Participant Resources

Finding reliable information on the internet can feel overwhelming. ECHO provides the resources on this page to help families experiencing stressful life events. Please also talk with a staff member at your ECHO site if you and your family need help.

This should not be considered a complete list of all community service agencies nor an endorsement of them.

Resources marked “(24/7)” are available to call any time of day, any day of the week. Otherwise, available days/times are provided.

Please note we do our best to keep this list up to date, but some information may change. If information is incorrect or you are having trouble reaching one of these agencies, please contact us at echocc@duke.edu.

Call 911 if you need police, fire, or emergency medical assistance.

Go to the nearest Emergency Room for immediate medical attention.

Crisis Intervention

Suicide and Crisis Hotline
Call or text 988 (24/7); Live Chat
National network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress in the U.S.

Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988 and Press "1", or text 838255; Live Chat
Confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 800-799-7233 (24/7), text START to 88788; Live Chat 7 am to 2 am CT
Provides immediate help through referrals to local shelters, counselors, and legal advice.

National Sexual Assault Hotline / Rape Abuse and Incest National Network Call 800-656-4673 (24/7); Live Chat
Provides referrals to the nearest rape crisis center.

National Child Abuse Hotline
Call or text 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) (24/7); Live Chat
Crisis counselors support those concerned about or affected by child abuse and provide appropriate, individualized guidance.

Disaster Distress Helpline
Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (24/7)
National hotline that provides crisis counseling to residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Parenting, Child Mentoring, Child Safety

National Parent Helpline
Call or text 855-427-2736, 10 am to 7 pm Pacific Time; Live Chat
Assists parents with struggling teens and provides feedback and referrals on intervention, counseling, or other services

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Call or text 215-567-7000 / 9 am to 5 pm ET
The nation’s largest youth mentoring organization. The national office can help find an agency near you.

Girls and Boys Town
Call 800-448-3000 (24/7) or text VOICE to 20121
Provides referrals for counseling to girls and boys with any type of problem including issues with school, parents, sexuality, abuse, or feelings of suicide.

Safe Kids Worldwide
Works to help families and communities keep children safe from injuries. Provides tips on keeping kids safe from preventable injuries such as bike safety, falls, burns, car seats, and more.

Mental Health, Substance Use, Eating Disorders

National Treatment Referral and Information Helpline
Call 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357) (24/7)
Free, confidential, anonymous treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Helpline
Call 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" TO 62640, M-F 10 am to 6 pm ET
Teen and young adults: Call 1-800-950-6264 or text "Friend" to 62640; Live Chat
Provides referrals to local counselors, therapists, and support groups for individuals and families. They can also answer questions and send information on any type of mental health issue.

United Way Crisis Line Call 211 (24/7)
Trained social workers provide referrals to local agencies, counselors, and mental health associations. They can also provide crisis counseling.

Association for Children's Mental Health
Provides information, support, resources, referrals, and advocacy for children and youth with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and for their families.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Call 800-931-2237, M-Th 9 am to 9 pm ET
Provides additional list of resources for helping children through traumatic experiences.

Al-anon/Alateen Meeting Referral
Call 888-4AL-ANON (888-425-2666) (24/7)
An operator can direct you to the locations of mutual support meetings nearest you.

Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention
Call 800-931-2237, M-Th 9 am to 9 pm ET and Sat 9 am to 5 pm ET
Provides support services, help, and guidance to individuals struggling with disordered eating and to their loved ones and families.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Call 888-375-7767, 9 am to 9 pm CT
Provides help, support, or more information about eating disorders.

Obesity Action Coalition
Provides education and resources as well as a Kids Corner with tips for healthy eating.

General Health Information

Find other resources to help answer questions about child health on the ECHO Participant Educational Resources page