Hotlines and Crisis Services
Know of a good crisis line not listed here? Leave the info in a comment, and we’ll add it! All lines are staffed 24/7/365 unless otherwise specified.
United States
If it’s an emergency, dial 911.
National
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – As of July 2022, you should be able to call or text 988 from anywhere in the US to get in touch with the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If 988 doesn’t work for any reason, their old 1-800-273-8255 number will.
ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline – Call or text 1-800-422-4453 if you have been abused, suspect a child or teen is being sexually abused, or if you are an abuser. Also, call 1-800-222-4523 if you are hearing impaired.
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
Eating Disorder Helpline – 1-847-831-3438. Available Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. CST.
Elder Protection Center – 1-877-ELDER-80
IMAlive – Online instant messaging for folks feeling suicidal.
Mental First Aid for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors – How you can support someone feeling suicidal until professional help arrives. (Courtesy The Recovery Village)
National Domestic Violence Hotline – Chat with the hotline through their website, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text “START” to 88788.
National Human Trafficking Hotline – Call 1-888-373-7888, or text BEFREE (233733)
National Runaway Safeline – Call 1-800-RUNAWAY or chat online.
National Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online if you’ve been assaulted. It wasn’t your fault. Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-DONT CUT (366-8288)
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline for the trans community, by the trans community. Call 1-877-565-8860
The Trevor Project – Made specifically for young LGBTQ people, this hotline may be a better match than the general 988 one. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678 for help. There is also an option to chat through their website.
State
Suicide Hotlines by State – Suicide.org’s excellent list of local suicide hotlines.
Washington State Mental Health Crisis Lines – While rather localized, this does give a good description of the state’s involuntary treatment act. It sounds scary, but it may be a real lifesaver if you or a loved one are barely hanging on.
International
Australia
If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000)
Lifeline – If you feel suicidal, call 13 11 14, Text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online.
Canada
Ireland
Crisis Text Line Ireland – Text HOME to 50808
Samaritans – Call 116 123 if you are contemplating suicide.
New Zealand
If it’s an emergency, dial 111.
Lifeline Helpline – Call 0800-543-354 or text 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline – Call 0508-828-865
United Kingdom
If it’s an emergency, dial 999. If you aren’t in immediate danger but are in crisis, dial 111 to talk to the NHS.
Crisis Text Line UKÂ – Text HOME to 85258
National Rape Crisis Helpline – Call 0808-802-9999
Samaritans – Call 116 123 if you are contemplating suicide.