with trauma and resilience-building in a social general society context.
    • Get Help Israel  – Immigrants to Israel are often faced with a serious problem when searching for mental health help. Although they may be fluent in Hebrew, when it comes to sensitive issues, they prefer to communicate in English.
  • United Kingdom
    • JAMI – the specialist provider of mental health services in the Jewish community. They provide practical and emotional support for everyone affected by a mental health problem, the person with the diagnosis, friend, relative or employer.
  • 988 – Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 | 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022. The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
  • Crisis Text LineIn the US and Canada, text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor // crisistextline.org | Free 24/7 support at your fingertips. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.
  • National Drug Helpline1-844-289-0879 | The National Drug Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 drug and alcohol hotline that can help you start your journey towards a better future. The helpline is open to everyone. You can call the hotline to get information for yourself or a friend or family member.
  • National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)1-800-931-2237 | Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care. The NEDA Helpline (800-931-2237) is available Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well trained and able to provide guidance. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST.
  • Trevor Project TrevorLifeline1-866-488-7386 // Text START to 678-678 | The Trevor Project provides LGBTQ youth with 24/7 crisis counseling via phone, text, and chat. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.
  • INMI – Interfaith Network on Mental Illness – We are an interfaith organization, meaning we represent and welcome participation from all faith traditions, and we affirm that spirituality is an important component of recovery from mental illness.
  • NEFESH-International – NEFESH-International is an interdisciplinary organization of Orthodox Jewish mental health professionals providing leadership and interdisciplinary education in the field of personal, family, and community mental health. Our diverse members are Torah-observant psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychiatric nurses, chemical dependency counselors, psychotherapists, guidance and pastoral counselors, and graduate students. Affiliates include Orthodox Rabbis, Jewish educators, attorneys, and allied professionals.
  • OKclarity – Directory of Jewish therapists.

Jewish Teen Resources

HereNow
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – @ProjectHereNow
Download the HereNow app in the app store for additional support.

A teen-led online and in-person initiative promoting mental health, well-being, and resilience through innovative content and creativity.

BBYO
Provides services in the areas of policy development, consultation, and support, and training and education.

Jewish Teens Thrive
An initiative providing wellness resources for teens, jewish professionals and parents. Find resources for building resilience, healthy relationships and more.

Elijah’s Journey
A Facebook community centered on bringing awareness and support to depression and suicide.

Keshet 
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – @KeshetGLBTJews

Works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life. The group creates spaces in which all queer Jewish youths feel seen and valued in addition to other work outside of teens.

Hotline number: 724.374. 3501

Eshel
Facebook – @EshelJews
Instagram and Twitter – @EshelOnline

Nonprofit organization that focuses on creating community and acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Jews and their families in Orthodox communities.

LINKS
Instagram – @Links_ShlomiesClub

Supports children and teens who have lost one or both parents by connecting them with peers and mentors who have been through the same experience. Programs include a yearly Shabbaton, a 24-hour hotline, targeted publications for each division, Yom Tov programs, mentoring, trips, and more. A project of Mishkan Yecheskel, Links  provides additional support beyond these programs.

Confidential Hotline: 718.337.3700
Toll Free 888.883.2323

Shalom TaskForce
Instagram- @shalomtaskforce
Facebook – @ShalomTaskForceSTF
Twitter – @shalomtask

Works to combat and prevent domestic violence and foster healthy and safe relationships and families. Focusing on the Jewish community, Shalom Task Force (STF) works to help those who might not have access to traditional services and who need culturally sensitive programming.
STF believes everyone has the right to be safe in their relationships and their family.

General Teen Resources

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022. The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741

Provides access to free, round-the-clock support and information via a medium people already use and trust: text.

NEDA – National Eating Disorders Association
800.931.2237

Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.

OK2Talk NAMI
800.273.TALK (8255)

A safe, moderated online community where teens and young adults struggling with mental health conditions can find a safe place to talk about what they’re experiencing by sharing their personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle, or hope.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 
800.799.SAFE (7233)

A free, 24-hour confidential service for survivors, victims, and those affected by domestic violence,    
intimate partner violence, and relationship abuse.

The Trevor Project
866.488.7386

The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) people under 25.

SAMHSA
800.662.HELP (4357)

The agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families. SAMHSA has a Behavioral Health Treatment Locator on its website that can be searched by location: indtreatment.samhsa.gov