What to know before calling a crisis hotline
If you feel like you or someone you know is in immediate danger, you should call 911 or go to an emergency room to get immediate help. If it is a psychiatric emergency, ask for someone who is trained for these kinds of situations.
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault
- The mission of this organization is to assist anyone who has been victimized by sexual assault or abuse. Their website is a compilation of information around different instances of sexual violence. They offer resources to assist survivors and their families, and will continuously be adding more. They recently made a guide specific to domestic violence and sexual abuse. It has tons of great info, including how to help someone who has experienced this type of abuse and warning signs to be aware of.
- Adult Protective Services 1-888-832-3858
- Available 24/7. One option for seniors in need of immediate services who are without care-giver support.
- Crisis Text Line — Text Hello to 741741
- Crisis Text Line fields messages about suicidal thoughts, abuse, sexual assault, depression, anxiety, bullying and more. What makes it unique is that it’s entirely text-based, which makes it easy for anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable or safe talking on the phone to use it. You can text 741741, or message Crisis Text Line on Facebook for help. You’ll be matched with a volunteer counselor, who is supervised by a licensed, trained mental health professional.
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline — 1-800-273-8255
- The National Suicide Prevention Hotline fields calls 24/7 for anyone with suicidal thoughts or who are in crisis. They offer help for Spanish-speakers and anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing. Their website also offers many resources to get help for yourself or someone you know.
- YouthLine — Text teen2teen to 839863, or call 1-877-968-8491
- YouthLine provides a safe space for children and adults ages 11 to 21, to talk through any issues they may be facing, including eating disorders, relationship or family concerns, bullying, sexual identity, depression, self-harm, anxiety and thoughts of suicide.
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline — 1-800-422-4453
- For issues related to child abuse, Childhelp connects you with a professional counselors to help in a crisis, and provide information on how to get help. They offer phone support in 170 languages.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-7233
- For anyone who is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault (or know someone who is), this hotline offer counseling and advice. Anyone who is experiencing domestic violence and/or abuse, plus anyone concerned about a friend, family member or loved one can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They offer support in more than 200 languages, and offer a confidential, secure online chat.
- National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-855-812-1001
- The National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline is a spinoff from the NDVH specifically for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. You can get help over email, or talk via video call to a trained counselor.
- RAINN — 1-800-656-4673
- RAINN’s (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) hotline is for anyone who’s experienced sexual abuse or assault. When you call their main hotline, you’ll be connected with someone at a local organization in your area who can provide live support and direct you to additional resources.
Hotlines for the LGBTQIA+ community
Whether you’re struggling with your gender identity or sexuality, or are experiencing a crisis and want to talk to someone who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community, you can lean on these hotlines.
- The Trevor Project — 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
- LGBTQIA+ kids and teens can reach out to The Trevor Project for support during a crisis, if they are feeling suicidal or need a safe space to talk about any issue. You can also chat via their website or by texting START to 678678.
- Trans Lifeline — 1-877-565-8860 The Trans Lifeline provides support specifically for transgender and questioning callers, run trans people. They provide support during a crisis and can also offer guidance to anyone who is questioning their gender and needs support. The hotline is available between 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. EST. But, operators are often available during off-hours, so no matter when you need to call, you should.
A few other LGBTQIA helplines that offer support, but not necessarily crisis intervention:
- LGBT National Hotline — 1-888-843-4564
- LGBT National Youth Talkline — 1-800-246-7743
- LGBT Senior Hotline — 1-888-234-7243
Drug or Alcohol Abuse
If you are experiencing any kind of emergency situation related to drug or alcohol use, you should call 911 or your local emergency line.
- SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-4357 — If you are struggling with addiction or are concerned about a loved one’s alcohol or drug abuse, you can contact the hotline for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This US government agency offers support and information about treatment and recovery.
If you have any additional resources to add please e-mail: jon@jon-rice.com and CvilleCares@gmail.com
