Disaster Distress Helpline
The national Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH), a program of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), offers specialized crisis counseling and support for anyone struggling with emotional distress related to Hurricane Sandy. The DDH offers 24/7/365 toll-free, confidential and multi-lingual helpline (1-800-985-5990; "Press 1" for Hurricane Sandy) and SMS (text "TalkWithUs" to 66746; Spanish-speakers can text "Hablanos" to 66746) counseling, support, and referrals to local community-based resources for Sandy survivors, first responders, and anyone who may be experiencing ongoing distress, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts/feelings and other mental health concerns.