Mental Health Crisis Response in Georgia

If you are experiencing an urgent mental health matter, the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) may be reached at 1-800-715-4225. You can also find a list of local Georgia crisis response hotlines here. No matter where in the United States you are located, you may call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The State of Mental Health in Georgia

Georgia currently ranks 35th in the United States for mental healthcare. The Georgia Department for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the agency responsible for bringing that ranking up through education, outreach, and advocacy. DBHDD focuses on community-based recovery via accessible and convenient treatment options. Providers, counselors, and therapists in Georgia are encouraged to focus on their local community to achieve the greatest impact. Training qualified therapists, counselors, and psychologists, ensures that Georgia residents will be receiving high quality care. Through increasing awareness, continuing care, and developing the psychiatric workforce, the State of Georgia is armed with the priorities necessary to achieve their recovery initiatives.

Additionally, Georgia has many projects in place to prevent substance abuse and promote mental wellness. One such program is the GA Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Collaborative (GADAPC). This project encourages an alliance between both public and private sectors in monitoring drug abuse and proper medication disposal. The GADAPC also encourages both sectors to stay afloat of legislation surrounding mental health and get involved and push legislation that could be beneficial to all Georgians. This is especially important as individuals with severe mental illness are 20% likely to land in prison instead of a rehabilitation center.

For assistance in navigating treatment for substance abuse in Georgia, call HELPLINE Georgia for Substance Abuse at 1-800-338-6745. This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are LGBTQ+ and you need support, contact The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386.

NAMI Georgia

The National Alliance for Mental Illness, or NAMI, is open to anyone struggling with mental illness. NAMI is an inclusive and community-based resource geared towards raising awareness and supporting group members on their journey to recovery. With group counseling sessions led by a trained member with a diagnosis (past or present), meetings follow a set of 12 principles for support. NAMI meetings are meant to complement your existing treatment plan with your counselor or psychologist. There are many chapters of NAMI that meet in Georgia. Find yours here.

Personalize your search and find the therapist near you that best suits your healing and development needs. By using our match tool, you can view counselors that specializes in your area of concern, and that are armed with the expertise and modalities needed for you to begin your journey to wellbeing.

Our Therapist Directory