Mental Health Crises Are Emergencies Too

A mental health crisis — whether it involves suicidal thoughts, a severe panic attack, psychotic episode, or domestic danger — is a genuine emergency. Just like a physical medical emergency, it requires prompt, appropriate help. Knowing where to turn before a crisis occurs is one of the most important steps anyone can take.

This guide outlines the primary crisis resources available in the United States, what each one offers, and how to use them effectively.

Key Crisis Hotlines and Services

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text: 988

Launched in 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is the national standard for mental health crisis response. By dialing or texting 988, you're connected to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are available in English and Spanish, and a chat option is available at 988lifeline.org.

Who it's for: Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance use crises, or other mental health emergencies.

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

For people who feel more comfortable texting than talking, the Crisis Text Line connects you with a trained crisis counselor via SMS. It's free, confidential, and available around the clock. This option is especially useful in situations where speaking aloud isn't safe or possible.

Veterans Crisis Line

Call 988, then press 1 | Text 838255

Veterans, service members, and their families can access specialized support through the Veterans Crisis Line. Counselors are specifically trained to understand military culture and the unique challenges veterans face.

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-4357

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline provides free, confidential treatment referrals and information for individuals and families dealing with mental health or substance use disorders. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233 | Text START to 88788

For anyone experiencing domestic abuse or relationship violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support, safety planning, and local resource referrals. Trained advocates are available 24/7. A chat option is also available at thehotline.org.

RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-4673

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) operates the national sexual assault hotline, connecting callers to local sexual assault service providers. Confidential support is available 24/7 by phone or at rainn.org.

When to Call 911 Instead

Crisis hotlines are invaluable, but some situations require emergency services. Call 911 if:

  • The person has already harmed themselves or attempted suicide
  • There is an active, immediate threat to someone's life
  • The person is unconscious or unresponsive
  • There is a weapon involved

When calling 911 for a mental health crisis, you can inform the dispatcher that it's a mental health emergency. Many communities now have co-responder programs that send mental health professionals alongside or instead of law enforcement.

Supporting Someone Else in Crisis

If you're worried about someone else:

  1. Ask directly — asking someone if they're thinking about suicide does not plant the idea; it opens the door to help
  2. Listen without judgment — let them talk without offering immediate solutions
  3. Stay with them — don't leave a person in acute crisis alone
  4. Help them connect — offer to sit with them while they call or text a crisis line
  5. Remove means if possible — if there are medications, weapons, or other means of self-harm accessible, try to safely reduce that access

Save These Numbers Now

The best time to look up crisis resources is before you need them. Add these numbers to your phone's contacts today, and consider sharing them with family members, coworkers, and anyone who might benefit:

  • 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • 1-800-662-4357 — SAMHSA
  • 1-800-799-7233 — Domestic Violence
  • 1-800-656-4673 — Sexual Assault (RAINN)

You don't need to be in crisis yourself to call. If you're worried about someone, these lines can guide you too.