SYNTHETIC DEMONSTRATION — no real student or patient. Not a medical device.

Urgent & emergency

Crisis Hotlines and Text Lines for Teens

Free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support for teens: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741. You don't have to be in danger to reach out.

988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

You can call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7 through a national network of more than 200 local crisis centers 1. A trained counselor will listen without judging and help you through whatever you're facing — you don't have to know exactly what to say. The Lifeline also has specialized support, including options for Spanish speakers, Veterans, and people who are Deaf or hard of hearing 2.

Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741

If talking on the phone feels like too much, you can text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor by text. Texting can feel more private and less overwhelming, especially if you're somewhere you can't speak freely. Like 988, it's free, confidential, and available any time.

You don't have to be in crisis to call

You don't have to be thinking about suicide — or in immediate danger — to reach out. These lines are for anyone who is overwhelmed, anxious, grieving, lonely, or just needs someone to talk to 1. Reaching out early is a strength, not a weakness, and it does not mean you'll automatically be hospitalized or that your parents will be called. The counselor's goal is to support you and help you find your next step.

If you're in immediate danger

If you have already hurt yourself, or you feel you can't stay safe right now, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you can, tell a trusted adult — a parent, relative, teacher, coach, or school counselor — so you're not alone. Putting distance between yourself and anything you could use to hurt yourself, and telling someone, can help you get through this moment 3. Crises pass, and help is available.

Talking to a counselor or clinician beyond the call

A hotline is a great first step, and a counselor or clinician can help over the longer term too. They can listen, help you understand what you're feeling, and offer evidence-based support such as therapy. They use validated, youth-friendly questions to understand how you're really doing 4 and can work with you on a personal safety plan for hard moments 5. If something medical might be affecting your mood, they can check that too, and they can help you talk with your family or school if you want them to. You deserve support, and reaching out connects you to people trained to help.

Common questions

Is 988 really free and confidential?

Yes. Calling or texting 988 is free and confidential, available 24/7 through a network of local crisis centers [1]. There are also specialized services for Spanish speakers, Veterans, and Deaf or hard-of-hearing users [2].

Do I have to be suicidal to call?

No. These lines are for anyone who is overwhelmed, anxious, lonely, or just needs to talk [1]. You don't have to be in danger to deserve support, and reaching out early is a sign of strength.

Will they call my parents or send police?

Counselors focus on supporting you and helping you find your next step; most calls are handled entirely on the phone or by text. If you're in immediate danger, they'll help you stay safe, which is what matters most [1].

Reach out now — help is available 24/7

  • —You've already hurt yourself
  • —You have a plan or the means to hurt yourself
  • —You feel you can't keep yourself safe right now
  • —You feel completely alone with these thoughts

Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). If there is immediate danger, call 911.

This page is general educational information and not a substitute for talking with a trained crisis counselor or clinician; please reach out to 988 if you're struggling.

References

  1. 1.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2024). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. SAMHSA (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). link ✓988 provides free, confidential, 24/7 call/text/chat crisis support through a network of 200+ local crisis centers.
  2. 2.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2024). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Frequently Asked Questions. SAMHSA (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). link ✓988 offers specialized services for Veterans, Spanish speakers, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing users.
  3. 3.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Means Matter (2024). Lethal Means Counseling. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Means Matter). link ✓Putting distance between an at-risk person and lethal means is an evidence-based prevention step.
  4. 4.Horowitz LM, Bridge JA, Teach SJ, Ballard E, Klima J, Rosenstein DL, Wharff EA, Ginnis K, Cannon E, Joshi P, Pao M (2012). Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ): A Brief Instrument for the Pediatric Emergency Department. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. doi:10.1001/archpediatrics.2012.1276 ✓The 4-item ASQ is a brief, validated suicide-screening instrument for youth.
  5. 5.Stanley B, Brown GK (2012). Safety Planning Intervention: A Brief Intervention to Mitigate Suicide Risk. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2011.01.001 ✓The Safety Planning Intervention is a brief, collaborative, evidence-informed best practice for an acute crisis.

5 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice — synthetic demonstration content.