Volunteer in mental facilities / hospitals?

I don't think mental hospitals are looking for volunteers to help with the most difficult cases but as funding for mental health services is cut again and again by our enlightened legislators, maybe soon. Community mental health centers often have jobs for students. Most communities have crisis hot lines, suicide hot lines, etc. These are usually staffed by volunteers. I don't know how safe it would be, but you could probably find people in need of help at homeless shelters, Salvation Army, food pantries, soup kitchens, and thrift stores. These days most of the worst cases can be found in jail as mental hospitals cannot begin to meet the need. You might find leads at the welfare office and at Catholic Charities. Thanks for caring; we really need your help and can benefit so much.