Mental Health Crisis Response in Kentucky

There are many behavioral health crisis resources and hotlines in Kentucky, and you can find the one nearest you by visiting this site. Alternatively, you may opt to call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The State of Mental Health in Kentucky

Kentucky currently ranks 20th in the United States for mental healthcare. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services oversees the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, & Intellectual Disabilities (DBH). DBH is responsible for the reformation of their current mental healthcare system, in order to provide the resources necessary to build resilience in their communities. DBH is working on improving accessibility in all phases of mental illness, from prevention, to treatment and recovery. DBH ensures that all residents have access to the resources that promote their well-being and ability to prosper. This includes access to therapists, psychologists, and counselors throughout the state.

You can find a seasoned specialist who can work with you through a wide array of mental health concerns, including but not limited to: drug abuse, thoughts of suicide, and severe or persistent mental illness. The Department for Behavioral Health has divided their mental health resources into the following four branches: The Adult Mental Health & Recovery Services Branch, Adult Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery Services Branch, Behavioral Health Prevention & Promotion Branch, and Children’s Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Branch. These branches come together to develop and effective public policy surrounding mental health issues. For more information on Kentucky’s four branches devoted to mental healthcare, visit this link.

For assistance in navigating treatment for substance abuse in Kentucky, call the KY Help Call Center at 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357).

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

NAMI Kentucky

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 Kentucky, including virtual meet-ups. 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.

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