Signposting Directory for Yoga Teachers (United States)

When to Use This

As a yoga teacher or wellness professional, you may sometimes encounter situations beyond your training or professional role, such as safeguarding concerns, mental health crises, or disclosures of abuse. In these moments, it’s crucial to know where to turn and how to guide individuals to appropriate external support.

This directory is designed to help you quickly identify the right services when a situation falls outside your scope of practice. It is not exhaustive and does not replace professional judgement.

Always consider urgency and risk. If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services right away.

Remember, you are not expected to investigate or resolve these issues yourself. Use this guide to ensure your response is safe, responsible, and aligned with best practice.

Emergency services

• 911 – Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance)

Use where there is immediate risk to life or serious harm.

Police (non-emergency)

• Local police departments (non-emergency lines vary by state and city)

Use for situations that require police attention but are not urgent emergencies.

Child protection services

• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
  https://www.childhelphotline.org/
  Phone: 1-800-422-4453 (24/7)
• Local Child Protective Services (CPS)
  (Each state has its own agency — search “Child Protective Services + state name”)

CPS is responsible for responding to concerns about the safety and welfare of children.

Adult safeguarding / vulnerable adults

In the United States, adult safeguarding services are typically managed at state or county level.

• Local Adult Protective Services (APS)
  (Search “Adult Protective Services + state/county”)

APS supports adults who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation and may be at risk.

Mental health support

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
  Call or text 988
  https://988lifeline.org/
• SAMHSA National Helpline
  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helpline
  Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
  https://www.nami.org/

Domestic violence support

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  https://www.thehotline.org/
  Phone: 1-800-799-7233
  Text: START to 88788

Sexual violence support

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
  https://www.rainn.org/
  Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) (24/7)

Substance use and addiction support

• SAMHSA Treatment Locator
  https://findtreatment.gov/
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
  https://www.aa.org/
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
  https://www.na.org/

General health services

• Primary care physician (PCP) – first point of contact for medical concerns
• Local community health centres (varies by state)
• Hospital emergency departments (for urgent medical needs)

Disability and support services

• ADA National Network (Americans with Disabilities Act support and guidance)
  https://adata.org/
• State and local disability services (varies by region)

Important reminder

This directory is for signposting only.

Yoga teachers are not expected to investigate concerns, provide counselling, or act as safeguarding professionals. When concerns arise, the appropriate step is to remain within your role and, where appropriate, direct individuals to relevant specialist services.

These resources are designed to help yoga and wellness professionals understand safeguarding, safety and professional practice considerations. YogaPros does not investigate complaints, provide safeguarding services or act as a regulatory body. If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact the appropriate emergency services or statutory authority.