I need help now

These are free and confidential. You don’t have to be “bad enough” to reach out. If you’re not sure which one, start with 988.

Emergency: 911

Call 911

If you or someone else is in danger right now, or hurt and needs a doctor right now.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call 988 · Text 988 · Chat

24/7. For suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance use worries, family problems, or just needing someone to talk to. Spanish: press 2 or text AYUDA to 988.

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

24/7, free. A live, trained volunteer crisis counselor texts back. Good if you can’t talk out loud.

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ young people)

1-866-488-7386 · Text START to 678-678

24/7 call, text, or chat with counselors who understand LGBTQ+ life. TTY: 1-866-803-3699.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-422-4453

24/7 call, text, or chat if you’re being hurt or neglected, or you’re worried about a kid. They can help you figure out how to report it.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233 · Text START to 88788

24/7. For violence or abuse at home. For dating abuse, the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline is 1-866-331-9474.

SAMHSA National Helpline (drugs, alcohol, mental health)

1-800-662-4357

24/7, English and Spanish. Helps you find treatment and support near you, for you or someone in your family.

Teen Line (talk to another teen)

800-852-8336 · Text TEEN to 839863

Trained teen listeners. Calls 6–10 PM Pacific, texts 6–9 PM Pacific, every night. Calls outside those hours go to adult counselors.

What happens when I reach out? Most of these lines are confidential and don’t need your name. If you tell them you’re in immediate danger or a child is being hurt, some may need to bring in emergency help or child protective services to keep you safe. You can ask them about this at the start.

Need help that isn’t urgent? Try the trusted adult guide or the coping tools.

Numbers checked against each organization’s official website in October 2026.