SAMHSA National Helpline
FeaturedFree ResourceFree, confidential 24/7 treatment referral service operated by the U.S. government for substance use disorders
🏠Outpatient ProgramsAbout SAMHSA National Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The helpline provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations for individuals and families facing substance use disorders and mental health conditions. SAMHSA also operates an online treatment locator that allows users to search for facilities by location, type of care, and payment options.
Strengths
- ✓Completely free — no cost, no insurance required, no personal information collected
- ✓Operated by the U.S. government (HHS) — trusted, unbiased referral source
- ✓Available 24/7, 365 days a year with service in English and Spanish
- ✓Online treatment locator searchable by location, care type, and payment options
- ✓Refers callers to local facilities including those offering sliding-scale or free treatment
Considerations
- !Does not provide counseling or treatment directly — referral service only
- !Referral quality depends on the availability of local treatment providers
- !Hold times can be long during peak hours or high-demand periods
- !Online locator data may not always reflect current facility availability or openings
Best For
Uninsured individual seeking free or low-cost addiction treatment options in their area
Family member who needs an unbiased, government-backed referral to local treatment providers
Person in crisis who needs immediate guidance on where to get help for substance abuse
Cost
Free Resource
Free resource — no cost to access information, helplines, or referrals.
Treatment Type
Outpatient Programs
Flexible treatment programs that allow patients to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions, group counseling, and medication management.
Specialties
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Gateway Foundation
Nonprofit addiction treatment provider serving communities across Illinois with sliding-scale fees since 1968