Crisis & Mental Health Support

1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Phone/Text: 988 (24/7/365)

• Chat: 988lifeline.org

• Veterans: Dial 988, then press 1

• Spanish: Dial 988, then press 2

• TTY: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711, then 988

• Website: https://988lifeline.org

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of over 200 local crisis centers providing free, confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. Available 24/7, 365 days a year via call, text, or chat. Trained counselors can help with thoughts of suicide, mental health crises, substance use concerns, or any emotional distress.

Best For:

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health crisis, emotional distress, substance use concerns, or worried about someone else. Veterans can access specialized support by pressing 1.

Considerations:

Not a replacement for ongoing therapy or medical treatment. In life-threatening emergencies, call 911. Wait times may vary during high-volume periods.

2. Crisis Text Line

• Text: HOME to 741741 (24/7)

• Veterans: Text SERVE to 741741

• Spanish: Text HOLA to 741741

• Website: https://www.crisistextline.org

Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 mental health support via text message. Trained volunteer Crisis Counselors respond within minutes to help move individuals from a moment of crisis to a place of calm. Supports people dealing with anxiety, depression, bullying, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance use, and more.

Best For:

Those who prefer texting over phone calls, youth and young adults, people in situations where a phone call is not possible, anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional distress.

Considerations:

Limited to text communication. Standard messaging rates may apply depending on carrier. Not a substitute for long-term therapy. Prepaid phone plans may not support shortcode texting.

3. SAMHSA National Helpline

• Phone: 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP) (24/7/365)

• TTY: 1-800-487-4889

• Languages: English and Spanish

• Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) operates this free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service. Specialists provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders.

Best For:

Anyone seeking treatment referrals for substance use disorders or mental health conditions, family members looking for resources, those without insurance or with limited coverage.

Considerations:

Provides referrals and information only; does not provide direct treatment. Callers must follow up with referred facilities. Wait times may vary.

4. Veterans Crisis Line

• Phone: Dial 988, then press 1 (24/7)

• Text: 838255

• Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat

• TTY: 1-800-799-4889

• Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families with qualified, caring VA responders. Support is available 24/7, 365 days a year, regardless of VA enrollment status. Responders are trained in crisis intervention and military culture.

Best For:

Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families experiencing crisis, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress.

Considerations:

Overseas Veterans should use chat option or request a callback. International calls may incur charges depending on location and carrier.

5. The Trevor Project

• Phone: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7)

• Text: START to 678-678

• Chat: TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help

• Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org

The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit for LGBTQ+ young people (under 25). Trained counselors provide confidential support 24/7 via phone, text, and chat. Also offers TrevorSpace, a safe online community for LGBTQ+ youth.

Best For:

LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24 experiencing crisis, feeling suicidal, or needing a safe, judgment-free place to talk about identity, coming out, bullying, or other concerns.

Considerations:

Primarily serves young people under 25. Not a replacement for long-term therapy. Standard text messaging rates may apply.

6. Trans Lifeline

• Phone (US): 1-877-565-8860 (24/7)

• Phone (Canada): 1-877-330-6366

• Website: https://translifeline.org

Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization providing direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. The hotline is staffed by transgender people for transgender people. Also offers microgrants to help cover costs of legal documents.

Best For:

Transgender and questioning individuals seeking peer support from people who understand their experiences firsthand.

Considerations:

Wait times may be longer during high-volume periods. Has a policy of not calling emergency services without consent.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• If you are in immediate danger: Call 911

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 (24/7)

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7)

• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222