Finding mental health support can feel overwhelming, especially when you aren’t sure where to start. Central Florida residents have access to crisis services, counseling, support groups, referrals, and other behavioral health resources throughout the region.
With World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, here’s a guide to several organizations and services Central Floridians can turn to for mental health support.
If You Are Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Florida Lifeline. The service connects people experiencing mental health or emotional distress, substance use concerns, or suicidal thoughts with trained crisis counselors.
Florida also has Mobile Response Teams, which provide 24/7 emergency behavioral health services to eligible people experiencing a severe emotional or behavioral health crisis. Teams can provide services in homes, schools, and other community settings, as well as through telehealth.
If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911.
For help identifying community services and resources, 211 is another option. The national 211 network connects people with local assistance and community resources, including mental health services.
Mental Health Association of Central Florida
The Mental Health Association of Central Florida (MHACF) offers several resources for Central Florida residents seeking mental health support.
Its Connections Referral Program helps people find mental health and community resources through a network of providers. Residents can contact MHACF at 407-898-0110 for referral assistance.
MHACF also operates the Outlook Clinic, which provides free mental health care for uninsured Central Florida residents who qualify for the program.
The organization also offers support groups and educational programs addressing areas including anxiety and depression, grief, and suicide prevention.
Mental Health Association of Central Florida
605 E. Robinson St., Suite 450
Orlando, FL 32801
407-898-0110
Free Mental Health Services for Uninsured Youth
Families looking for mental health services for an uninsured child or teenager can also explore MHACF’s Youth and Family Services program.
The program provides mental health counseling at no cost to uninsured children, adolescents, and their families. It focuses on young people ages 6 to 17 and can include individual therapy, medication management, expressive arts therapy, group education, and care management following an initial clinical screening.
Aspire Health Partners
Aspire Health Partners provides behavioral health services throughout Central Florida, including mental health treatment, crisis services, and substance use services.
For residents experiencing a severe emotional or mental health crisis in Orange County, Aspire’s Mobile Response Team provides 24-hour, seven-day-a-week crisis intervention and assessment for adults and youth. The team can respond on site or provide telehealth services and can assist with stabilization, safety planning, supportive counseling, and connections to additional services.
Aspire also operates a 24/7 call center for information and referrals at 407-875-3700.
IMPOWER
IMPOWER provides outpatient mental health services for children, teens, and adults. Services include counseling and psychiatric care, with most counseling provided through telehealth.
The organization accepts most insurance plans and offers sliding-scale fees based on income. Its intake team can help people determine which services may be appropriate for their needs.
IMPOWER’s administrative office is located at:
2290 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Suite 116
Longwood, FL 32750
Contact: 407-215-0095
NAMI Greater Orlando
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Orlando provides education and support for people affected by mental illness, including individuals and their family members.
One of its programs, NAMI Family-to-Family, is a free educational program designed for adult family members and significant others supporting someone living with a mental health condition.
NAMI Greater Orlando also offers educational presentations and other community resources focused on mental health and wellness.
For Central Florida families looking for peer education and support, NAMI can be another place to explore resources and learn more about navigating mental health conditions.
Orlando Health Behavioral Health Services
For people who need hospital-based behavioral health care, Orlando Health Behavioral Health Hospital is a 144-bed freestanding behavioral health hospital serving adults, children, and adolescents.
The facility provides inpatient behavioral health treatment for a range of mental health conditions and is a Baker Act-receiving facility.
Orlando Health also provides behavioral health services through other facilities and providers throughout Central Florida.
Where to Start
Not everyone who needs mental health support is experiencing a crisis. Counseling, peer support, psychiatric care, and community programs can all play different roles depending on a person’s circumstances.
If you aren’t sure which type of service you need, starting with 211 or a local referral organization such as the Mental Health Association of Central Florida can help you identify available options.
For an immediate mental health crisis, call or text 988. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Keep in mind that services, eligibility requirements, availability, and costs can change. Contact each organization directly to confirm current information before seeking care.
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