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Updated on 11/25/19

Suicidal thoughts can be hard to discuss with friends and loved ones. Knowing who to talk to or feeling safe talking about these thoughts can seem impossible. In these cases, a suicide prevention hotline may be a good option. Suicide hotlines provide judgment-free support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Calling a suicide crisis hotline can be intimidating. While it may seem overwhelming or even scary to call someone to discuss suicidal thoughts, suicide helplines are staffed by individuals trained to handle these types of calls.

When Should You Call a Suicide Hotline?

Calling a suicide hotline may not always be the best course of action to take, so it is important to know when to call a suicide hotline and when to use other resources.

You may benefit most from calling a 24-hour suicide hotline if you have been experiencing any of the following:

Thinking you would be better off dead
Believing it would be better for others if you weren’t around
Wanting to go to sleep and never wake up
Having specific thoughts of harming or killing yourself
Believing that you are a burden to others
Feeling helpless or hopeless

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room as soon as possible.

What Kinds of Questions Will You Be Asked?

One fear associated with calling a suicide hotline is not knowing what happens when you call a suicide hotline. Being prepared with this information before you call can ease some of this stress. When you call a suicide hotline, the first question you are asked will typically assess why you are calling. After this, the hotline operator may ask questions to determine if you are safe.

To get the best results and the most helpful assistance, it is important to be honest and open when answering questions, even if they seem irrelevant.

Benefits of Calling a Suicide Hotline

There are many benefits of suicide hotlines. Calling can:

Provide support when you need it most
Help you focus on healthy coping skills
Connect you to with local resources and emergency services (when appropriate)

Are Suicide Hotlines Free?

Unlike therapy options which are conducted over the phone or online, suicide hotlines are free without any hidden charges. A free suicide hotline can allow you to speak with someone when you are in a crisis, regardless of if you have insurance. Most toll-free suicide hotlines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving you a free resource anytime you need it.

Is My Call Confidential?

One feature of most suicide hotlines is that they are committed to protecting your privacy. Anonymous suicide hotlines allow callers to speak with supportive operators without revealing their identity or other personal details. Confidential suicide hotlines may gather information such as your name and location but will not share this information or use it unless there is a serious concern for your safety or the safety of someone else. Even in these cases, confidentiality is protected to the highest degree possible.

National Suicide Hotlines

There are several national suicide hotlines accessible from nearly anywhere in the United States. These national suicide prevention hotlines can be used by anyone in the country, at any time. The most reputable of these hotlines is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Online Hotlines

Individuals who feel particularly uncomfortable talking about their suicidal thoughts may find a suicide hotline online chat to be a more accessible option. Online suicide hotlines and suicide hotline text lines allow people to chat online or via text with support personnel. Some crisis line text numbers and online chats available include:

Lifeline Crisis Chat: Online chat option in your web browser
Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741-741

Teen Hotlines

In addition to general national helplines, there are several helplines dedicated to special populations such as teenagers. For example, Teen Line is a teen suicide hotline that has both call and text options. This service even provides a teen suicide prevention hotline app for smartphones among other ways to connect.

Reach youth suicide hotline at:

Teen Line: Call 310-855-2673 or Text TEEN to 839963 or download the app
Boys Town: Call 1-800-448-1833

LGBT Hotline

Due to discrimination, LGBTQ youths are often at a higher risk of suicide. In order to best support this group, there are specific LGBT suicide hotlines such as the Trevor Project hotline. The Trevor Project can be reached in any of the following ways:

Call 1-866-488-7346
Text START to 678-678

Veterans Crisis Line

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs a veterans crisis line providing specialized help for veterans. Many operators at the veterans suicide hotline are veterans themselves. The veterans crisis line number can be reached in the following ways:

Call 1-800-273-8255
Text 828-255

Christian Suicide Hotline

For individuals who would rather reach out to a Christian crisis service, there are some options for Christian suicide hotlines, including:

The Prayer and Crisis Line: 1-866-599-2264
NeedHim.org: Text 320-345-3455 or chat online

International Suicide Hotlines

Many countries have their own hotlines. If you live abroad or are traveling, there may be an international suicide hotline available to you. These can be located using an international suicide hotline finder such as Befrienders Worldwide.

Additional suicide hotlines in specific countries can be found online on various websites, including the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and WhatsApp.

Suicide Hotline Finder

If you would like to find a hotline near you, you may wish to use an online suicide hotline finder. Additional resources for specific populations, including gender, race, and age-specific resources, can also be found online.

Local Suicide Hotlines

If you would prefer to call a local suicide hotline instead of a national hotline, there are many local suicide prevention hotlines available. However, unlike most national options, local hotlines may not be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Local suicide hotline numbers by the state served include:

If you are struggling with substance use and a mental health condition that may be causing suicidal thoughts, The Recovery Village may be able to provide you with dual diagnosis treatment. Contact The Recovery Village today to learn more about options for treating co-occurring disorders.

Sources
SuicideHotline.com. “Hotlines in Your State.” April 29, 2018. Accessed on May 17, 2019.

USA Today. “What Actually Happens When You Call You Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.” September 10, 2018. Accessed on May 17, 2019.

iFred.com. “Suicide Hotlines.” Accessed on May 17, 2019.

SuicidePreventionLifeline.org “Talk to Someone Now.” Accessed on May 17, 2019.

Suicide Hotlines

Learn the benefits of calling a suicide hotline, find out what to expect when you call and locate national, international and local resources