Mental Health & Crisis Helplines
Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.
– Written by
Helena Georgiou
and
Patrick Nagle
– Updated on July 6, 2026
No matter where you are in the world, support may be closer than you think. This guide brings together free, confidential, and often 24/7 mental health and crisis services for people experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, substance use challenges, and other urgent concerns.
Many organizations offer support by phone, text, or online chat, making it easier to reach out in the way that feels safest and most comfortable. Explore the services listed below to find support in your country or region.
If you are not experiencing an immediate crisis, visit the MentalHealth.com Library for reliable information, practical resources, and evidence-based guidance on mental health and crisis support.
United States
Emergency
- Dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
National Hotlines
- SAMHSA’s Helpline: +1 (800) 662-HELP (4357)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
- Disaster Distress Helpline: +1 (800) 985-5990
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: +1 (800) 273-8255
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: +1 (800) 799-7233
- Family Violence Helpline: +1 (800) 996-6228
- National Hopeline Network: +1 (800) 784-2433
- Self-Harm Hotline: +1 (800) 366-8288
- Planned Parenthood Hotline: +1 (800) 230-7526
- Poison Control Centers: +1 (800) 222-1222
- Alcohol & Drug Hope Line: +1 (800) 622-2255
- Anorexia & Bulimia Crisis Line: +1 (800) 233-4357
- GLBT National Help Center: +1 (888) 843-4564
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): +1 (866) 488-7386
- AIDS Crisis Line: +1 (800) 221-7044
- Childhelp (Child Abuse Hotline): +1 (800) 422-4453
- Trans Lifeline: +1 (877) 565-8860
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Youth-Specific Resources
- Boys Town National Hotline: +1 (800) 448-3000
- Covenant House (Homeless Youth): +1 (800) 999-9999
- ReachOut: +1 (800) 448-3000
- Love is Respect (Dating Abuse): +1 (866) 331-9474
- Cyber Civil Rights (Revenge Porn): +1 (844) 878-2274
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: +1 (800) 843-5678
- RAINN (Sexual Assault Support): +1 (800) 656-4673
- National Runaway Switchboard: +1 (800) 786-2929
Canada
- Talk Suicide Canada: +1 (833) 456-4566 | Text: 45645
- Crisis Services Canada: Website
- Your Life Counts: Website
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Website
United Kingdom & Ireland
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Shout UK (Text Service): Text SHOUT to 85258
- NHS Mental Health Services (UK): Call 111, Option 2
- Your Life Counts (UK): Website
Australia
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
New Zealand
- Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354
- The Lowdown: 0800 111 757 | Text: 5626
- Need to Talk?: Call or Text 1737
India
- iCall (TISS): +91 9152987821 | Email: [email protected]
- AASRA: +91 9820466726
- Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: 9999 666 555 / 1860 266 2345
- Muktaa Mental Health Helpline: 0788-788-9882
Other Countries
- Brazil – CVV: 188 | Website
- Mexico – SAPTEL: 800 472 7835 | Linea de la Vida: 800 911 2000
- Iran – Crisis Line: 123
- Germany – Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222
- France – SOS Amitié: 09 72 39 40 50 | Suicide Écoute: 01 45 39 40 00
- South Africa – SADAG: 0800 567 567
- Japan – TELL Lifeline: 03-5774-0992 | Inochi no Denwa: 0570-783-556
- China – Lifeline Shanghai: 400 821 1215
- Russia – EMERCOM Line: +7 (495) 989-50-50
- Nigeria – SURPIN: 0908 021 7555 / 0903 440 0009
- Kenya – Red Cross Support: 1199
- Philippines – NCMH Crisis Hotline: 1553 | 0917 899 8727
- Indonesia – Mental Health Hotline: 119 ext. 8
- Thailand – Mental Health Hotline: 1323
Medical Content
The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.
About MentalHealth.com
MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, navigate mental health, and build human connections. We provide reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities that educate, support, and empower people through every phase of life.
Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a somatic psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in clinical psychology and neuropsychology.
Helena Georgiou is an experienced director with over 15 years of expertise in leading strategic initiatives and driving organizational growth.
Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.
– Written by
Helena Georgiou
and
Patrick Nagle
– Updated on July 6, 2026
Additional Reading
The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.
MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, navigate mental health, and build human connections. We provide reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities that educate, support, and empower people through every phase of life.