24/7 Therapy and Mental Health Hotline Numbers

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Reaching out for help can take courage, and support is available whenever you need it. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor who can listen and help. Mental health hotlines exist for anyone who needs someone to talk to, whether you're in crisis or simply feeling overwhelmed. In the sections below, you'll find specific hotline numbers, what to expect when you reach out, and how to find ongoing support when you're ready.

What is a mental health hotline?

A mental health hotline is a phone, text, or chat service staffed by trained counselors who provide support to people experiencing emotional distress. These services are designed to help individuals navigate a wide range of challenges, from suicidal thoughts and overwhelming anxiety to grief, loneliness, and substance use concerns. You don't have to be in a life-threatening emergency to reach out.

Mental health hotlines are typically free, making them accessible to anyone who needs support. Counselors on these lines are trained to listen without judgment, help callers process their feelings, and connect them with local resources when needed. Whether you're experiencing a crisis or simply need someone to talk to during a difficult moment, these services may offer a helpful first step.

Who can call a crisis lifeline?

Most people can call a crisis lifeline. These services can support people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, or anyone who simply needs someone to listen. You may not need to be in crisis to reach out. Several hotlines also offer specialized support for specific populations, including veterans, LGBTQ+ youth, and Spanish speakers. If you're worried about a friend or family, you can also call to get guidance on how to help them.

When to call a mental health hotline

There are many situations when reaching out to a mental health hotline may help. Consider calling when you experience any of the following:

• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
• Overwhelming emotions that feel difficult to manage
• Concerns about substance use
• Intense grief or loss
• Relationship distress or conflict
• Loneliness or isolation
• Anxiety or panic that feels unmanageable
• A general sense that you need someone to talk to

Understanding what resources are available may help when you need support.

Free 24/7 mental health hotline numbers and resources

Several organizations offer free mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These services connect you with trained counselors who can listen, provide guidance, and help you find additional resources. Message and data rates may apply when contacting these hotlines via text.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, also known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, provides support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. You can reach the Lifeline by call, text, or chat, making it accessible in whatever way feels most comfortable. The service replaced the previous 10-digit number (1-800-273-8255) to make it easier to remember and during difficult moments.

Trained counselors are available around the clock to listen and offer guidance. They can help callers find the right resources and support networks. Services are available in both English and Spanish, and the Lifeline also offers specialized support for veterans and LGBTQ+ youth, which can serve as an accessible form of teen counseling during a crisis. Whether you're experiencing thoughts of suicide or simply going through a hard time, reaching out may help.

SAMHSA National Helpline

SAMHSA's National Helpline offers free assistance for individuals and families facing mental health conditions or substance use concerns. This service may be particularly valuable for those navigating both mental health and substance use concerns, as it provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Services are available in both English and Spanish.

Unlike crisis counseling lines, SAMHSA functions primarily as an information and referral service. Counselors can help you understand your options and connect you with appropriate care in your area. This resource may be especially helpful if you're looking for ongoing treatment rather than immediate crisis support.

Crisis Text Line

For text-based assistance, the Crisis Text Line allows users to connect with trained counselors by texting HOME to 741741. This service provides free 24/7 support and may be particularly useful for individuals who feel uncomfortable talking on the phone or prefer the convenience of texting. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line through their website chat or via WhatsApp.

The Crisis Text Line supports people experiencing any type of crisis, not just suicidal thoughts. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or overwhelming stress, text HOME to 741741 to connect with someone who can help.

Samaritans

The Samaritans organization focuses on providing emotional support to anyone in distress or individuals who need help processing challenging emotions and feelings. The organization offers helplines in several countries, making it accessible to a broad audience. This service is typically available to those experiencing a wide range of emotional challenges, from grief or relationship issues to general feelings of being overwhelmed.

Knowing what happens when you contact one of these services can make reaching out feel less intimidating.

What to expect when you call a mental health hotline

Some people may hesitate to call a mental health hotline because they're unsure what will happen. Understanding the process may reduce some of that uncertainty. When you call a hotline like 988, a trained crisis counselor answers the phone. They'll typically start by asking how you're doing and what prompted your call. From there, the conversation unfolds based on your needs.

Counselors are typically trained to listen without judgment. They typically won't tell you what to do or make you feel bad about reaching out. Instead, they can help you talk through what you're experiencing and explore options together. You may be in control of the conversation, and you can discuss as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

At the end of the call, the counselor may offer referrals to local resources, such as emergency therapists or support groups. Some hotlines also offer follow-up services if you'd like continued support. The goal may be to help you feel heard and to connect you with whatever help you might need.

How counselors are trained to help

Crisis counselors typically receive specialized training in crisis intervention techniques. They may learn how to listen actively, validate emotions, and help callers problem-solve in the moment. Some counselors also receive training in specific areas like suicide prevention, substance use, and trauma-informed care. Their role may be to provide support and guidance, not to diagnose or provide therapy.

What if I can't talk on the phone?

If calling feels too difficult or isn't possible in your situation, alternatives may be available. Several hotlines offer text and chat options that work similarly to phone calls, functioning as a form of immediate text therapy. These may be helpful if you're in a situation where you can't speak aloud, if you prefer typing to talking, or if phone calls feel overwhelming. Alternative contact methods include:

• Text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line
• Chat online at 988lifeline.org
• Chat online at crisistextline.org
• Message Crisis Text Line via WhatsApp

Recognizing when you or someone else might benefit from crisis support can be an important step toward getting help.

Recognizing when someone may need crisis support

It can sometimes be easier to notice warning signs in others versus ourselves. If you're concerned about a friend or family, certain behaviors may indicate they could benefit from crisis support. Noticing these signs in yourself is equally valid and may be a reason to reach out.

Warning signs that someone may be in crisis can include:

• Talking about being a burden to others
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
• Sudden calmness after a period of depression
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
• Talking about wanting to die or making plans for suicide
• Extreme mood swings or changes in behavior

How to help a loved one in crisis

If you're worried about someone, approaching them with care and concern may help. Let them know you've noticed changes and that you're there for them. You can also call a hotline like 988 yourself to get advice on how to support someone you're concerned about. Counselors can help you figure out what to say and what resources might help. You may not need to have all the answers to be supportive.

Preparing for a call can help you make the most of the support available.

Tips for reaching out to a mental health hotline

A bit of preparation may help when calling a mental health hotline. Consider these suggestions:

• Reach out early, before a situation escalates if possible.
• Find a quiet, comfortable place where you can talk openly.
• Be honest about what you're experiencing, even if it feels difficult, and don't worry about trauma dumping on the counselor—they are there to listen.
• Know that you can hang up if you feel uncomfortable at any point.
• Ask questions if you're unsure about something the counselor says.
• Follow up on any referrals or suggestions provided.
• Reaching out can be a sign of strength, not weakness.

While crisis hotlines provide valuable immediate support, ongoing care may help address deeper concerns over time.

The difference between crisis hotlines and ongoing therapy

Crisis hotlines and ongoing therapy may serve different but complementary purposes. Hotlines can provide immediate support during difficult moments, helping you stabilize and connect with resources. They're typically designed for short-term intervention rather than long-term treatment. The counselors you speak with may be trained to help in the moment, but they typically won't be the same person you talk to each time you call.

Ongoing therapy, on the other hand, involves working with a licensed therapist over time to address underlying mental health concerns, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals. After a crisis stabilizes, connecting with a therapist can help you build on the support you received and create lasting change. Both types of support can play important roles in mental health care.

Exploring online therapy for ongoing mental health support

For those seeking ongoing support after a crisis or alongside other resources, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can connect you with licensed therapists from one of the world's largest networks—more than 30,000 qualified providers globally—from the comfort of your home. BetterHelp offers a personalized approach by matching clients with therapists who specialize in their specific needs. You can communicate with your therapist through messaging, phone calls, or video sessions based on what works best for you.

BetterHelp is not a crisis service. If you need immediate help, contacting a 24/7 hotline like 988 or Crisis Text Line is the appropriate step. However, for ongoing therapeutic support to address concerns like anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or stress, you can get started to work through these issues over time. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through Uplift as an additional care option alongside therapy. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate and based on a licensed psychiatric provider's evaluation. BetterHelp accepts major insurance plans. Insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status. The average copay for eligible individuals is $23 per session.

If insurance isn't available, the cost of online therapy via BetterHelp ranges from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly through a subscription option. Costs are based on your location, referral source, preferences, any applicable discounts, and therapist availability.

To get started with psychiatry services, visit this page. Medication availability and coverage may vary by location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy and insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by an individual's insurance plan.

Benefits of online therapy

Online therapy can offer several advantages for people seeking mental health support, particularly those who may have recently experienced a crisis. The accessibility of connecting from home may assist those for whom leaving the house feels difficult. The flexibility to use in-app messaging with your therapist between sessions may provide additional support when difficult emotions arise. Additionally, being matched with a therapist who specializes in your specific concerns can help ensure you receive relevant, personalized care.

*Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and is not guaranteed. Pricing, availability, insurance coverage, and copays vary by plan, location, and provider availability are not guaranteed.

How effective online therapy may be after a crisis

Research consistently shows the effectiveness of online therapy, noting that it can be a non-stigmatizing way of receiving mental health care. It can also be more efficient. In the BetterHelp outcomes report, 96% of BetterHelp users were matched with a therapist within 24 hours of signing up. For people looking for support after a crisis moment, online therapy may offer a practical way to continue care and build coping skills over time.