This guide is for Vermonters who need mental health help and are not sure where to begin, and for family members helping someone else. You will get a short list of who to call in a crisis, where to ask for local information, and how to find a therapist, with an honest note on where Eden Valley fits.
If it is urgent: crisis and emergency help
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide, use one of these, any time of day.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. It is free and confidential, and you do not need to be suicidal to contact it. Veterans can press 1 after calling. Spanish speakers can press 2 or text AYUDA. There is also an option for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Vermont has two 988 centers, and calls from within the state are routed to them first.
- Local crisis lines. Each of Vermont's designated mental health agencies runs a crisis line. In Chittenden County, Howard Center's First Call is 802-488-7777, staffed around the clock. The state keeps a list of every agency's crisis line.
- Mobile crisis teams. Teams of two, often a clinician and a peer support specialist, are available around the clock across Vermont. A crisis line can send one if needed.
If you need to talk but it is not an emergency
- Vermont peer support line. Call 833-VT-TALKS or text 833-888-2557 to talk with someone with lived experience. The state lists it as available around the clock.
- Mental health urgent care. Howard Center in Burlington offers walk-in care as an alternative to an emergency room. The state lists weekday hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the number 802-488-6482. Confirm hours before you go.
Vermont 211: the information line
Vermont 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service. It helps with housing, food, health care, transportation and crisis support. Dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898211, or search at search.vermont211.org. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., every day of the year. If you do not know where to start, start here.
Designated agencies
Vermont's designated agencies are nonprofit community mental health centers that serve each region. They offer crisis services, and many provide ongoing counseling, case management and other programs. Vermont Care Partners keeps a page of intake and crisis lines by agency. Call your local agency to ask about intake. Our help page also lists crisis resources.
NAMI Vermont
NAMI Vermont offers free peer support groups for people living with a mental health condition, and family support groups for friends and relatives. It also runs classes such as Family-to-Family. Visit namivt.org or call the office at (802) 876-7949.
School counselors and primary care
- School counselors. For children and teens, a school counselor is often a good first contact. They can listen, share local options and connect families with outside care.
- Your primary care provider. A doctor or nurse practitioner can screen for depression and anxiety, rule out physical causes and give referrals. Mention your mood the same way you would mention a cough.
How to find a therapist
- Decide what you want. Individual, couples or child and teen therapy? A specific concern such as OCD, anxiety or trauma?
- Check credentials. The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation lets you look up licensed professionals and the roster of psychotherapists.
- Ask about cost. Ask whether the provider takes your insurance, offers a sliding scale or can give a written estimate.
- Use a locator. FindTreatment.gov, from the federal government, searches for mental health and substance use services near you. For substance use, Vermont Helplink connects people with treatment and recovery support.
- Book a first call. Ask how they work and how soon you could be seen. A good fit matters. It is fine to try more than one person.
Where Eden Valley fits
Eden Valley is the clinical program of the nonprofit Revolution Youth, Inc. in Burlington. We offer therapy for individuals, couples, children and teens, along with workshops and groups. See our services and groups. We are not a crisis service. If you are in danger or need help right now, use 988 or the numbers above. To ask about care at Eden Valley, use the contact page.
This post is general information, not medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call for mental health help in Vermont?
For a crisis, call or text 988. For information on services, dial 2-1-1. For ongoing care, call your local designated agency or a private therapist.
What is the Vermont mental health crisis line?
Vermont uses the national 988 line, with Vermont centers answering first. Each regional agency also runs its own 24-hour crisis line, such as First Call at 802-488-7777 in Chittenden County.
How do I find a therapist in Vermont?
Ask your doctor or school counselor for referrals, search FindTreatment.gov, call your local designated agency or contact private practices. Check licenses with the Office of Professional Regulation.
Is there free mental health support in Vermont?
Yes. 988 and the peer support line are free. NAMI Vermont's support groups are free, and Vermont 211 can point you to other low-cost options.
