Crisis & Helpline Resources

A helpline (sometimes called a hotline) is a number you can call, text, or chat when you’re having a tough time and need someone to talk to. Some helplines are run by adult counselors or volunteers, while others are staffed by peers. They want to listen, help you feel safe, and talk through what you can do next. There are helplines for crisis intervention, for general mental health concerns like feeling anxious or lonely, for particular issues like bullying or eating disorders, and some are tailored to specific identities like Latinx or LGBTQ+. You can reach out anytime, even if you’re just upset, confused, or worried about something.

Helplines provide general emotional support. While 988 provides that type of support, too, it is also a crisis lifeline. If you are looking for someone to talk to for hope or resources but you are not experiencing a mental health crisis, contact a helpline. If you are feeling suicidal or at risk of harming yourself or others, that’s the time to contact 988 or call 911. 988 and 911 are available 24/7. Some helplines only operate during specific hours.

A warmline is a specific type of helpline that is staffed by peer volunteers who have been through similar mental health challenges.

Often, you’ll first get an automated message telling you to either wait for a counselor or volunteer or to choose to switch languages. When the counselor or volunteer comes on the line, they will ask if you are safe and then will ask some guiding questions to find out why you’re calling and how they can help. The counselor or volunteer will listen, offer comfort and support, and may suggest resources.

Your call or text will be answered by someone who is trained to offer nonjudgmental support to people in distress. Some helplines are staffed by adult counselors or volunteers, while some are staffed by peers who have shared similar experiences. If for any reason you don’t feel supported by the person you speak to, don’t give up! You can ask to speak to someone else, call again, or try a different helpline.

That’s okay! The most important thing is that you are connecting to help. The trained counselor or volunteer will ask you some guiding questions such as, “How can I help you?” or “What led you to call today?” They will understand if you need time to collect your thoughts. If it’s helpful, you can always jot down some notes about what you want to share while waiting to be connected. (It’s also a good idea to have pen and paper or a notes app on your phone handy so you can note any resources the counselor gives you.)

If they ask you something you don’t want to answer, you don’t have to. You can say, “I don’t want to talk about that.” The counselor’s job is to make you feel safe, not to make you share things you’re not ready to. They’ll still listen and try to help with whatever you do feel okay talking about.

A counselor or volunteer will only contact emergency services if they think you or someone else is in immediate danger of harm. That is rare. In most cases, callers find that just talking to someone helps them move from a hot moment to a cooler one.

Helplines are anonymous and confidential. You can share as much or little information about yourself as you choose. Your parents or caregivers could find out if emergency services are dispatched. Another consideration is your phone service provider and whether a call or text to a helpline will appear on your phone’s billing statement (if your parents have access to it). You can contact the provider to find out if the call or text will show up. Standard messaging and data rates may apply. If you’re worried about the phone bill, use a helpline that has a chat function (such as Opens in a new tab988lifeline.org).

It’s important to remember that it isn’t your fault and it isn’t a sign to stop trying — keep taking steps to stay safe and get help. Try a different helpline, or contact 988. If you are in suicidal crisis, call 911.