Crisis Support

Specialized Crisis Lines

These resources serve specific populations or concerns. All are free and confidential.

What to Expect When You Call a Crisis Line

Many people hesitate to call because they do not know what will happen. Here is what you can expect.

• You will be connected to a trained counselor, not an automated system, though there may be a brief hold during peak hours.
• The counselor will ask how you are doing and what is going on. You do not have to explain everything at once.
• They will not automatically send police to your location. Dispatch only occurs if there is an immediate, specific, and identified risk of harm and no other option is available. You can ask about their policies at the start of the call.
• The call is confidential. Counselors do not report calls to insurance companies, employers, or family members.
• They will help you find next steps, which may include local resources, safety planning, or guidance on how to access further care.

Helping Someone Else in Crisis

"Asking someone directly whether they are thinking about suicide does not plant the idea. Research shows it reduces distress and opens the door to help." — American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

If you are concerned about someone else, these steps are practical and evidence-supported.

• Ask directly. "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" or "Are you having thoughts of suicide?" Asking the question does not increase risk. It demonstrates that you take the situation seriously and makes it safer for them to be honest.
• Listen without judgment. You do not need to fix the problem. Let them talk. Acknowledge what they are feeling without minimizing it or rushing to reassure.
• Stay with them. Do not leave someone alone if you believe they are in immediate danger. Stay present while you help connect them to support.
• Remove access to means. If you know someone is in crisis, removing access to medications, firearms, or other means significantly reduces risk, even temporarily.
• Help them contact support. Offer to sit with them while they call 988, or offer to call with them. You can also call on someone's behalf to get guidance.
• Call 911 as a last resort. If someone is in immediate physical danger and refuses all other help, calling emergency services is appropriate.

After a Crisis: Getting Ongoing Support

Crisis lines stabilize acute distress. They are not a substitute for ongoing mental health care. After a crisis, the next step is connecting with a professional who can provide consistent support.

• If you were hospitalized, ask your discharge team for an outpatient referral before you leave. Continuity of care in the weeks after a psychiatric hospitalization significantly reduces the risk of a repeat crisis.
• If you used a crisis line, ask the counselor for local follow-up resources before the call ends.
• Contact SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 for a referral to a treatment provider in your area.
• See our guide to finding a therapist for a step-by-step process, including low-cost options.

Sources

1. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
2. Crisis Text Line
3. SAMHSA National Helpline
4. The Trevor Project
5. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — Crisis Lines
6. RAINN — Get Help
7. National Domestic Violence Hotline