SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential 24/7 helpline for substance abuse and mental health treatment referrals
Overview
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service available in English and Spanish. It connects callers to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
The helpline handles millions of calls annually and serves as a critical first point of contact for individuals and families dealing with substance abuse or mental health challenges. Trained specialists provide referrals tailored to your location and insurance situation.
How It Works
For actors dealing with substance use or mental health issues, the helpline offers a confidential way to explore treatment options without involving anyone in the industry. The entertainment world's unique stressors can contribute to these challenges, and seeking help is essential.
The service is completely free and does not require insurance or identification. You can call 1-800-662-4357 at any time of day or night to speak with a trained specialist.
Who Uses It
Keep this number saved in your phone as a resource for yourself or colleagues. The entertainment industry's culture is increasingly supportive of mental health, and reaching out for help is always the right decision. SAMHSA also offers an online treatment locator tool at findtreatment.gov that allows you to search for facilities by location, payment options, and type of care. The helpline specialists can also provide information about support groups specifically for people in high-stress creative professions.
Pricing & Plans
The SAMHSA National Helpline is completely free of charge and does not require any form of payment, insurance, or identification to use. There are no hidden fees, no upselling, and no subscription required at any point in the process. The referrals provided connect callers to local treatment options that include both free and paid services, with specialists specifically helping identify low-cost and sliding-scale options for uninsured callers. State-funded treatment programs accessed through SAMHSA referrals often have no out-of-pocket cost for eligible individuals, making professional treatment accessible regardless of financial situation. Compared to calling individual treatment facilities directly, the helpline saves significant time by pre-screening options based on your location, insurance status, and specific needs. The service represents one of the most valuable free mental health resources available in the United States, funded entirely by federal appropriations.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
The helpline's 24/7 availability means actors can call at any hour, whether it is after a late-night show, during an early morning crisis, or on a weekend when other resources are closed. Complete confidentiality is guaranteed, which is critical for entertainment industry professionals who may fear career repercussions from seeking substance abuse or mental health treatment. The bilingual English and Spanish service ensures accessibility for a broader community of performers and industry workers. Trained specialists provide personalized referrals rather than generic lists, taking the time to understand your specific situation and match you with appropriate local resources. The helpline handles over 800,000 calls annually, demonstrating both its trustworthiness and the breadth of experience its specialists bring to each interaction. The service also provides family members and friends with guidance on how to support loved ones struggling with substance use or mental health issues, which is valuable for actors concerned about colleagues.
What Could Be Better
The helpline provides referrals and information only and cannot deliver direct treatment, therapy, or crisis intervention during the call itself. Wait times can be lengthy during peak hours, sometimes exceeding 15 to 20 minutes, which can be frustrating during moments of acute distress. The quality and availability of treatment facilities you are referred to varies significantly by geographic region, with rural areas and smaller markets having notably fewer options than major cities. The helpline is not a substitute for 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in emergency situations where someone is in immediate danger. Follow-through after the referral is entirely on the caller, and there is no case management or follow-up contact to ensure you connected with the recommended services. Some callers report receiving referrals to facilities that are at capacity or have long waitlists, requiring multiple calls to find an available treatment option.
Our Recommendation
The SAMHSA National Helpline should be a saved contact in every actor's phone, both for personal use and as a resource to share with colleagues who may be struggling. It is the ideal first call for anyone who recognizes they need help with substance use or mental health but does not know where to start or how to navigate the treatment system. Actors without health insurance will particularly benefit from the specialists' knowledge of free and state-funded treatment programs in their area. However, for immediate crisis situations involving suicidal thoughts or imminent danger, call 988 or 911 first, as SAMHSA is a referral service rather than an emergency response line. If you already know you want online therapy rather than in-person treatment, platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace may be more direct paths to care. The helpline is most valuable for actors dealing with substance abuse challenges or seeking comprehensive treatment programs rather than for those looking for routine weekly therapy.
Pro Tips
Save the number 1-800-662-4357 in your phone right now under a discreet contact name if privacy is a concern, so it is immediately accessible when you or someone around you needs it. When calling, be as specific as possible about your location, insurance status, and the type of help you need, as this allows the specialist to provide the most relevant referrals. Ask the specialist about entertainment-industry-specific support groups and treatment programs, as some facilities in LA and NYC specialize in working with creative professionals. If you are calling on behalf of a friend or colleague, the specialist can guide you on how to have a supportive conversation and what resources to offer without overstepping boundaries. Use the online treatment locator at findtreatment.gov as a complement to the phone helpline, as it allows you to research options at your own pace and compare facilities before committing. Share this resource openly with your acting community, as normalizing the availability of help reduces the stigma that prevents many performers from seeking the treatment they need.