Introduction
When a legal, workplace, business, family, or financial dispute becomes difficult to resolve, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) can offer a practical alternative to a full court battle. The most common ADR process is mediation, where a neutral third party helps the people in a dispute negotiate their own solution.
The most important point for anyone searching for an “ADR mediation phone number in the United States” is this: there is no single nationwide ADR mediation hotline. The correct number depends on the type of dispute and whether you need a court program, government agency, or private mediation provider.
What Are ADR Mediation Services?
Mediation is a non-binding process. The mediator does not act as the judge and normally cannot force either side to accept a settlement. Instead, the mediator helps both sides identify the real issues, understand each other’s positions, explore settlement options, and negotiate an agreement.
ADR is broader than mediation. Depending on the case, ADR can also include arbitration, early neutral evaluation, settlement conferences, and other settlement processes. Federal law requires each U.S. district court to establish an ADR program for civil cases through its local rules.
Where Can You Get Mediation in the United States?
1. American Arbitration Association (AAA)
The American Arbitration Association (AAA) is one of the major private ADR providers in the United States. It offers mediation for commercial, construction, employment/workplace, consumer, international, grievance, and home-construction disputes. AAA also provides online dispute-resolution services.
AAA general/customer service phone: 800-778-7879
For mediation-specific questions, AAA lists mediationservices@adr.org.
AAA announced in February 2026 that its mediation business had grown substantially, including a 79% year-over-year increase in consumer filings during 2025, and that it was expanding mediation services and updating its procedures during 2026.
2. JAMS
JAMS is another major private mediation and ADR provider, serving disputes throughout the United States. It offers in-person, virtual, and hybrid mediation, with nationwide Resolution Centers and a broad panel of neutrals.
JAMS phone: 800-352-5267
JAMS can be particularly useful when parties need a specialized mediator, complex commercial mediation, or a remote mediation that can be handled online.
3. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS)
If the dispute involves labor-management or collective bargaining, FMCS may be the appropriate government resource. FMCS provides mediation, conflict-management, facilitation, and related services through a national network.
FMCS general phone: 202-606-8100
FMCS Client Services: 202-606-5499
4. Employment Discrimination: EEOC Mediation
For workplace discrimination disputes involving the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), EEOC mediation is a specialized option. EEOC describes mediation as voluntary and confidential, with a neutral mediator helping the employee and employer seek a negotiated resolution.
EEOC phone: 800-669-4000
TTY: 800-669-6820
ASL Video Phone: 844-234-5122
Do not delay because employment-discrimination filing deadlines can be strict. EEOC states that filing periods are commonly 180 days and can be 300 days in certain jurisdictions.
5. Securities and Investment Disputes: FINRA
For disputes involving brokerage firms, financial professionals, or securities-related matters, FINRA Dispute Resolution Services offers mediation. FINRA states that mediation is voluntary and that the mediator does not decide the dispute.
FINRA general inquiries: 301-590-6500
6. Community and Civil-Rights Conflicts: DOJ CRS
The U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service (CRS) provides free, confidential mediation and facilitated-dialogue services for qualifying community conflicts, particularly conflicts involving discrimination, civil rights, civil disorder, or community tensions. CRS works across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
CRS phone: 202-252-5550
What About a Court Case?
If you already have a lawsuit, start with the court handling your case. Federal district courts have their own ADR rules, mediator lists, deadlines, and procedures. Some courts provide court-sponsored mediation, while others allow or encourage private mediation.
This can save money because some court programs provide mediation at no or reduced cost, although the exact rules vary by court.
Which ADR Phone Number Should You Call?
The fastest approach is to match the phone number to your problem:
General private mediation: AAA 800-778-7879 or JAMS 800-352-5267.
Labor/collective bargaining: FMCS 202-606-5499.
Employment discrimination: EEOC 800-669-4000.
Securities/investment dispute: FINRA 301-590-6500.
Qualifying community/civil-rights conflict: DOJ CRS 202-252-5550.
Existing court case: contact the court’s ADR office, clerk, or case-management staff first.
Final Advice
Mediation can be faster, less adversarial, and less expensive than full litigation, but it is not automatically the right solution for every dispute. Before choosing a mediator, check whether your contract, court order, employer agreement, or applicable law requires a particular ADR process. Also ask about mediator qualifications, fees, confidentiality rules, location or video options, and whether everyone attending has authority to settle.
The safest practical rule is simple: identify the type of dispute first, then contact the ADR program that specializes in it. Phone numbers and procedures can change, so verify the contact information on the provider’s official website before sending sensitive documents or paying fees.