Crisis & helplines
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) Call or text 988 · 988lifeline.org
- Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 · crisistextline.org
- SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) · samhsa.gov
- Find treatment (US) findtreatment.gov
- International helplines findahelpline.com
Articles
Signs of problematic social media use
Patterns that may mean it is time to cut back or seek support.
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Healthy social media habits
Practical boundaries for notifications, time, and comparison traps.
Read →
Why this hub exists
Social media can connect people, provide community, and help people find information and support. It can also crowd out sleep, fuel comparison, expose people to harassment, and become hard to put down. Many people notice these effects in themselves or someone they love and are not sure where to turn. This hub collects trusted, established resources and plain-language educational articles in one place.
We are a resource hub only. We do not employ clinicians, do not provide therapy or diagnosis, and cannot connect you with a specialist. The organizations listed above and below are independent of this website.
What the research and health authorities say
The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health reviewed available evidence and concluded that while social media can offer benefits, we cannot conclude it is sufficiently safe for children and adolescents. The advisory reports that up to 95% of young people aged 13–17 say they use a social media platform, and that adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems such as symptoms of depression and anxiety. It also recommends practical steps for young people, families, technology companies, and policymakers.
The American Psychological Association health advisory on adolescent social media use offers recommendations focused on adolescent development, including adult monitoring appropriate to age, limiting use that interferes with sleep and physical activity, and teaching social media literacy. For adults and young people alike, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) “Help for Mental Illnesses” page explains how to find mental health care and what to do in a crisis.
These summaries are educational. Research continues, and individual experiences vary widely. A clinician can help you interpret what applies to your situation.
How to find professional support
- Start with a primary care clinician if you have one. They can screen for common conditions and refer you.
- Check your insurance provider directory for in-network therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists.
- Use public directories like findtreatment.gov (from SAMHSA) for treatment facilities in the US.
- Contact your school or workplace about counseling services or employee assistance programs if available.
- Call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential treatment referral and information.
Self-check questions
These questions are not a diagnostic test. They can help you reflect and decide whether to talk to someone:
- Do I often use social media longer than I planned?
- Have I tried to cut back and found it very difficult?
- Is my sleep, schoolwork, job, or relationships suffering?
- Do I feel worse about myself after scrolling more often than I feel better?
- Do I feel anxious or irritable when I cannot check my apps?
If several feel true, consider the practical steps in our healthy habits article and talk with a trusted person or professional.
Resources for parents and caregivers
Families can use the AAP Family Media Plan to set shared expectations, and our parental controls guide explains platform and device tools. Pair tools with open conversation; most kids respond better to curiosity than to surprise restrictions.
Understanding the limits of online help
Articles, apps, and online communities can help people feel less alone and learn practical strategies. They cannot replace assessment and care from a qualified professional when symptoms are significant. If you notice persistent low mood, anxiety that interferes with daily life, changes in eating or sleep, or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a clinician or one of the helplines on this page.
Questions to ask when choosing a provider
- Are you licensed in my state or region?
- Do you have experience with technology use, anxiety, depression, or adolescents (as relevant)?
- What approaches do you use, and how will we measure progress?
- Do you accept my insurance, or offer a sliding scale?
- Do you offer telehealth sessions?
It is normal to try more than one provider before finding a good fit. A strong working relationship is one of the most important parts of effective care.
How we choose resources
We list organizations that are well-established, government-operated, or widely recognized, and we link to their official websites. We do not receive payment for listings. If you believe a resource is out of date, please let us know through our contact page; do not use the contact form for urgent or personal health matters.
Frequently asked questions
Can this website connect me with a therapist?
No. We are an educational resource hub and do not provide referrals, intake, or clinical services. Use the directories and helplines listed on this page to find professional support.
Is 988 only for suicidal thoughts?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline supports people experiencing suicidal thoughts and other mental health or emotional distress, as well as people worried about someone else. In the US you can call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org.
Are these resources free?
The helplines listed are free to contact. Treatment costs vary; directories such as findtreatment.gov include information about payment options, and the SAMHSA Helpline can help with referrals.
Medical disclaimer: Content on this site is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See our full Medical Disclaimer.