Skip to Main Content Skip to content

Social Services: Mental Health

Use this guide to locate resources related to social services that provide the public with assistance when in need or in crisis.

Mental Health Resources

Call 911, 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or Resolve Crisis Services at (888) 796-8226 in case of a mental health crisis.   

Listed below are some organizations and services that provide mental health services and resources.   

Due to the uncertainty of funding, staffing, volunteer support, and other factors, CLP cannot guarantee the continual availability of any of the services listed below, although we will regularly update the information provided. This list is a guide to assist in finding mental health resources and does not indicate endorsement of or partnership with any service or organization listed.

Librarian

Profile Photo
CLP Staff

Contact Us

If you represent a provider of social services that we have included in this guide and would like to offer additional information or corrections, please reach out via email to info@carnegielibrary.org . Make sure to mention the “Social Services Library Guide” in the subject of your message. 

If you represent a provider of social services that we have not included, please reach out via email to info@carnegielibrary.org . Make sure to mention the “Social Services Library Guide” in the subject of your message. We will consider the addition of your organization or service and may follow up with additional questions. 

If you find any information provided within is incorrect or out of date and would like to tell us, please reach out via email to info@carnegielibrary.org . Make sure to mention the “Social Services Library Guide” in the subject of your message. 

Mental Health in Print

The Body Keeps the Score

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world's foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score , he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers' capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust, and he explores innovative treatments.

Essential Art Therapy Exercises

The purposeful act of making art can be more than a creative outlet. Essential Art Therapy Exercises, a cognitive behavioral therapy workbook, offers a range of creative activities to help you better understand yourself, develop control over your emotions, and aid the healing process.

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl's riveting account of his time in the Nazi concentration camps, and his insightful exploration of the human will to find meaning in spite of the worst adversity, has offered solace and guidance to generations of readers since it was first published in 1946.

My Grandmother's Hands

In this groundbreaking book, therapist Resmaa Menakem examines the damage caused by racism in America from the perspective of trauma and body-centered psychology.

Down Came the Rain

In this compelling memoir, Brooke Shields talks candidly about her experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, and provides millions of women with an inspiring example of recovery.

Triggered

In his brilliant memoir, the author takes us on an intimate journey across the psychological landscape of OCD, known as the "doubting disorder," as populated by God, girls, and apocalyptic nightmares. Wortmann unflinchingly reveals the elaborate series of psychological rituals he constructs as "preventative measures" to ward off the end times, as well as his learning to cope with intrusive thoughts through Clockwork Orange -like "trigger" therapy.

Girl, Interrupted

In 1967, after a session with a psychiatrist she'd never seen before, eighteen-year-old Susanna Kaysen was put in a taxi and sent to McLean Hospital. Her memoir of the next two years is a "poignant, honest ... triumphantly funny...and heartbreaking story" ( The New York Times Book Review ).

I Hate You--Don't Leave Me: Third Edition

This expanded and revised edition is an invaluable resource for those diagnosed with BPD and their family, friends, and colleagues, as well as professionals and students in the field, and the practical tools and advice are easy to understand and use in your day-to-day interactions with the borderline individuals in your life.

Resources and Services

Child Abuse  

To report child abuse call Childline at 1-800-932-0313. Mandated reporters can report online. You can learn more about protecting Pennsylvania’s children from abuse and neglect here.   

1-800-932-0313 Childline is available 24/7   


Elder and Adults with Disabilities Abuse  

To report the abuse of elderly individuals or adults with disabilities, call the Protective Services Hotline at 1-800-490-8505. You can learn more about reporting elder abuse, and abuse of adults with disabilities here.  

Phone: 
1-800-490-8505 hotline is available 24/7. 


Jeremiah’s Place Crisis Nursery  

Jeremiah’s Place Crisis Nursery is a place where families can leave children ages 6 and younger in the moment that the family is experiencing a crisis or a very stressful situation. We are a nonjudgmental, trauma informed, child-centered facility with a caring professional staff and committed volunteers who provide a loving and safe environment for all children and families utilizing our services. All services are voluntary, confidential, and offered free of charge. They provide everything your child would need for a safe and happy stay. There is no need to pack diapers, wipes, formula, food, toys, books or clothing – it is all at Jeremiah’s Place. They are open 24/7. You can find further information here.   

Kingsley Center 
6435 Frankstown Ave. 

Pittsburgh PA 15206  

412-924-0726  

family@jeremiahspace.org  


Pittsburgh Mercy  

Pittsburgh Mercy provides individual, group and family therapy along with service coordination. Individuals can discuss immediate concerns and request services by phone or at the walk-in center which is open 24/7. You can find more information here.  

264 South 9th Street 
Pittsburgh PA 15203  

1-877-637-2924  


Resolve Crisis Center   

Resolve Crisis Center provides 24/7 crisis intervention and stabilization for Allegheny County Residents. Services are free of charge and can be accessed by phone (counselors are available 24/7), mobile team (counselors travel to your location within Allegheny County), walk-in (at their location address and no appointment is needed), and residential services (up to 72 hour stay for those who require extended assistance). You can find further information here.   

Resolve’s walk-in crisis center: 

333 North Braddock Ave. 
Pittsburgh PA 15208  

1-888-7- YOU CAN (1-888-796-8226)  

Crisis Hotlines

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   

You can reach the Lifeline at: 988 or 1-800-273-8255    

As of July 16, 2022 — People who call, text, or chat with 988 will be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The existing Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will also remain available.  

988 or 1-800-273-8255 can be used by anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental or behavioral health, and/or substance use crisis — no matter where they are or where they live. Lifeline services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost to the caller and are confidential. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also offers resources for professionals.  

What happens when you call 988: The caller is routed to a local 988 call center. If not answered within 60 seconds the call is routed to one of PA’s three regional call centers. Press 1 to reach the Veteran’s Crisis Line. Press 2 to reach the Spanish network. If a regional call center is not available, the call is routed to the national backup network.  

988 or 1-800-273-8255 for the 24/7 hotline 


The Trevor Project   

You can reach the Trevor Project at: 1-866-488-7386.   

The Trevor Project is a mental health resource for LGBTQ youth. The hotline is free and available 24/7. The Trevor Project helps LGBTQ youth in crisis, as well as those who simply need a safe space to talk and receive emotional support. You can also text or chat with them online. You can find more information here.    

Related, though a separate organization, the Trans LifeLine offers free support for the Trans community via hotline by calling 1-877-565-8860.    


The Crisis Text Line   

If you can’t (or simply don’t want to) speak on the phone, a text option is available. The Crisis Text Line connects you to a trained crisis counselor who is there to support you. You do not have to be suicidal to use this resource. Basically, this is meant to be a live safe space to receive emotional and crisis support. You don’t need to wait to reach out.  

Here’s how it works: Text HOME to 741741. You’ll receive two automated messages that let you know you’ll be connected with a volunteer. Assume it will be about five minutes before you’re connected.  You can find more information here

Text HOME to 741741 for a 24/7 hotline


The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Help Line   

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Help Line staff and volunteers are available Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 10 PM ET. The number is: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).   

NAMI is available to answer questions about mental health, including about symptoms of mental health conditions, education programs, local services, support groups, treatment options, and how to help family members find treatment. Note: It does not provide counseling or therapy directly.  You can find more information here

Call:  1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm ET 
Text:  62640 

Email:  helpline@nami.org 

Chat : nami.org/help 


Trans Lifeline  

Trans lifeline is run by and for trans people. It is a grassroots hotline and microgrant non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. Please note: When call volumes are high it may take a little longer to get connected – please try calling again. You can find more information here and here

Trans Lifeline Hotline: 877-565-8860    24/7 hotline  


Veterans Crisisline   

If you are a veteran, current service member, or connected to a veteran or service member, you can call 988 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255, 24/7, to receive confidential support. You can find more information here.  

Call:  988 and then Press 1    24/7 hotline 
Text:  838255     24/7 

Chat online here.     24/7