Hotlines and call centers
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255
With the primary aim of keeping you going even in the darkest of times, this suicide prevention hotline is available 24/7 to offer a compassionate ear—no matter what you’re going through. Pour your heart out to a skilled staffer without fear of being judged, and if you’d like referrals to local mental health care services after your call, hotline representatives can set you up.
Suicide Stop: International Help Center
Calling a suicide hotline is a great way to vent and get sound advice on how to deal with problems. You'll find an extensive list of countries and their relevant suicide hotline telephone numbers. Please choose your country and call the appropriate number.
Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
If you’ve recently been the victim of a disaster (whether caused by nature or man), this is your go-to contact for all things related to counseling and relief. The trained counselors staffing the Disaster Distress Hotline provide help to those suffering in the wake of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, droughts and earthquakes, as well as incidences of mass violence or health epidemics. The call center is also open to friends and family members of victims. An alternative way to connect is to text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Trained domestic violence advocates are available 24/7 to help those trapped in dangerous home situations. To receive immediate counseling free of charge and gain access to local resources that can assist you in implementing a safety plan and seeking refuge, call the National Domestic Hotline’s toll-free number ASAP.
National Eating Disorder Association
Need some help figuring out where to go and who to turn to when dealing with an eating disorder (your own or someone else’s)? Find information about eating disorders, treatment options and referrals.
Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center: 1-888-694-2273
If you’ve been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder—or you have a hunch you or a loved one may be displaying symptoms of BPD—the social workers staffing the Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center’s hotline can arm you with all the information you need about local resources and provide immediate over-the-phone counseling.
National Crime Victim Helpline: 1-855-484-2846
If you’ve been the victim of any type of crime, this toll-free, confidential helpline can connect you with the resources that best address your current situation—from directing you to specific counseling centers and resources to connecting you with legal advice. Whatever the crime, this hotline is a trustworthy first step in getting you the assistance you need.
National Organization For Victim Assistance: 1-800-879-6682
Whether you’re a victim or a witness to a crime (or even if you’re a criminal justice or mental health professional seeking services for a client), NOVA’s hotline can help you. Though the association doesn’t offer counseling, NOVA representatives can connect you to a counseling hotline that best fits your needs within minutes. They also provide information about crime and crisis recovery, as well as referrals to victim advocacy.
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
You don’t have to suffer in silence if you’ve been sexually assaulted. This hotline can offer counseling and link you to resources that can help you navigate this traumatic situation. The group’s website also hosts a free and confidential online chat if that’s easier than picking up the phone.
Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
For LGBTQ youth who need help grappling with urges to self-harm or thoughts of suicide, this number can literally be a lifeline. Available free of charge and at all hours, this number is manned by a trained staffer ready to field your call and let you open up about whatever issues you’re facing. Not into phone calls? Text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200 to connect with a skilled support line responder.
LGBT National Help Center: 1-888-843-4564
Need to talk to someone who gets it when it comes to coming out, being bullied for your sexual orientation or navigating same-sex relationships? Look no further than the LGBT National Help Line, run by peers and allies of the LGBTQ community. This hotline is ready to hear your concerns and can connect you to the LGBT National Help Center’s massive list of resources for LGBTQ-friendly services and organizations near you.