At the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP), our mission is education. We equip professionals and care partners with evidence-based training so people living with dementia can experience safer, more meaningful days. We are not a crisis line or clinical helpline, and we’re unable to provide individualized medical or legal advice.
If you or someone you support needs direct, real-time help, the organizations below can connect you to trained specialists, local programs, and crisis support.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
For mental health or suicidal crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
Where to Get Help (National Resources)
Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline — 800-272-3900
Free, confidential support any time, day or night. Specialists provide emotional support, problem-solving, local referrals, safety planning, and information in 200+ languages. Learn more
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) Helpline — 866-232-8484
Speak with licensed social workers 7 days a week for guidance, care partner support, and resource navigation. Phone, web chat, and video chat options available. AFA Helpline
Alzheimers.gov / NIA ADEAR Information Center — 800-438-4380
Government-run information service offering current, science-based materials on dementia, caregiving, clinical trials, and local supports; information specialists are available by phone or email (English & Spanish). Resources for caregivers
Eldercare Locator (Administration for Community Living) — 800-677-1116
A national gateway to Area Agencies on Aging and community services (respite, transportation, meals, legal help). Phone, text, and online chat with trained staff. Find local help
VA Caregiver Support Line — 855-260-3274
For Veterans and families: information, coaching, and referrals to local VA Caregiver Support Program teams (including respite and skills training). Learn more
Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) — “Lewy Line” — 800-539-9767
Education, support group connections, and disease-specific resources for families navigating Lewy body dementia. Contact LBDA
Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) HelpLine — 866-507-7222
Guidance, information, and support for FTD, including behavioral variant FTD and PPA; weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET. AFTD HelpLine
Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline — 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636)
PD information specialists answer questions and connect families to local resources, including when Parkinson’s overlaps with dementia. Helpline
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call/Text 988 | Chat: 988lifeline.org
24/7 confidential support for anyone in emotional distress; Veterans can call 988 then Press 1. 988 Lifeline
Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 then Press 1 | Text 838255
24/7 confidential crisis support for Veterans and their families and friends. Veterans Crisis Line
What NCCDP Offers (Education & Credentials)
If you’re a professional or care partner seeking training, we offer nationally recognized programs that build practical, person-centered skills:
Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care (ADDC) Seminar — foundational communication, behavior response, and care planning. Learn more
Certified Dementia Practitioner® (CDP®) — credential recognizing comprehensive dementia education and best-practice application. Learn more
Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer® (CADDCT®) — prepare to train teams and scale high-quality dementia education. Learn more
Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional® (CMDCP®) and CMDCPT® — hands-on Montessori approaches that promote purpose and independence. Learn more
We’re honored to support your learning. For immediate, individualized assistance, please reach out to the helplines above—they exist to help you and the person you care about right now.
