If You’re Experiencing a Crisis

Suicide Risk

The crisis counselor you connect with will ask you why you are calling or texting and assess your risk of suicide.

For whatever difficult emotions you might be experiencing, we’ve got tools available at your disposal.

Seek Help Now

If you are having suicidal thoughts, click the number below to call 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

If You Are At Risk of Suicide

If the counselor determines that you are at imminent risk of suicide (or in the process of committing suicide), a list of best practices will be employed to handle the situation. Crisis counselors are there to help people work through a suicidal episode until they feel more stable, as well as to provide them with the resources they need moving forward.

If You Are Not At Risk of Suicide

If the crisis counselor concludes that you are not at imminent risk of suicide (i.e. you don’t have a plan/means/intent to complete suicide within the next 24 hours), they will attempt to de-escalate you and provide you with follow-up services, such as how to find follow-up care in your area.

Relevant Hotlines

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.

Substance Use/Addiction & Mental Health Conditions

Child Abuse

Disaster Distress

Domestic Violence

Eating Disorders

Sexual Assault

LGBTQ

LGBTQ Youth

Veterans & Service Members

Runaways

If You’re in Need of Therapy

While you should not refer to these therapy services if you are in a crisis or know someone who is in danger, here are a few that offer same-day appointments:

1-800-662-4357

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

1-800-422-4453

Childhelp National Abuse Hotline

1-800-985-5990

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Hotline

1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-931-2237 or text “NEDA” to 741741

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline

1-800-656-4673

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-888-843-4564

LGBT Hotline

1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678

The Trevor Project

1-800-273-8255

Veterans Crisis Line

1-800-786-2929

National Runaway Safeline

  • Wellnite
  • Teladoc Health
  • ReGain

If You Need to Talk to People Who Understand

While support groups are not meant to provide or replace treatment, they can help complement professional treatment and offer opportunities to connect with those on similar journeys. Find the right group for you:

Anxiety and Depression 

  • SMART Recovery

  • Mental Health America

  • 7 Cups of Tea

  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline

  • Hope Recovery

  • Fort Refuge

Grief

  • Grieving.com
  • Grief in Common
  • Hope Again

Transgender Support

  • The Trevor Project
  • Trans Lifeline
  • The Tribe - LGBTQ+ Group

A Word From Verywell

You are not alone and seeking help for your mental health is not a sign of weakness. 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.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.