Alternatives to 988

Text

988 is the most commonly used hotline for those in crisis in the US, but it’s not the only option! We’re highlighting a few different resources one can call or text to receive support. Explore your options and make the decision that is best for you!

Alternatives to 988:

NAMI Helpline

Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text "HelpLine" to 62640 or E-mail helpline@nami.org
 
 

During this difficult time, the NAMI HelpLine is here for you. HelpLine volunteers are working to answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps. The resources on this page provide information to address many needs and concerns. Stay connected, text, chat, call or email the NAMI HelpLine today. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET.


Crisis Text Line

 

Text HOME to 741741

crisistextline.org
https://www.crisistextline.org/topics/suicide/

Anyone can text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7 support. Text from anywhere in the USA. Every texter is connected with a Crisis Counselor, a real-life human being trained to bring texters from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening and collaborative problem solving.

Trevor Project Lifeline

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678

The Trevor Lifeline is a 24/7 hotline that serves LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. LGBTQ+ youth are a group at an increased risk for suicide. The Trevor Lifeline provides free, confidential support to young LGBTQ+ people experiencing thoughts of suicide or other emotional distress.

 

Trans Lifeline - Trans Peer Support

translifeline.org

877-565-8860

Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for the trans community that’s been divested from police since day one. It’s run by and for trans people.

BlackLine
Black, Brown, Native & Muslim Hotline

www.callblackline.com

Call or Text 1 (800) 604-5841

BlackLine provides a space for peer support, counseling, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences to folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens. Call BlackLine prioritizes BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color).

 

Project LETS

projectlets.org/crisis-support

Call 401-400-2905
For Peer Support & Resources

Project LETS is a national grassroots organization and movement led by and for folks with lived experience of mental illness/madness, Disability, trauma, & neurodivergence. They specialize in building just, responsive, and transformative peer support collectives and community mental health care structures that do not depend on state-sanctioned systems that may cause harm. They work for and with multiply marginalized folks in our communities to provide access, political education, & material resources that are needed to survive and thrive.

Teen Line

www.teenlineonline.org

Call 1-310-855-HOPE (4673) or

Call 1-800-852-TEEN (8336) or
Text TEEN to 839863
A non-profit, community-based organization that provides emotional support to youth. It is their mission to provide peer-based education and support before problems become a crisis. Phone Line available 6pm-10pm (PST). Text Line available 6pm-9pm (PST). Email support and online message boards also available

National Runaway Safeline

1800runaway.org

Call 1-800-RUNAWAY
(800-786-2929)

24/7 Crisis hotline for youth & teens offering live chats, e-mail support, forums, and additional resource referrals.

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

https://childhelphotline.org/

Call or text 1-800-422-4453
Plus Live Chat Support

If you are being hurt, know someone who might be hurting, or are afraid you might hurt another, call or text the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline.

Veterans Crisis Line

www.veteranscrisisline.net

Call 988 and press 1.

Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number—1-800-273-8255 and Press 1—by text (838255), and through chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat). Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.


Vets 4 Warriors

https://www.vets4warriors.com/

Call 855-838-8255. Support is also available via e-mail.

A caller will immediately be connected to a peer who is a veteran or a member of the military community.

RAINN
The National Sexual Assault Hotline

24/7 Free and Confidential Support

https://rainn.org/ (Offers Live Chats)

800-656-HOPE (4673)

 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

https://www.thehotline.org/

Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Life chat and text support - Text “START” to 88788

SAMHSA
Substance Abuse Support Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Text your zip code to: 435748 (HELP4U)

samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment

This Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.

 

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline

Call or Text: 1-800-985-5990

samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

 

Poison Control

www.poison.org

Call 1-800-222-1222 or

Text POISON to 797979

Contact Poison Control right away for expert medical advice if you suspect a poisoning or poison-related emergency such as chemical burns. Help is available via text, online with webPOISONCONTROL, or by phone 24/7. Every option is free, expert, and confidential

Not in Crisis But Still Needing Support?

Warmlines

Visit warmline.org to find the warmline that serves your county or state.

A peer run “warm line” is designed as an alternative to traditional "hot line” crisis services, used by callers who are not actually in crisis but are still seeking support. Generally, warm lines are operated by trained peer specialists who can offer hope, strength, and knowledge gained from their own personal experience of the recovery process. Peer specialists are often trained in empathic listening, disclosure, providing possible ideas for coping strategies, and how to bridge to crisis services. Warmline volunteers are people with lived experience around anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.