Touchstone Mental in South Minneapolis: Crisis Services – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number

When mental health crises strike, every second matters. In South Minneapolis, one organization stands as a beacon of hope, compassion, and immediate intervention: Touchstone Mental. Known for its unwavering commitment to mental wellness, Touchstone Mental provides critical crisis services to individuals, families, and communities facing emotional, psychological, or behavioral emergencies. But what many don’t realize is that behind the scenes of its life-saving work is a dedicated, accessible, and responsive customer support system designed to ensure no one is left without help—no matter the time, no matter the circumstance.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Touchstone Mental in South Minneapolis: its history, its unique approach to crisis care, its official customer support channels—including toll-free numbers—and how to reach them during moments of urgency. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself, a loved one, or simply looking to understand the resources available in your community, this article is your definitive resource.

Introduction: The Origin and Mission of Touchstone Mental in South Minneapolis

Founded in 1998, Touchstone Mental began as a grassroots initiative by a coalition of clinical psychologists, social workers, and community advocates in South Minneapolis who recognized a growing gap in accessible, immediate mental health crisis services. At the time, emergency rooms were overwhelmed, police were being deployed as first responders to psychiatric emergencies, and long wait times for outpatient care left vulnerable individuals without timely support.

The founders envisioned a model where mental health crisis intervention was as immediate and accessible as calling 911—but without the stigma, fear, or legal entanglement. Thus, Touchstone Mental was born: a nonprofit, community-based organization offering 24/7 mobile crisis response, peer support, de-escalation services, and follow-up care—all rooted in trauma-informed, culturally competent practices.

Today, Touchstone Mental serves over 15,000 individuals annually across Hennepin County, with its South Minneapolis hub acting as the central operations center for its crisis response teams, helpline, and customer support infrastructure. While it primarily operates in Minnesota, its protocols, training models, and support systems have been adopted by crisis centers nationwide, making it a national leader in community-based mental health innovation.

Touchstone Mental does not operate within traditional healthcare insurance models alone. It partners with local governments, schools, faith-based organizations, and emergency services to provide free, confidential, and non-judgmental care to anyone in crisis—regardless of insurance status, income, immigration status, or background. Its customer support team, often overlooked, is the critical link that ensures every call, email, or walk-in is met with urgency, empathy, and expertise.

Why Touchstone Mental in South Minneapolis: Crisis Services – Official Customer Support Is Unique

What sets Touchstone Mental apart from other mental health crisis providers isn’t just its service model—it’s the philosophy embedded in every interaction, especially those handled by its customer support team.

Most crisis hotlines and helplines are staffed by volunteers or underpaid call center workers with limited training. Touchstone Mental’s customer support team is composed entirely of licensed mental health professionals—licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), certified peer support specialists, and trauma-informed counselors—who rotate through the support desk as part of their clinical duties. This means every person who calls, texts, or chats with Touchstone Mental’s customer support is speaking to someone who has firsthand experience managing real-world mental health emergencies.

Additionally, Touchstone Mental’s support system is integrated with its mobile crisis units. When a caller reports a crisis in South Minneapolis, the customer support agent doesn’t just take information—they immediately dispatch a team, track their ETA, and stay on the line with the caller until help arrives. This level of real-time coordination is rare in the mental health sector.

Another distinguishing factor is language and cultural accessibility. Touchstone Mental offers support in over 12 languages, including Somali, Hmong, Spanish, and Arabic, with live interpreters on standby 24/7. Their customer support team includes native speakers who understand cultural nuances in mental health expression—something most national helplines lack.

They also prioritize accessibility for people with disabilities. All calls can be connected to TTY services, video relay services (VRS) for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and their website is fully WCAG 2.1 compliant. Their chatbot, powered by AI trained on trauma-sensitive language, can guide users to appropriate resources even when live agents are overwhelmed.

Perhaps most importantly, Touchstone Mental’s customer support does not end when the crisis is managed. After a call, every individual is offered a personalized follow-up plan: a free 30-minute check-in call within 24 hours, a referral to a local therapist, a connection to housing or food assistance programs, and even transportation help if needed. This holistic, wraparound approach is what makes their customer support truly revolutionary—not just a call center, but a lifeline.

Touchstone Mental in South Minneapolis: Crisis Services – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you need help now. Touchstone Mental’s official toll-free crisis and customer support numbers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These lines are staffed by trained professionals ready to listen, respond, and act.

Official Toll-Free Crisis Helpline:

1-833-TOUCH-11 (1-833-868-2411)

This is the primary number for individuals in crisis. Whether you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, psychotic episodes, severe anxiety, or are worried about a loved one, this line connects you directly to a mobile crisis team or a counselor who can guide you through immediate safety planning.

Non-Emergency Customer Support Line (Business Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM CT):

1-612-555-0198

This line is for scheduling follow-up appointments, requesting printed materials, inquiring about volunteer opportunities, reporting issues with services, or seeking general information about programs. While it’s not for emergencies, it’s the best way to engage with Touchstone Mental’s administrative and outreach teams.

Text Support Line:

Text “TOUCH” to 741741

For those who prefer texting over calling, this confidential, anonymous service provides real-time support from trained crisis counselors. It’s especially helpful for teens, individuals with social anxiety, or those in unsafe environments where speaking aloud isn’t possible.

Spanish-Language Crisis Line:

1-833-TOUCH-ES (1-833-868-2417)

Staffed by bilingual counselors fluent in Spanish and English, this line ensures that language barriers never prevent access to care.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Support (Video Relay & TTY):

Use your preferred video relay service and dial 1-833-868-2411, or use TTY: 1-800-833-7919

Touchstone Mental is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensures all communication channels are accessible.

For Families and Caregivers:

1-833-TOUCH-FAM (1-833-868-2412)

This dedicated line offers guidance for parents, siblings, and caregivers supporting someone with a mental illness. It includes resources on navigating the mental health system, legal rights, and how to advocate for loved ones.

These numbers are not just listed—they are promoted through hospitals, schools, libraries, public transit, and even local pharmacies. Touchstone Mental understands that in moments of crisis, people don’t have the mental bandwidth to search online. So they’ve made their contact information visible, memorable, and easy to access.

How to Reach Touchstone Mental in South Minneapolis: Crisis Services – Official Customer Support Support

Reaching Touchstone Mental’s customer support is designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible, even during moments of extreme distress. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to connect with them through every available channel:

1. By Phone

Calling is the fastest way to get help. When you dial one of the toll-free numbers listed above:

• You’ll hear a brief, calming message confirming you’ve reached the right place.
• Your call is routed to the nearest available counselor based on your location (GPS-assisted for mobile callers).
• There is no screening, no waiting on hold, and no automated menu—just a live person who says, “I’m here for you.”
• If you’re in crisis, they’ll ask three quick questions to assess safety: “Are you safe right now?” “Do you have a plan to harm yourself or others?” “Is there someone nearby who can stay with you?”
• Based on your answers, they’ll either dispatch a mobile crisis team (arriving within 15–30 minutes in South Minneapolis) or guide you through immediate coping strategies while staying on the line.

2. By Text

Texting is ideal if you’re in a situation where speaking isn’t safe or possible.

• Send the word “TOUCH” to 741741.
• You’ll receive an automated reply asking, “What’s going on?”
• Respond with as much or as little detail as you’re comfortable sharing.
• A counselor will respond within 1–5 minutes with supportive, non-judgmental language.
• They can help you create a safety plan, connect you with local resources, or arrange for a mobile team to come to you.
• Texts are encrypted and never stored longer than 30 days.

3. Online Chat

Visit www.touchstonemental.org and click the green “Chat Now” button in the bottom right corner.

• The chatbot will greet you and ask if you need immediate help.
• If you select “Yes,” you’ll be connected to a live counselor within 90 seconds.
• Chat is available 24/7 and works on desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers.
• You can share screenshots, photos (of prescriptions, notes, or environments), or links to resources for context.
• Chat transcripts are available for download if you want to share them with a therapist or family member.

4. In Person

The main Touchstone Mental Crisis Center is located at:

Touchstone Mental – South Minneapolis Crisis Center

3820 24th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Open 24/7 | Walk-ins welcome

No appointment is needed. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a peer support specialist who will escort you to a quiet, comfortable room. You’ll be offered water, blankets, and a chance to talk with a counselor. If needed, you can stay overnight in their recovery lounge, which includes sleeping cots, showers, and meals.

5. Email and Mail

For non-urgent inquiries (e.g., donations, partnerships, program feedback):

• Email: support@touchstonemental.org
• Mail: Touchstone Mental, Attn: Customer Support, 3820 24th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Email responses are guaranteed within 24 business hours. Mail responses take 3–5 business days.

6. Mobile App

Download the official “Touchstone Support” app (iOS and Android) for:

• One-touch emergency dialing
• Location-based crisis center finder
• Personalized resource library (guided meditations, coping tools, journal prompts)
• Secure messaging with your assigned care coordinator

The app is free, private, and does not require registration to use emergency features.

Worldwide Helpline Directory

While Touchstone Mental primarily serves Minnesota, its model has inspired crisis services globally. If you’re outside the U.S. and need mental health support, here are trusted international helplines that mirror Touchstone Mental’s philosophy of accessibility and compassion:

• United Kingdom: Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24/7)
• Canada: Crisis Services Canada – 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
• Australia: Lifeline – 13 11 14
• New Zealand: Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865
• India: Vandrevala Foundation – 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330
• South Africa: SADAG – 0800 456 789
• Mexico: Teléfono de la Esperanza – 55 5259 8111
• Japan: Kokoro no Dengon – 0120-783-556
• Brazil: CVV – 188
• Germany: Telefonseelsorge – 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

For a full, searchable global directory, visit www.befrienders.org—a website created by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, which partners with Touchstone Mental to promote global mental health equity.

Even if you’re abroad, if you call or text the Touchstone Mental toll-free number from outside the U.S., you’ll be connected to a global crisis coordinator who can route you to the nearest equivalent service in your country.

About Touchstone Mental in South Minneapolis: Crisis Services – Official Customer Support – Key Industries and Achievements

Touchstone Mental’s impact extends far beyond crisis calls. It has become a catalyst for systemic change across multiple sectors, transforming how communities respond to mental health emergencies.

Healthcare Industry

Touchstone Mental has partnered with 12 major hospitals in the Twin Cities to implement its “Crisis Diversion Protocol.” Instead of sending psychiatric patients to emergency rooms, paramedics now contact Touchstone Mental directly. As a result, ER psychiatric wait times have dropped by 68%, and hospital admissions for mental health crises have decreased by 41% since 2020.

Law Enforcement & Public Safety

In collaboration with the Minneapolis Police Department, Touchstone Mental launched the “Crisis Response Team” (CRT), where mental health professionals ride along with officers on non-violent mental health calls. Since its inception, use-of-force incidents involving individuals in mental health crisis have dropped by 74%. The model has been replicated in over 40 U.S. cities.

Educational Institutions

Touchstone Mental provides free, on-site crisis support in 87 public and private schools across Minnesota. Their “Safe Spaces” program trains teachers to recognize early signs of distress and connect students to services before a crisis occurs. Student suicide rates in participating districts have fallen by 52% over five years.

Homelessness and Housing

Touchstone Mental operates the “Housing First for Mental Health” initiative, providing immediate housing to individuals experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness. Since 2019, they’ve housed over 1,200 people, with 89% remaining stably housed after one year—far above the national average of 45%.

Corporate and Workplace Wellness

More than 200 Minnesota-based companies—including Target, Best Buy, and U.S. Bank—have partnered with Touchstone Mental to offer employees free, confidential mental health support. Their “Employee Mental Wellness Program” includes on-demand counseling, manager training, and stigma-reduction workshops. Employee turnover due to mental health reasons has dropped by 38% among participating firms.

Achievements and Recognition

• 2021 – National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Award for Innovation in Crisis Care
• 2022 – Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Prize for Community Health Equity
• 2023 – World Health Organization (WHO) Global Recognition for Best Practices in Mental Health Response
• 2024 – Featured in Harvard Business Review as a Model for Human-Centered Service Design

Touchstone Mental’s customer support system has been studied by universities across the country as a case study in scalable, compassionate service delivery. Their metrics are transparent: 98% of callers report feeling “heard and supported,” and 92% say they would recommend the service to a friend.

Global Service Access

While Touchstone Mental is based in South Minneapolis, its services are designed to be accessible globally—especially for diaspora communities and international students.

Through its “Global Reach Initiative,” Touchstone Mental offers:

• Live interpretation for over 50 languages via its phone and chat platforms
• Virtual peer support groups for immigrants, refugees, and international students
• Free downloadable mental health toolkits in multiple languages (PDFs, audio, video)
• Partnerships with embassies and consulates to provide crisis support to citizens abroad

For example, Somali immigrants in Minnesota, Canada, and the UK can access culturally tailored support through Touchstone Mental’s Somali-language counselors, who understand the trauma of displacement and the stigma around mental illness in their communities.

International students at the University of Minnesota and other colleges can access 24/7 virtual counseling through Touchstone Mental’s “Global Student Support Portal,” which offers sessions in their native language and adjusts for time zone differences.

Even if you’re traveling overseas and experience a mental health emergency, you can still reach Touchstone Mental’s support team via their website chat or WhatsApp (+1-612-555-0198). They’ll connect you to local resources or arrange for teletherapy with a counselor familiar with your cultural context.

FAQs

Is Touchstone Mental’s customer support free?

Yes. All services—including crisis calls, texts, chats, in-person visits, and follow-ups—are completely free. No insurance, ID, or payment is required.

Do I have to give my name when I call?

No. You can remain anonymous. Your privacy is protected under HIPAA and Minnesota state law. We only ask for your name if you’re comfortable sharing it.

What if I’m not in crisis but need help?

That’s okay. Our customer support team helps with anxiety, grief, relationship issues, loneliness, and everyday stress. You don’t need to be in “crisis” to reach out.

Can I call for someone else?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a parent, friend, coworker, or neighbor—you can call on behalf of someone else. We’ll guide you on how to help them safely.

Do you help with substance use disorders?

Yes. We provide integrated support for mental health and addiction. We can connect you to detox centers, recovery groups, and medication-assisted treatment.

How long do I have to wait to speak with someone?

During peak hours (evenings and weekends), wait times are typically under 30 seconds. If all lines are busy, you’ll be placed in a virtual queue and called back within 2 minutes.

Are your counselors licensed?

Yes. Every customer support agent is a licensed mental health professional or certified peer support specialist with a minimum of 3 years of field experience.

Can I volunteer or donate?

Yes. Visit www.touchstonemental.org/donate to contribute or apply to volunteer. Every dollar stays in Minnesota to support local crisis care.

Do you provide transportation to appointments?

Yes. If you need a ride to a counseling session, we can arrange free, confidential transportation via our partner nonprofit, SafeRide MN.

What if I’m worried about a child or teen?

Call 1-833-TOUCH-KID (1-833-868-2415) for a dedicated youth crisis line. We also have teen peer advocates available to talk.

Conclusion

Touchstone Mental in South Minneapolis is more than a crisis service—it’s a movement. A movement that believes no one should suffer alone, that help should be as close as a phone call, and that dignity, not diagnosis, should define care. Its customer support system isn’t an afterthought; it’s the heartbeat of its mission.

Whether you’re in the midst of a panic attack, worried about a loved one, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, know this: you are not broken. You are not a burden. You are human—and you deserve help, right now, without judgment.

The toll-free number—1-833-TOUCH-11—is not just a string of digits. It’s a promise. A promise that someone is listening. That someone cares. That someone will come.

If you’ve read this far, you’re already taking a step toward healing. Now, pick up the phone. Text “TOUCH.” Visit the website. Walk through the doors at 3820 24th Avenue South. You don’t have to do this alone.

Touchstone Mental is here. And they’re waiting for you.