Sometimes the hardest part of going through a crisis is not knowing where to go for help. Consider a national crisis helpline, some of them are phone operators that will redirect you to a local resource, and others are helplines with actual trained counselors. Try them if you find yourself in crisis, or if you aren’t sure what to do during someone else’s crisis.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now 988
From their About section: “The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 160 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices.”
Crisis Text Line 741741
From their Purpose section: “Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers to support people in crisis. With over 62 million messages processed to date, we’re growing quickly, but so is the need.”
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP
From their FAQ section: “SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.”
Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
From their Find Help section: “The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a–year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster.”
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline 800-950-NAMI (6264)
From their Find Support section: “The NAMI HelpLine is a free service that provides information, referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public.
A well-trained and knowledgeable team of volunteers, interns and HelpLine staff will respond to your call or message. Many staff members and volunteers live with a mental health condition or provide care and support to a family member or friend. The HelpLine also has volunteer attorneys and legal interns who provide legal expertise or a referral to an attorney in your community.”
*Note: This line is only available Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and is not intended for emergency crisis situations
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233)
From their Get Help section: “Our highly-trained advocates are available 24/7/365 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.”
National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)
On their main page: “Calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline gives you access to a range of free services including: Confidential support from a trained staff member; Support finding a local health facility that is trained to care for survivors of sexual assault and offers services like sexual assault forensic exams; Someone to help you talk through what happened; Local resources that can assist with your next steps toward healing and recovery; Referrals for long term support in your area; Information about the laws in your community; Basic information about medical concerns.”
