Mental Health Crisis Hotlines and Support in the US
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255) is a 24/7 hotline that connects individuals in crisis with trained counselors who can provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and information about local mental health resources.
Crisis Text Line: People in crisis can text "HELLO" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line. This service is available 24/7 via text messaging.
Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) provides support specifically for veterans and service members in crisis, as well as their family members and friends. It offers confidential assistance and referrals.
National Disaster Distress Helpline: The National Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) offers crisis counseling and emotional support to individuals affected by natural or human-made disasters, including pandemics, hurricanes, and other traumatic events.
Local Crisis Hotlines: Many states and localities have their own crisis hotlines, which can provide immediate help and information about local mental health services. These numbers can often be found by searching online or contacting local mental health agencies.
Mobile Crisis Teams: Some regions have mobile crisis teams composed of mental health professionals who can respond to crisis situations in the community. They assess individuals' needs and provide on-site support.
Online Chat Support: Some crisis hotlines offer online chat services in addition to phone support, providing individuals with multiple options for seeking help.
Specialized Support: There are hotlines and support services dedicated to specific populations, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, seniors, and individuals experiencing domestic violence or abuse.
Text-Based Support Groups: Some organizations offer text-based support groups where individuals can connect with peers who have similar experiences and receive ongoing support.
Confidentiality: Most crisis hotlines prioritize confidentiality, meaning that conversations with crisis counselors are typically kept private unless there is an immediate safety concern that requires intervention.
Referrals and Resources: In addition to immediate crisis intervention, hotline operators can provide information about local mental health resources, treatment options, and support groups.
Training and Quality Assurance: Crisis hotline operators receive specialized training to effectively and empathetically handle various crisis situations while following established protocols.
It's important to remember that if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Mental health crisis hotlines and support services are valuable resources for emotional support and assistance during times of crisis, but they are not a substitute for emergency medical care when necessary.