Mental Health Resources
As part of our commitment to the well-being of our study participants, we have compiled a list of accessible mental health resources available online and nationwide. This list includes various services designed to support individuals experiencing distress or mental health challenges. These resources offer a range of options from free crisis intervention to ongoing support (e.g., counseling or therapy), ensuring that help is available whenever and wherever you need it. Whether you are looking for professional counseling, peer support, or immediate crisis management, the following organizations provide confidential and professional assistance through multiple channels such as phone, text, and online platforms.
In life-threatening situations, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Crisis Intervention:
- Crisis Text Line
- Text “HELLO” to 741741
- A free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Call 988
- Provides 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Available in English and Spanish.
- 7 Cups
- Website: www.7cups.com
- Offers free, anonymous, and confidential text chat with trained listeners, available 24/7.
- Veterans Crisis Line
- Call: 1-800-273-8255, press 1. Text: 838255. Online chat available at www.veteranscrisisline.net
- A confidential hotline for U.S. military veterans and their families, offering support for mental health crises and emotional distress.
Ongoing Support
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Website: www.nami.org
- Offers support, education, and advocacy for individuals with mental illnesses and their families.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Website: www.samhsa.gov
- Provides a treatment locator and a national helpline (1-800-662-HELP) for substance abuse and mental health issues.
- BetterHelp
- Website: www.betterhelp.com
- Provides access to licensed therapists for online counseling via chat, video, or voice.
- Talkspace
- Website: www.talkspace.com
- Online therapy with licensed therapists available through messaging and video sessions.
- Psychology Today
- Website: www.psychologytoday.com
- Provides a directory of therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups across the U.S.
- Mental Health America (MHA)
- Website: www.mhanational.org
- Offers resources on mental health, how to get help, and preventative measures.
- Local Resources
- Dial 211 to reach your local 211 center.
- A nationwide resource hotline connecting individuals to local community resources, including mental health services, support groups, and other social services.
Payment Information
At the end of the study, you will receive an Amazon e-gift card via email for your time and effort. You can earn up to $70.00 USD for your participation (i.e. if you complete all the surveys). The payment structure is as follows (in USD):
- Background Survey: 30 mins, $6.00
- Midpoint Survey: 30 mins, $6.00
- Endpoint Survey: 45 mins, $12.50
- This includes $7.50 for completing the survey questions, and an additional $5.00 for uploading the transcript of chats with your AI companion and a screenshot your AI companion’s avatar
- 12 Weekly Surveys: 10 mins each, $2.00 for week 1 survey and an additional $0.25 for each following survey (i.e. $2.25 for week 2 survey, $2.50 for week 3 survey, $2.75 for week 4 survey, $3.00 for week 5 survey, etc.… up until $4.75 for week 12 survey; total $40.50 if all 12 surveys are completed)
Bonus payment of $5.00 for people who complete at least 75% of the Weekly Surveys (i.e., complete 9 or more of 12 weekly surveys
