Mental Health Support from the Minnesota Department of Health

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a tremendous amount of stress, fear and anxiety for many people. It’s important that Minnesotans have access to the mental health care resources they need to stay well during this challenging time. State agencies are working together to ensure these services are available, and they are also connecting people with private organizations that can provide support. This includes telemedicine resources (which replace clinic visits) and other well-being supports to help families and individuals cope.

Mental well-being resources during the time of COVID-19 are available on the Minnesota Department of Health website. Mental health hotlines provide free support to Minnesotans experiencing mental distress are below. Please also consider contacting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota (1-888-NAMI-Helps / 1-888-626-4435) or the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health at (800-528-4511) to connect for help, to navigate the mental health system, for support and for resources.

• Crisis Text Line: The 24/7 emergency service is available if you or someone you know is experiencing a psychiatric or mental health crisis.
  • Text MN to 741741 
• County Crisis Contacts – access a directory of mental health crisis phone numbers by county here:
  • Adult Mental Health Crisis Response Numbers
  • Children Mental Health Crisis Response Numbers

• Minnesota Warmline: Are you an adult needing support? Talk to a specialist who has firsthand experience living with a mental health condition.
  • Call 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The 24/7 lifeline provides support when in distress, has prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and resources for professionals.
  • Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline: Offers crisis counseling and support if you or a family member is experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster.
  • Call: 1-800-985-5990

For essential personnel like health care workers and first responders, the Minnesota Psychiatric Society, the Minnesota Psychological Association, the Minnesota Black Psychologists, and Mental Health Minnesota have collaborated to create a free telephone support service accessible at FastTrackerMN.org with psychiatric and mental health services and real-time Substance Use Disorder Treatment program openings.

In response to COVID-19, state agencies have developed and shared resources to support mental well-being as children and families adjust their daily lives to stop the spread of COVID-19. Some of the current resources include:

• Supporting Mental Promotion during COVID-19 (MDH)
• Mental and Behavioral Health Resources During COVID19 (MDH)
• Supporting people who have disabilities during COVID-19