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I need mental health help

The first question is simple: is this an emergency, or can it wait a few days?Your answer points you to the right door. Here's what to do for each, and how a case manager can help.

In crisis / can't wait

Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, thoughts of hurting someone, or feeling unsafe or out of control right now.

Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Call or text NH Rapid Response 833-710-6477 (24/7)
For any emergency, call 911

NH Rapid Response can send a mobile crisis team to you and set up a same-day or next-day appointment.

Not a crisis — I want to start care

You're struggling and want to talk to someone, start therapy, or get medication — but you're safe right now.

Contact your Community Mental Health Center (below)
Find a therapist that fits your needs and insurance
Ask your regular doctor for a referral or to start treatment

Not sure which path? When in doubt, call 988 or 211— they'll help you decide.

What you can do right now

Starting non-crisis mental health care.

1
Contact your Community Mental Health Center (CMHC)
NH has 10 CMHCs, and there's one for every part of the state. They serve everyone in their area — including people on Medicaid or with no insurance — and offer therapy, psychiatry, and case management. Find yours on the catchment map and call to ask for an intake.
2
Or find a therapist that fits you
Use Find a therapist to search NH providers by specialty, area, and insurance. New to this? Our guide on getting a therapist for the first time walks you through the call and the first visit.
3
Know what to expect at intake
Your first visit is a get-to-know-you appointment. They'll ask what's going on and what you want help with. You're in control of how much you share. Bring your insurance or Medicaid card if you have one.
4
If cost is the worry
CMHCs use sliding-scale fees, and Medicaid covers mental health care — you can apply any time. You do not need insurance to be seen at a CMHC.

How a case manager can help

If you're helping a client meet this need.

Assess safety first: if there's any risk, stay with the client and call NH Rapid Response (833-710-6477) or 988; help build a safety plan.
Identify the client's CMHC by catchment area, make a warm handoff to intake, and help schedule — noting whether they need therapy, a prescriber, or both.
Confirm coverage: start a Medicaid application if uninsured, or verify the CMHC's sliding-scale process so cost isn't a barrier.
Bridge the wait for psychiatry with primary-care support, therapy, and crisis-line info; get the client on cancellation lists.
Coordinate transportation and reminders for the intake, and follow up after the first appointment to make sure they connected.
Screen for co-occurring needs — substance use, housing, food — and link to the matching guides so care isn't derailed by a crisis in another area.