Lesson Plan
Help Happens Here Outline
Participants will explore and locate local and online mental health supports, practice help-seeking strategies through interactive activities, and develop skills to reduce stigma when accessing help.
Understanding how and where to seek mental health support empowers adults to care for themselves and others, builds community resilience, and normalizes help-seeking behaviors.
Audience
Adult Community Group
Time
75 minutes
Approach
Interactive presentation, group activities, and guided reflection.
Materials
- Projector and Screen, - Pens and Paper, - Resource Roadshow, - Local Services Compendium, - Resource Scavenger Hunt, and - Resource Recall Challenge
Prep
Prepare and Review Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Help Happens Here Outline and session flow
- Download and familiarize yourself with the Resource Roadshow slides
- Update and print the latest Local Services Compendium
- Print enough Resource Scavenger Hunt worksheets for all participants
- Queue up the Resource Recall Challenge quiz platform or slides
Step 1
Welcome and Objectives
10 minutes
- Greet participants and introduce facilitators
- Establish group norms: confidentiality, respect, and openness
- Share lesson objectives: locating resources, practicing help-seeking, destigmatizing support
Step 2
Resource Roadshow Presentation
20 minutes
- Use the Resource Roadshow slide deck to highlight key local and online services
- Showcase 3–5 example providers: hotlines, counseling centers, peer support platforms
- Pause for questions and quick clarifications after each resource category
Step 3
Resource Scavenger Hunt Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Resource Scavenger Hunt worksheets
- In pairs, participants search the Local Services Compendium to find answers
- Encourage collaboration and discussion; circulate to support teams
Step 4
Resource Recall Challenge Quiz
15 minutes
- Launch the Resource Recall Challenge quiz (digital or paper)
- Participants answer 5–7 rapid questions on resource locations and contact methods
- Review answers as a group, reinforcing correct information
Step 5
Reflection & Destigmatization Discussion
10 minutes
- Facilitate a discussion: "What barriers do people face when seeking help?"
- Brainstorm language and actions that reduce stigma
- Capture key strategies on flipchart or whiteboard
Step 6
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Summarize takeaways and provide printed copies of the compendium
- Share contact information for local coordinators or follow-up sessions
- Encourage participants to share one action they will take this week
Slide Deck
Resource Roadshow
• 24/7 Helplines & Hotlines
• Community Counseling Centers
• Peer Support Platforms
• Online Therapy Apps
Welcome participants. Introduce the purpose of the Resource Roadshow: to spotlight a range of local and online mental health supports. Explain that you’ll cover four categories—hotlines, counseling centers, peer support, and online therapy apps—and wrap up with a discussion prompt.
24/7 Helplines & Hotlines
-
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
– Dial 988 (US)
– Chat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org -
Crisis Text Line
– Text HOME to 741741 (US)
– Available 24/7, free, confidential
Show logos for each hotline. Emphasize free, confidential, around-the-clock availability. Prompt participants: “Have you or someone you know ever used a hotline? What was your experience?”
Community Counseling Centers
• Community Mental Health Center
Address: 123 Main St.
Phone: (555) 123-4567
• Hope Counseling Collective
Address: 456 Oak Ave.
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Highlight two prominent local counseling centers. If possible, display photos of their buildings or staff. Ask: “What barriers might keep someone from using these services?”
Peer Support Platforms
• 7 Cups
– Free peer listeners & low-cost therapy
– Website: 7cups.com
• In The Rooms
– Online recovery meetings
– Website: intherooms.com
Explain how peer support differs from clinical therapy. Share a quick anecdote or testimonial. Prompt: “Who here has tried a peer support group? What did you like or dislike?”
Online Therapy Apps
• BetterHelp
– Licensed therapists by video/text
– Subscription: $60–$90/week
• Talkspace
– Messaging & live sessions
– Subscription: $65–$99/week
Discuss pricing tiers and privacy. Note that some apps offer sliding-scale fees. Ask: “Would you try an online therapy app? Why or why not?”
Discussion & Q&A
• Which resource feels most accessible to you?
• What barriers or concerns do you have?
• Any questions before we move on?
Open the floor. Encourage participants to share which resource they’d use first and any questions about accessing support. Note key discussion points to refer back to later activities.
Reading
Local Services Compendium
This compendium provides a quick reference to key local and online mental health supports. It includes descriptions, contact information, hours of operation, eligibility criteria, and helpful notes.
24/7 Helplines & Hotlines
| Service | Contact | Availability | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | • Phone: Dial 988 (US) | |||
| • Chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org | 24/7, free, confidential | All ages (US) | For crisis support & suicide prevention | |
| Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 (US) | 24/7, free, confidential | All ages (US) | Connects you to trained volunteer counselors |
Community Counseling Centers
| Service | Address | Phone | Hours | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Mental Health Center | 123 Main St., Anytown | (555) 123-4567 | Mon–Fri: 8 am–6 pm | Residents of Anytown area | Sliding-scale fees; accepts Medicaid & Medicare |
| Hope Counseling Collective | 456 Oak Ave., Anytown | (555) 987-6543 | Mon–Thu: 9 am–8 pm | Adults (18+) in county | Offers family & group therapy; fee assistance |
| Riverside Family Therapy | 789 River Rd., Anytown | (555) 222-3344 | Tue–Sat: 10 am–7 pm | All ages; focus on families | Evening/weekend slots; accepts most insurances |
Peer Support Platforms
| Service | Website | Availability | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Cups | 7cups.com | 24/7 peer listeners; paid therapy 24/7 | Ages 13+ | Free text chat with trained volunteers; low-cost therapy available |
| In The Rooms | intherooms.com | Scheduled online meetings | Adults in recovery | Over 60 recovery groups; global meeting times |
Online Therapy Apps
| Service | Website | Availability | Cost | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | betterhelp.com | 24/7 messaging & live sessions | $60–$90/week subscription | Adults 18+ | Licensed therapists; financial aid available |
| Talkspace | talkspace.com | Messaging & scheduled video | $65–$99/week subscription | Adults 18+ | Option for psychiatry add-on |
Tips for Using This Compendium
• Keep a printed copy in your wallet or on your fridge.
• Share relevant contacts with friends and family in need.
• Check service websites periodically for updated hours or fees.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out—even if you’re unsure, talking to a counselor or peer can help you decide next steps.
Game
Resource Scavenger Hunt
Instructions: In pairs, use the Local Services Compendium to locate and record the information requested below. You have 15 minutes—collaborate and discuss as needed.
-
What phone number can you call to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline?
-
Which community counseling center offers evening and weekend appointment slots? List its name and phone number.
-
Name one peer support platform that provides free text chat with trained volunteers. What is its website?
-
If someone is 16 years old and in crisis, which service from the compendium could they use, and how would they access it?
-
What are the weekly subscription costs for Talkspace?
-
Identify one tip from the end of the compendium that suggests how to make this information more accessible in daily life.
Bonus Question:
- Which service accepts Medicaid and Medicare, and what are its hours of operation?
Quiz
Resource Recall Challenge