Stress, family, work and financial responsibilities can feel overwhelming. But help is available.
The free text line can connect you with a trained Crisis Counselor, who will listen without judgement and be there to support you. You can talk back and forth with the counselor until you are in a calm, safe place.
Free and confidential
Helplines (also called hotlines or crisis lines) provide immediate, free, anonymous and confidential crisis counseling and emotional support over the phone or online chat or text. You can find a helpline near you on our directory or search for specific services using our intelligent ranking algorithm.
Once connected, your counselor will say their name and invite you to share more about how you’re feeling — but you never have to talk about anything you don’t feel comfortable sharing. They’ll ask questions, empathize and actively listen. The conversation typically ends when both you and your counselor decide that you’re in a calm, safe place.
People call Crisis Text Line to talk about everything from financial worries and relationship issues to mental illness, addiction and thoughts of suicide. They may be in crisis themselves or worried about a friend or family member. The service is free to use, though standard messaging fees may apply based on your cell plan.
24 hours a day
Whether you’re having a moment of crisis or need someone to talk to, our volunteers are here for you. We serve anyone living in the United States who needs support. We will not share your name, location, or other personal information unless you’re in danger of hurting yourself or others, give consent for us to do so (usually written), or when it’s a public safety matter that requires immediate action by law enforcement or first responders.
Volunteers work from home, which allows them to balance a full schedule of work and other obligations with their commitment to serve people in distress. They engage in empathetic and compassionate conversations with texters, de-escalating their crises through active listening and safety planning.
Taking that first step to reach out for help can be one of the hardest and bravest things you ever do. We’re here 24/7 to provide free, confidential and anonymous text-based mental health support. Just text HOME to 741741. We’ve got you covered.
Text STEVE to 741741
For young people of color who are struggling emotionally and in need of support, The Steve Fund has created a keyword that connects them with a crisis counselor. The Fund views text messaging as a critical strategy for improving the access young people of color have to crisis counseling. When you text STEVE to 741741, a volunteer Crisis Counselor will reply to you within minutes.
The service is free, though standard messaging rates may apply based on your phone plan. Individuals can also access other resources through the app or website. Tailored resources include those for English and Spanish speakers, LGBTQIA+, youth, survivors of loss or trauma, and Veterans.
Promote this resource through your local community. Talk to your school district about allowing them to use the service in classes and workshops. Share it with local colleges – place information in student publications and on their websites, and feature it during freshman orientation, resident advisor training and other campus events.
Text HOME to 741741 to get help for yourself or a loved one
Crisis Text Line is a free and confidential service available by text message on mobile phones. Standard messaging rates may apply based on your cell phone carrier’s plan. The organization is not a substitute for professional care or counseling. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or visit your local emergency room.
During the call, you will be connected to a trained crisis counselor at your local Lifeline network crisis center. The crisis counselor will listen to your story and work with you to figure out the best way to help you. They will also try to connect you with local resources.
Millennials are more comfortable using their mobile devices, so text-based services like Crisis Text Line may be more approachable than calling a hotline or visiting a therapist in person. However, these new services may not be accessible to people in rural or low-income communities. They may also raise ethical issues about data privacy and access to treatment.