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Reach NM

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Help is just a text away!

Reach NM offers a dedicated text helpline, 505-591-9444, for every child and teen in New Mexico — no matter what you’re going through. It’s free, anonymous, and staffed by a specially trained team who can direct youth and teens to resources, open a case to start an investigation, or refer them to other agencies that can help, and is standing by 24/7/365. Youth and teens can text Reach NM about anything, even if they just want someone to talk to.

Here are a few of the most common reasons teens and youth reach out:

    • To report abuse or neglect in their home or suspected abuse or neglect in someone else’s home
    • To get resources for things like food scarcity or homelessness
    • To talk to someone about a mental health concern such as anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder
    • To talk to someone about social concerns like bullying or feelings of isolation

The Reach NM Story

In October 2020, a youth reached out to a member of the Governor’s staff via text message, asking for help. This message brought the realization that New Mexico was lacking a resource to help youth and teens in the form they are most comfortable with — text message communication.

The Governor teamed up with CYFD to create Reach NM — a number that New Mexican children and teens can text for help. Whether it’s struggling with bullying, depression, or food scarcity, or just needing an empathetic ear, the Reach NM text line will connect NM youth to the trained professionals and resources they need.

Reach NM is a service of the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department. It allows young people to connect directly with CYFD workers for resources, help, and reporting of potential abuse or neglect. The service is free to any New Mexican with a text-message-enabled cell phone.