May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet too many people struggle to get help. United Way works with communities to break through stigma and build support for mental health.
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Stay connected and discover local opportunities to promote mental health!
United Way’s monthly Mental Health Newsletter includes relevant local and regional upcoming events, learning opportunities, resources, and news — from peer connection programs to crisis care and trauma-informed resources and more.
Mental Health Toolkit for Employers
An Employer Guide to Supporting Employee Mental Health was developed by United Way’s Working Bridges program and the Mental Health Initiative.
The guide includes local resources, tips for recognizing and responding to mental health challenges, and recommended policies, benefits and everyday practices to build a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
Additional Mental Health Resources
Vermont 2-1-1: A program of United Ways of Vermont, Vermont 2-1-1 is a statewide, confidential information and referral helpline that connects callers to available human services.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 988 provides 24/7 connection to confidential support with local counselors and mental health professionals. How to call or text 988 for support if your speak a language other than English.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Vermont: Resources for people having thoughts of suicide as well as suicide loss support groups and other resources for families and friends.
Howard Center’s First Call (Chittenden County): 802-488-7777. Phone support, crisis intervention, assessment and referrals.
NCSS Emergency Services Hotline (Franklin & Grand Isle Counties): 802-524-6554.
Vermont Care Partners – Vermont Mental Health Agencies: Mental health services information and crisis lines listed by county.
Pathways Vermont Support Line: Peer support line open 24/7. Call or text (833) VT-TALKS / (833) 888-2557.
NAMI Vermont: Free peer and family support groups.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
Outright Vermont: Support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Trevor Lifeline: 1-866- 488-7386 – provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. It offers free, 24/7, confidential counseling. TrevorText—text START to 678-678; TrevorChat—instant messaging at TheTrevorProject.org/help. It also runs TrevorSpace, an affirming social networking site for LGBTQ youth at TrevorSpace.
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860. A peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning peers.
Veterans Crisis Line: 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or Text 838255. Online chat also available.
Vermont Directory of BIPOC Mental Health and Wellness Practitioners: A directory of providers working (or licensed to work) in the state of Vermont and who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. This is a public list, accessible to anyone via the internet, meant to promote the visibility of BIPOC providers and assist with referrals for clients who are seeking BIPOC providers.
Vermont Older Adults Helpline: Toll-free, confidential Helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-642-5119. The Helpline is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. After hours, please leave a message on the Helpline and they will reach out to you during their business hours.