Get Help
Looking for answers about how Threshold Trials works? See the FAQ →
Threshold Trials can point you toward trials to ask about, but it can’t sit with you, answer your follow-up questions, or tell you what’s right for your family. These free services can.
If you need help right now
You don't have to be in immediate danger to reach out. Anyone in emotional distress can call.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline · Free · Confidential · 24/7 · English and Spanish
Chat at 988lifeline.org · Veterans: press 1 after dialing · ASL: call 988 videophone
Cancer
NCI Cancer Information Service
Any cancer type or stageFree service from the National Cancer Institute. Trained specialists answer questions about diagnosis, treatment options, and finding clinical trials — in plain language.
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)Mon–Fri, 9am–9pm ET · English and Spanish
Cancer Commons
Advanced or metastatic cancerA free nonprofit whose scientists review your situation and put together a personalized set of options to discuss with your oncologist.
They focus on treatment options, not logistics — they don't arrange travel or sign you up for trials.
Autoimmune or inflammatory
Arthritis Foundation Helpline
Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and related conditionsTrained staff answer questions about arthritis and related autoimmune conditions, provide referrals to specialists, and connect you with local resources. Spanish-speaking support available.
1-800-283-7800Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm ET
Lupus Foundation of America
Systemic lupus erythematosus and related conditionsFree support line connecting people with lupus and caregivers to health educators who can explain the disease, discuss treatment questions, and help find local resources.
1-800-558-0121Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm ET
Neurological
Parkinson's Foundation Helpline
Parkinson's diseaseFree helpline staffed by Parkinson's specialists. Answers questions about diagnosis, treatment, daily living, caregiver concerns, and clinical trials. English and Spanish.
1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636)Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET
Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline
Alzheimer's disease and other dementiasFree, confidential support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Available any time — day or night.
1-800-272-390024/7, English and Spanish
National MS Society
Multiple sclerosisFree information and referral service for people with MS and their families. Can help find local resources, navigate insurance, and answer questions about treatment and trials.
1-800-FIGHT-MS (1-800-344-4867)Mon–Fri, 9am–9pm ET
Heart or vascular
American Heart Association / American Stroke Association
Heart disease, heart failure, stroke, TIAInformation and support for people with heart and vascular conditions and their families. Can connect you with local resources and support groups.
1-800-AHA-USA-1 (1-800-242-8721)Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm local time
Mended Hearts
Heart disease and heart surgeryPeer-to-peer support from people who have lived through heart disease, heart failure, or heart surgery. Free visiting programs and support groups.
Metabolic or endocrine
Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)
Type 1 diabetesThe leading organization funding T1D research. Provides information about living with T1D, current trials, and advocacy resources.
American Diabetes Association
Type 1 and type 2 diabetesFree information, support, and referrals for people with diabetes and their families. Can help find local education programs and navigate care.
1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm ET
Mental health
NAMI Helpline
Any mental health conditionFree information, referrals, and support from trained volunteers with lived experience of mental illness — for people affected and their families. Not a crisis line — for crisis support, call or text 988.
1-800-950-6264Mon–Fri, 10am–10pm ET
Text "NAMI" to 62640 for text support.
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans and service members with PTSD, depression, or mental health concernsFree, confidential support for veterans in crisis or distress. Available 24/7.
988 then press 1 (988)24/7
Text 838255 for text support.
Rare disease
NORD Helpline (National Organization for Rare Disorders)
Any rare disease — over 7,000 conditionsFree information and referrals for people with rare diseases and their families. Can help find patient organizations, specialists, and clinical trials for conditions that have no dedicated foundation.
1-800-999-6673Mon–Thu, 8:30am–7pm ET · Fri, 8:30am–6pm ET
CF Foundation Compass
Cystic fibrosisFree case management service from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Helps navigate insurance, find financial assistance, and locate clinical trials.
1-844-COMPASS (1-844-266-7277)Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET
Something else / general
For conditions not listed above, three reliable starting points:
- Your own care team. The doctor treating the condition is the best first call about trials — they often know which ones are worth pursuing.
- The trial’s study team. Every ClinicalTrials.gov listing includes a contact for the people running it. They decide who is eligible and can answer questions directly.
- A disease-specific foundation. Most serious conditions have a national nonprofit, and many offer free patient navigators. Searching the condition name plus “patient navigator” or “foundation” is a good way in.
If Threshold Trials found nothing
No matches doesn’t always mean no options. Trials open and close constantly, eligibility is decided by people and not by us, and the services above can sometimes see paths a search can’t. It’s also okay if the next right step isn’t another trial. Whatever this moment is, you don’t have to face it alone.