• Text us: 646-604-9860. This is not a crisis or emergency line - we connect you with confidential support, resources, and service providers. We typically respond to requests for information and services within 2-3 business days. If someone is in danger, call 911. For crisis support, contact 988.
  • Available Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
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We've been supporting New Yorkers like you for over 20 years.

We help families, friends, educators, and caregivers respond effectively when someone’s behavior raises concerns.
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Who we are

Help Out NY is staffed by licensed mental health professionals with experience in violence prevention, de-escalation, and supporting people navigating difficult situations.

We’re here to listen to your concerns, and help you figure out the next step.

Our guiding principles:

If you’re worried about someone, you shouldn’t have to struggle alone.
Harm is preventable and that early intervention is key.
Change is possible for anyone.
What We Offer

We're here to listen without judgment, understand your concerns, and offer next steps.

You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out, and you can do it anytime. Every conversation is confidential, and there’s no concern too small. When you reach out, we’ll help you:
Understand what you’re seeing

We’ll help you make sense of concerning behaviors, and assess the situation.

Explore your options

We’ll explain the services we can provide or help you connect other local services.

Know when to act

We’ll provide guidance on when and how to involve others.

Get tailored support

We’ll offer resources specific to your situation, whether you’re noticing early warning signs or dealing with escalating behavior.

What You Should Know

We’ve supported New Yorkers facing similar concerns: from parents noticing changes in their child’s behavior, to teachers worried about a student, to people not sure whether their friend’s comments are a joke or a threat.

You are not alone in this. Whatever you’re experiencing, we can help.

  • Trusted by New Yorkers
Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more?

We get questions all the time, so we’ve provided answers to some of the most common ones. Still have a question? Feel free to email us at contact@helpoutny.com.
After you reach out, a licensed mental health professional will be in touch within 2-3 business days.

You will speak to one of our licensed mental health professionals. They’ll ask questions and provide nonjudgmental support to understand your concerns and address your needs.

Yes, what you share with Help Out NY staff is confidential. We maintain strict confidentiality standards and cannot disclose information about you or what you tell us.

However, if we suspect child abuse or maltreatment, or that you are in danger of hurting yourself or others soon, we are legally obliged to take action to ensure public safety. This might mean reaching out to law enforcement.

If you are worried about someone, but do not think that they are in danger of hurting themselves or others soon, you can reach out to us here.

If someone you know is in danger of harming themselves or others soon, please contact the New York Tip Line (866-723-3697) or call 911.

More information about warning signs of violence can be found on our Home page.

No, we are not law enforcement. However, as licensed mental health professionals, we are required to engage with law enforcement if we become aware of an immediate threat to public safety.

No, Help Out NY's services are free for New Yorkers.

Our staff can provide services in both English and Spanish.

Messaging Terms & Conditions:

Help Out NY prioritizes your privacy and confidentiality; standard text messaging is not HIPAA compliant.

By texting, you agree to receive informational messages from Help Out NY. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. For help, reply HELP or email us at contact@helpoutny.com. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP.

Mobile SMS Messaging Privacy Policy:

Information collected:

We may collect information, such as name, phone number, and email address, to contact you.

Use of information collected:

We may use the information we collect to perform the services requested.
Sharing of information collected:

If there is an immediate threat to life, we will share information we collect with relevant authorities. We do not share, sell, rent, or trade any information provided to third parties for promotional purposes.

You understand that the messaging frequency may vary. Messaging & data rates may apply.

Your mobile information will not be shared with any third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All policies are followed as per CTIA guidelines 5.2.1. At any time if you want to be removed from our contact list you can contact us by our email address contact@helpoutny.com.

Thank you

Thank you so much for reaching out. We know that it can be difficult to ask for support.

We will get back to you within our working hours, as soon as possible. We will respond via the email address you provided.

If this is an emergency, please dial 911 for law enforcement or 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Help is also available 24/7 via through Crisis Text Line. Text FRIEND to 741741 for free, confidential support.