When you need mental health support, help leaving an unsafe situation, or assistance with taxes and digital access—NYC has free, confidential services available. Here’s your guide to resources that support your wellbeing, safety, and financial stability in 2026.
Taking care of your mental health, ensuring your physical safety, managing your finances, and having reliable internet access aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials for thriving in New York City. Yet knowing where to turn when you need help with these fundamental needs can feel overwhelming.
The good news: NYC offers extensive free resources specifically designed to support your wellbeing, safety, and economic stability. These aren’t just services—they’re lifelines that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers use every year.
This guide covers mental health services, domestic violence support, free tax preparation, and digital access programs—all available at no cost, with confidential support in multiple languages.
988: Your Connection to Mental Health Support
988 is your connection to free, confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance use support, information and referrals. You can reach the toll-free helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text, and online chat.
When to Call 988
- You’re looking for mental health or substance use providers in your area
- You’re having thoughts about hurting or killing yourself
- You’re concerned about changes in the behavior of someone you care about
- You need short-term counseling while waiting for longer-term care
- You want peer support from someone with lived experience
What 988 Provides
988’s counselors and peer specialists are trained to listen and provide:
- Short-term counseling: Support, coping strategies, and techniques for maintaining healthy living
- Crisis assessment: Determining appropriate crisis intervention services
- Peer support: Specialists trained to use their own experiences with mental illness to support others
- Information and referrals: Connections to ongoing mental health and substance use services based on your specific needs, location, language, and insurance
Language access: 988 counselors are available 24/7 and can provide support in over 200 languages over the phone. Text and chat support is available in English and Spanish.
No insurance required: Health insurance is not required. Depending on your phone/text service, you may be charged a standard fee.
How to Reach 988
- Call: Dial 988
- Text: Text to 988
- Chat: Visit 988lifeline.org/chat
Free and Low-Cost Therapy in NYC
Beyond crisis support, NYC offers extensive options for ongoing mental health care at little or no cost.
NYC Well
NYC Well provides free, confidential mental health support for all New Yorkers.
Contact:
- Call: 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355)
- Text: “WELL” to 65173
Available 24/7 with trained counselors who provide brief supportive therapy and crisis counseling in over 200 languages.
NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals offers expert care provided by bilingual-bicultural therapists in family therapy programs at clinics citywide.
To make an appointment: Call 1-844-NYC-4NYC (1-844-692-4692)
NYC Teenspace (Ages 13-17)
NYC Teenspace is a free mental health support program available to any NYC teen ages 13 to 17. Whether you struggle with mental health challenges or just want somebody to talk to, you can sign up for Teenspace to be connected to a licensed therapist for ongoing support, plus access to online mental health exercises.
Powered by Talkspace and offered by NYC Health Department
How to apply:
- Visit Talkspace and enter your address and birthday
- Enter your parent or guardian’s info and email for consent
- Complete a simple online assessment
- Get matched with a licensed therapist for ongoing virtual support
University Graduate School Clinics
Graduate students training to become psychologists provide care under licensed practitioner supervision. Most don’t accept insurance but set rates low and can be flexible.
- Dean Hope Center (Teachers College, Columbia): $40/session for individual, couples, and family therapy; sliding scale available
- Fordham Community Mental Health Clinic: Sliding scale for intake and psychotherapy
- Long Island University Post Campus: $5-$10 per session, $50 intake fee
- Pace University McShane Center: $25 minimum per session, $50 intake fee
Hospital Outpatient Services
Hospital programs tend to be multidisciplinary with psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers available. Many offer services in multiple languages and work with most insurance plans.
Examples:
- Institute for Family Health Center for Counseling: Sliding scale, $30 minimum without insurance
- Montefiore Medical Center Moses Child Outpatient Program: All insurance accepted, $30 minimum sliding scale
- Lutheran Medical Center Sunset Terrace: $15 minimum per session sliding scale
Finding the Right Provider
988’s database includes over 600 providers offering family counseling and other services. Visit nyc.gov/988, click “Find Services” in the menu, and search by service type. You can narrow results by neighborhood, language spoken, and insurance type.
Family Justice Centers: Support for Domestic Violence Survivors
If you’re experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, stalking, or intimate partner violence, NYC Family Justice Centers (FJCs) provide comprehensive, free support—all in one location.
What Family Justice Centers Provide
FJCs offer social, legal, and mental health services including:
- Safety planning and risk assessment
- Crisis counseling and connections to ongoing mental health support
- Legal assistance with orders of protection, custody, visitation, child support, divorce, housing, and immigration matters
- Shelter assistance and housing support
- Economic empowerment services
- Connection to public benefits
- Court advocacy
- Language interpretation (240+ languages)
- Free childcare for ages 3 and up while you receive services
Who Can Use Family Justice Centers
All survivors are welcome regardless of:
- Age
- Language
- Income
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Disability
- Immigration status
No appointment needed. Services are free and confidential.
NYC Family Justice Center Locations
There is an FJC in each borough, all open Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM:
- Bronx FJC: 198 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451 | (718) 508-1220
- Brooklyn FJC: 350 Jay Street, 15th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | (718) 250-5113
- Manhattan FJC: 80 Centre Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10013 | (212) 602-2800
- Queens FJC: 126-02 82nd Avenue, Kew Gardens, NY 11415 | (718) 575-4500
- Staten Island FJC: 126 Stuyvesant Place, 2nd Floor, Staten Island, NY 10301 | (718) 697-4300
24-Hour Support
NYC Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline:
- Call: 800-621-HOPE (4673)
- TTY: 866-604-5350 (for hearing impaired)
Available 24/7 for immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, and support.
If you’re in immediate danger: Call 911. If you can’t talk, text 911 (learn more: nyc.gov/text911)
Expanded Mental Health Services
As of 2025, NYC Health + Hospitals expanded its Domestic Violence Shelter Mental Health Initiative to 41 domestic violence shelters, increasing access to evidence-based mental health services for families in the city’s domestic violence shelters.
The City has baselined annual funding for the Family Justice Center mental health program at $2.3 million.
Additional DV Resources
NYC HOPE Resource Directory: Comprehensive directory of resources for survivors at various stages—check online for services by borough and need
Sanctuary for Families: (212) 349-6009 | Comprehensive services including legal help, counseling, economic empowerment
Safe Horizon: (800) 621-4673 | Extensive services across all five boroughs
NYC Anti-Violence Project: (212) 714-1141 | Bilingual Spanish/English hotline; LGBTQ-specific services
NYC Free Tax Prep: Keep More of Your Money
On average, tax preparation fees cost about $346 in New York—that’s a month of groceries, two months of internet, or over 100 subway rides. NYC Free Tax Prep helps you file for free with IRS-certified volunteer preparers.
Who Qualifies
Starting January 2026, you can file for FREE if you:
- Earned $97,000 or less with qualifying children and/or dependents, OR
- Earned $68,000 or less without qualifying children and/or dependents in 2025
Anyone who lives or works in New York City and meets these income requirements can use NYC Free Tax Prep.
How NYC Free Tax Prep Works
Four convenient options:
- Virtual Tax Prep: A preparer helps you file during a 60-90 minute virtual call
- Assisted Self-Prep: Complete your return on your own with a preparer available by phone or email for questions
- Drop-off Service: Drop off your tax documents and pick up the completed return later
- In-Person: Get your taxes prepared for free at a tax prep location near you (minimum 30-minute session)
What’s Included (All Free)
- Complete tax return preparation
- E-filing
- Direct deposit setup
- Quality review by a second preparer
- Help maximizing your refund and tax credits
Important Tax Law Changes for 2025
Child Tax Credit: Starting tax year 2025, at least one parent must have a Social Security Number to claim the Child Tax Credit (in previous years, only the child needed an SSN).
No more paper checks: The IRS will no longer issue paper checks. Filers who typically received federal refunds by paper will now receive them via a treasury-sponsored debit card.
For Self-Employed Filers
If you’re a freelancer, gig worker, or small business owner with business expenses of $250,000 or less, you can get help completing an accurate tax return at certain in-person NYC Free Tax Prep sites.
How to Get Started
Find a location: Visit nyc.gov/taxprep to find sites near you
Deadline: April 15, 2026 to file your 2025 tax return (but NYC Free Tax Prep preparers answer questions year-round)
What to bring:
- Photo ID
- Social Security cards for everyone on your return
- All income statements (W-2, 1099 forms, unemployment statements)
- Form 1095-A if you purchased health insurance through the marketplace
- Voided check if you want direct deposit
- Copy of last year’s return if available
VITA Programs at CUNY Schools
Several CUNY campuses offer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs:
Brooklyn College VITA: Every Tuesday, 9 AM-3 PM, February 4-April 8, 2025
York College VITA: Since 2008, saved the community over $5 million in tax filing fees and generated $17 million+ in federal refunds
Digital Access: Free Internet and Computer Resources
In the 21st century, internet access is essential for finding jobs, accessing education, applying for benefits, and staying connected. NYC offers multiple programs to ensure no one is left offline.
Big Apple Connect: Free Internet for NYCHA Residents
Big Apple Connect is the nation’s largest municipally subsidized broadband program, providing 330,000 residents across 220 NYCHA sites with free high-speed internet and basic cable TV access through June 2028.
Annual savings: Approximately $1,700 per year per family
New addition: $1.2 million in funding from Optimum and Spectrum for digital literacy programming at libraries, plus a new online digital literacy hub with virtual training sessions on basic internet software, job applications, and resume creation.
Liberty Link: Free Wi-Fi in Affordable Housing
Liberty Link is a 3-year pilot program delivering free at-home Wi-Fi to nearly 2,200 households across 35 affordable housing buildings in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan.
Launch: Service rollout began end of 2025
Includes: Access to Neighborhood Tech Help program for one-on-one digital literacy support
Public Computer Centers: 450+ Locations
NYC operates over 450 public computer centers across the five boroughs (including 128 in Queens alone), providing:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Public-use devices
- Digital literacy programs
- Language access services
- Assistive technologies for people with disabilities
- Digital media production kits
- 3D printers (at select locations)
Locations include: Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, NYC Parks, Link NYC Gigabit Centers, NYC Aging centers, DYCD community centers
Neighborhood Tech Help: One-on-One Digital Literacy Support
Neighborhood Tech Help is an innovative in-person program offering one-on-one support at participating affordable housing developments and community centers.
What you’ll learn:
- Getting online and setting up devices
- Avoiding scams and staying safe online
- Navigating digital services and online applications
- Recovering passwords
- Finding reliable health information
- Accessing low-cost internet service
- Connecting with family, friends, teachers, or case workers
Partnership: HPD, Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library
Free Chromebooks for NYC Public School Students
During the 2025-2026 school year, 350,000 K-12 NYC public school students will receive new internet-enabled Chromebooks for free with LTE or 5G internet access.
Coverage: Students across 1,700 public schools in all five boroughs
NYC Digital Equity Roadmap
In March 2025, the Adams administration invested $2.4 million to advance digital equity, including:
- Renovating computer labs in libraries and older adult centers
- Creating an interagency Digital Equity Working Group
- Expanding NYCHA mobile computer lab fleet
- Creating a new chief digital equity officer position
The challenge: Approximately 30% of NYC households (nearly 2.5 million residents) lack the combination of mobile and home broadband service required for full connectivity. Nearly 10% lack a computer at home.
NYS Digital Literacy Program
The New York State Department of Labor launched a free digital literacy program through partnership with Northstar Digital Literacy to help job seekers build computer skills.
According to a 2022 NYSDOL survey: 44% of businesses said basic computer use and computer literacy were common skills lacking among job applicants.
Financial Counseling at Workforce1
In addition to job training and placement services, Workforce1 Career Centers offer free one-on-one professional financial counseling to help you:
- Create a budget
- Understand credit and debt
- Plan for major expenses
- Build savings
- Navigate financial challenges
Find your nearest Workforce1 center: Visit nyc.gov/workforce1 or call 311
Making the Most of These Resources
Combining Services for Maximum Support
These resources work best when used together:
Scenario 1: Starting fresh after leaving an abusive relationship
- Visit Family Justice Center for safety planning, legal help, and shelter assistance
- Access mental health services through FJC’s on-site therapy
- Get help with public benefits applications
- Use NYC Free Tax Prep to file taxes and maximize refunds
- If in NYCHA or affordable housing, access Big Apple Connect or Liberty Link for free internet
- Connect with Workforce1 for job training and placement
Scenario 2: Managing mental health while job searching
- Call 988 or NYC Well for mental health support
- Connect to ongoing therapy through low-cost university clinics
- Use public computer centers or library computers for job applications
- Access Neighborhood Tech Help to build digital skills
- Work with Workforce1 for job search support and financial counseling
- Use NYC Free Tax Prep to maximize tax refunds
Scenario 3: Building economic stability
- File taxes through NYC Free Tax Prep to keep more money
- Access free financial counseling at Workforce1
- If eligible, get free internet through Big Apple Connect or Liberty Link
- Use Neighborhood Tech Help to learn online banking and financial management
- Apply for Fair Fares for reduced transit costs
Overcoming Common Barriers
Language barriers: 988 offers support in 200+ languages. Family Justice Centers have interpretation in 240+ languages. NYC Free Tax Prep has multilingual preparers.
Technology access: Use public computer centers at libraries, community centers, or Link NYC Gigabit Centers. All are free and don’t require library cards.
Privacy concerns: All mental health services are confidential. Family Justice Center services are confidential. Your information is protected by law.
Immigration status: Family Justice Centers serve all survivors regardless of immigration status. Mental health services don’t require documentation. Big Apple Connect and digital programs don’t ask about immigration status.
Stigma: Seeking mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness. One in five New Yorkers experiences mental health challenges. Using domestic violence services is not shameful—it’s courageous.
Important Numbers to Save
Mental Health & Crisis:
- 988: Mental health crisis support (24/7)
- NYC Well: 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355) or text “WELL” to 65173
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
Domestic Violence:
- NYC DV Hotline: 800-621-HOPE (4673), 24/7
- 311: For Family Justice Center referrals
- 911: For immediate danger
Financial Support:
- NYC Free Tax Prep: nyc.gov/taxprep
- Workforce1: 311 or 888-SBS-4NYC
Digital Access:
- Big Apple Connect info: Visit OTI website
- Library computer centers: Call your local branch
Why These Resources Matter
Mental health crises don’t happen on a schedule. Domestic violence doesn’t take weekends off. Tax deadlines come every year whether you’re prepared or not. And in today’s world, being offline means being cut off from essential services, job opportunities, and connections.
These aren’t just programs—they’re recognition that every New Yorker deserves:
- Mental health support without judgment
- Safety and pathways out of violence
- Access to financial resources without exploitation
- Digital connection to participate fully in society
The hardest step is often the first one—making the call, walking into the center, asking for help. But on the other side of that step is support, provided by trained professionals who want to help you thrive.
Your Action Plan
If you need mental health support:
- Call or text 988 for immediate support (available 24/7)
- For ongoing therapy, explore university clinics or hospital programs
- Check your eligibility and insurance options
- Remember: mental health care is health care
If you’re experiencing domestic violence:
- Call 800-621-HOPE (4673) for 24/7 support
- Visit your nearest Family Justice Center (no appointment needed)
- If in immediate danger, call 911
- Know that help is available regardless of immigration status
If you need tax help:
- Check your eligibility at nyc.gov/taxprep
- Gather your documents (W-2s, 1099s, photo ID, SSN cards)
- Choose your preferred method (virtual, in-person, drop-off, or assisted self-prep)
- File before April 15, 2026
If you need internet access:
- NYCHA residents: Check if your building qualifies for Big Apple Connect
- Affordable housing residents: Ask about Liberty Link availability
- Everyone: Visit your nearest public library for free Wi-Fi and computer access
- Need digital skills? Ask about Neighborhood Tech Help
Your well-being matters. Your safety matters. Your economic stability matters. And help is available—not as charity, but as a recognition that supporting each other makes our entire city stronger.
Whether you’re in crisis right now, planning ahead for tax season, or simply trying to get online so you can apply for jobs—there are people ready to help you navigate these systems at no cost.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Get support today: Call 988 for mental health support, 800-621-HOPE for domestic violence help, visit nyc.gov/taxprep for free tax filing, and explore more NYC resources, wellness support, and financial guidance at WMN Magazine.
