#United States #mental health #Arlington #NAMI HelpLine #ICH Accreditation

NAMI HelpLine Receives International Council for Helplines Accreditation

In a significant advancement for mental health support services, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has proudly announced that its HelpLine has earned accreditation from the prestigious International Council for Helplines (ICH). This accreditation underscores NAMI's unwavering commitment to providing outstanding resources, information, and assistance to those in need of mental health support.

The recognition aims to reinforce the vital role that the NAMI HelpLine plays in guiding individuals through their mental health challenges. CEO of NAMI, Daniel H. Gillison Jr., remarked, "This accreditation is a testament to our team's dedication to delivering the highest quality support. The HelpLine has long served as a reliable resource for individuals facing the hardships of mental illness, offering them light, guidance, and connection."

Established 35 years ago, the HelpLine was designed to serve as a direct link for individuals affected by mental illness, providing vital information about NAMI's offerings and broader mental health resources. Currently, it remains a free service accessible via phone, chat, and text, catering to more than 750,000 individuals each year who seek crucial guidance and support.

The ICH accreditation is not awarded lightly; it signifies a level of excellence achieved only by helplines that meet high standards across several operational aspects including governance, leadership, fiscal management, staff training, and crisis intervention best practices. NAMI’s achievement places it among a select group of organizations committed to delivering safe, accessible, and meaningful support to their communities.

"The NAMI HelpLine is deeply passionate about addressing the needs of those who reach out for assistance," said Executive Director of the HelpLine, Dawn P. Brown. “Pursuing this accreditation allowed us to align our operations with the best standards in the industry, ensuring that we provide the mental health community with a trustworthy service. We hold the International Council for Helplines in high esteem for their long-standing dedication to establishing quality benchmarks for helplines dealing with crises, domestic violence, and addiction issues."

In keeping with its mission, the HelpLine continues to expand its impact by extending services tailored specifically for teenagers and young adults, as well as catering to the Spanish-speaking community. Young individuals seeking help or knowledge about assisting their peers can contact the NAMI Teen and Young Adult (TYA) HelpLine via phone at 1-800-950-6264 (select option '3'), through online chatting, by texting "Friend" to 62640, or emailing helpline@nami.org between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

International Council for Helplines Overview

The International Council for Helplines, with over five decades of experience, is dedicated to establishing best practices for helplines that offer emotional support. Their experts work closely with organizations to navigate the rigorous accreditation process, ensuring that mental health support services meet the highest standards.

About the NAMI HelpLine

The NAMI HelpLine operates as a free, nationwide peer-support service providing crucial information and resources to individuals living with mental health conditions, their families, caregivers, mental health professionals, and the general public. Staffed by well-trained professionals and volunteers, the HelpLine remains a reliable source for guidance and support.

To reach the NAMI HelpLine, call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), send a text with "HelpLine" to 62640, or engage in an online chat at nami.org/help. The service is available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. NAMI remains the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States, striving to enhance the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

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