Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
1-800-273-TALK (800/273-8255),
TTY 1-800-799-4889
Call if you or a loved one are in emotional distress or suicidal in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. You will speak to trained staff who will give you immediate access to local resources, referrals and expertise. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers to the hotline will receive counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network. The network is run by HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and involves more than 110 certified crisis centers. People will be provided with immediate access to local resources, referrals and expertise.

FEMA
Louisiana—800/273-8255, 866-615-8700, or 888-622-6470
Tennessee—800/809-9957
This crisis counseling program is short term and only available to survivors of declared major disasters. Callers should identify themselves as Katrina evacuees and explain what they need. Crisis response staff can assist in an emergency situation, distribute local referral information, or arrange for contact by an outreach counselor as needed. Stress and inability to cope often appear weeks or months after traumatic events. Disaster victims may experience any of several emotional responses, including anger, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, depression, nightmares, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, drug use and increased use of alcohol.

United Healthcare—866/615-8700
Callers can speak with counselors to help them handle the difficult emotions they may experience such as stress, anxiety and the grieving process. Callers also may receive referrals from a national database of community resources to help them with specific concerns, such as financial and legal issues. Callers who may have suffered physical trauma or symptoms will be transferred to a nurse who will be able to provide health education and decision support regarding the need for medical treatment.