crisis information

about the helplines

Crisis Text Line

Text “Brave” to 741-741

• Free 24/7 support for anyone in crisis
• Text from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis. A real-life human being will receive the text and respond, all from a secure online platform. This trained, volunteer, crisis counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.

988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE

Call/Text/Chat 988 or Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Free 24/7 support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal crisis
• When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
• The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis

Disaster Distress Helpline

Call 1-800-985-5990

Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746

• Free 24/7 crisis counseling and support for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters
• Call for yourself or on behalf of someone else from anywhere in the United States to be connected to a trained counselor. Support is available in Spanish and more than 100 other languages. The service is free and confidential and provided by SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
• The helpline is for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, incidents of mass violence, infectious disease outbreaks, incidents of community unrest, and other traumatic events.

when to use the helplines and what to expect

Use the helplines as soon as you feel you or a friend are in crisis. Trauma, depression, substance abuse, difficulties with family and relationships, and high stress are all valid reasons to reach out. You should never feel your problem is too small or insignificant.

You will never be judged for the problems you are dealing with. The crisis counselor’s goal is to help you make healthy decisions and feel safe. You will be asked some questions about your feelings, social situation, safety, and any thoughts of suicide that you or the person you are calling about might be having. Answering truthfully will help the crisis counselor connect you to the resources you need.

From our blog:

• What REALLY Happens When You Reach Out to Crisis Lines?

other helplines

National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Free, confidential, 24/7. Chat option available at rainn.org.

Trevor Project

1-866-488-7386 

Free, confidential, 24/7. Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. To view other services info (like text and chat options) and times of availability, visit thetrevorproject.org.