During a personal crisis, it can be difficult to know what to do. Stressful situations can cloud our judgment and provoke decisions or actions that may not be helpful, and not everybody has a support system they can turn to. Fortunately, if you feel overwhelmed by mental health issues of any kind, there are several helplines available to you.
Often staffed by trained counselors, these organizations can provide direct and confidential assistance, crisis center referrals, and useful information for whatever you may be coping with. Know that there are countless people out there who are eager to help, especially at a time when you feel helpless.
All of the helplines below are toll-free and confidential, and many of them are operated 24/7 to provide help when you need it the most.
Text message charges may apply depending on your phone plan.
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Operated 24/7, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline provides information and referrals if you or a loved one are facing mental health and/or substance use issues. The confidential service does not provide counseling, but can direct you to helpful resources, treatment facilities, and support groups in your area.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988
This national toll-free number—available 24/7—connects to local crisis centers where a trained worker will provide confidential support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
In July 2022, the helpline was changed from 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to the much more convenient 988.
Crisis Text Line
Text 741741
Many people, especially teenagers and young people, are growing up more comfortable speaking via text message. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone in the United States with this confidential and free 24/7 text line, connecting you with a trained crisis counselor.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453
Dedicated to preventing child abuse, this 24/7 hotline is staffed by professional crisis counselors and translators who provide help and emergency/social service referrals in over 170 languages. Online chat with a trained professional is also available through the website.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “LOVEIS” to 22522
The 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential assistance to anyone experiencing domestic violence or questioning whether or not they are in an abusive relationship. Online chat with trained advocates is also available through the website.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990 or Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Available to anyone in the US and its territories, SAMHSA’s 24/7 disaster distress helpline provides immediate crisis counseling if you are experiencing stress, anxiety, and other symptoms as a result of man-made or natural disasters—including pandemics.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline
1-800-931-2237
Available Monday through Friday, the NEDA Helpline offers phone and chat support for yourself or a loved one coping with an eating disorder and quick access to a crisis text line if needed.
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
With both phone and online chat options, the 24/7 RAINN helpline provides access to support from trained staff, who can help direct you to a local health facility with experience caring for survivors of sexual assault, as well as resources for healing, recovery, long-term support, and more.
LGBT National Hotline
1-888-843-4564
With hours Monday through Saturday, the LGBT National Hotline provides one-to-one peer support and a confidential, safe space for anyone to discuss issues with coming out, gender or sexual identity, relationship concerns, bullying, self-harm, and more.
The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386 or Text “START” to 678678
With phone, chat, and text options, The Trevor Project is a national organization providing 24/7 crisis intervention to LGBTQ young people.
National Runaway Safeline
1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
Available 24/7, the National Runaway Safeline is a crisis hotline, online service, and judgment-free safe space for runaways and homeless young people.
Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text 838255
Veterans or Service members in crisis can call this helpline to reach specially-trained VA responders at any time of day. Friends, family members, and loved ones can also find support through this portal.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
The NAMI HelpLine is a nationwide peer-support service, not a crisis line. Still, it does provide information, resource referrals, and community support if you or someone you know are living with a mental health condition.