top of page

If In Crisis...

You are ALWAYS able to Call 911 and ask to speak to the mental health worker on call if you are in crisis and feel you are unable to keep yourself safe.

If, for any number of reasons you are unable to reach me during a crisis and you feel you need to speak with someone immediately other options are available below to fit a variety of categories. You can always call a crisis center again for more support if you need it!

​

WHEN TO CALL FOR HELP:

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, there is no question as to whether you should call a depression hotline. If you are not having suicidal thoughts, you may wonder if how you feel warrants a crisis call. It doesn't hurt to call, and it doesn't cost anything, so pick up the phone and make the call. No one will judge you, and you won't feel like you are wasting anyone's time with your problems.


HOW HOTLINES HELP:

Mental Illness can feel lonely, isolating, and dreadful. You may feel like no one understands or cares about how you are doing. The people staffing these hotlines do understand and care about you; they want to help you get through this tough time. There are many ways they can help:

  • Hotlines usually have trained counselors ready at a phone center to take your call.

  • You can call any day of the week, at any time during the day or night.

  • These counselors will take as much time as you need to talk about what you are going through.

  • They are skilled at helping you through problems and making you feel better about your situation.


HOTLINES AVAILABLE TO YOU

  • Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 800 442-HOPE (4673) or chat online at: http://hopeline.com/

  • NAMI (national) Information Line: (800) 950-NAMI (6264)

    • NAMI Virginia operates a toll-free HelpLine to provide information and resources to callers who are seeking information about mental illness topics. We are not a crisis hotline nor do we offer direct services. We can assist with locating support groups and educational programs, provide information on how to access the mental health system, and provide general information about mental illness, education, support, and recovery. We are unable to furnish referrals/names to specific therapists, counselors, doctors, treatment centers, lawyers. etc. To reach our HelpLine for information and resources: Call 1-888-486-8264 or email info@namivirginia.org

  • Lost and Alone: (800) PPD-MOMS (773-6667) or email info@hopeline.com

    • This resources is available if you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression. PPD Moms is a great website that offers resources, helpful explanations, and connections to professionals who can provide help. The site thoroughly explains postpartum depression, various treatment methods, and current research.

  • Veteran Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 option 1 or TEXT 838255

    • The Veteran Crisis Line provides confidential free services that are administered by the Department of Veteran's Affairs responders. Texts can be sent 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you can also chat with someone through the website. Services are also available for those who are hard of hearing. Those who reach out can expect to speak with a caring, well-trained individual who can assist with finding resources, crisis intervention, and support.

  • National Hopeline Network: (800) SUICIDE (784-2433)

    • For those needing to discuss suicidal thoughts and behaviors, you can call the suicide hotline. They offer support for people in every state and can direct you to more appropriate services if necessary. They offer resources for specific mental health issues, LGBTQ specific issues, bullying, and assistance for those who may know someone who is suicidal. You can also send them an email if your question is not urgent or time sensitive.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)

    • When you dial the number, your call is automatically routed to the nearest crisis center. This network of crisis centers works together to provide high quality crisis intervention, psycho-education, and helpful resources. Your call is completely confidential, and centers are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. They also offer the same services for those who are hard of hearing, as well as for Spanish-speaking individuals. There is also a chat feature available on the website for those who prefer to instant message.

  • Your Life Counts: (877) 968-8454 or accessing their online, anonymous chat through their website

    • This hotline provides free, confidential services for young people struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. You will speak or online chat with a trained volunteer who can provide support and connect you to resources. This site also offers support to friends and loved ones of someone who is suicidal or has already committed suicide.

  • Teen Line: (800) TLC-TEEN (852-8336) or text TEEN to 839863

    • This unique hotline connects suicidal or distressed teens to other adolescents who have been trained in crisis response. Teen Line is available from 6 pm until 10 pm PST for phone calls. You can text from 6 until 9pm PST if you prefer texting. You can also reach them via email if your question is not time sensitive as they answer emails in the evening. Teen Line also provides helpful message boards and resources if you have more general questions.

  • 211 Helpline: Dial 211

    • This helpline offers assistance to those who are in abusive relationships, are suicidal, have been sexually assaulted, are being bullied, or are thinking of running away. You will be provided with free confidential services that can connect you to appropriate resources, counselors, safe houses, and support groups.This hotline is available in the United States and some parts of Canada, and their website offers nearly 100 available language options.

  • The Trevor Helpline: (866) 488-7386 or text TREVOR to (202) 304-1200

    • The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ people ages 13 to 24. You will have access to a professional counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week who can help you process what you are feeling and provide support as well as resources. You can also reach a counselor any day of the week between 3 pm and 10 pm EST through their chat located on their website in the top right corner. Texting is available Monday through Fridays from three to 10pm EST.

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

    • For those who are in crisis and are not comfortable or able to speak on the phone. The Crisis Text Line is available in the United States and provides those who are in distress with support, referrals, and resources. The responders are trained crisis volunteers who are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

  • National Runaway Safeline: (800) RUNAWAY (786-2929)

    • This is a great resource for kids who are thinking about running away or already have. Worried parents can also connect to National Runaway Safeline for support and resources. Trained volunteers respond to your calls, emails, or chat and can provide you with support and resources and help you establish a plan. Volunteers can be reached 24 hours a day and seven days a week by calling, live chatting through the website, or by emailing them.

  • Covenant House Nine-Line: (800) 999-9999

    • This non-profit assists youth who are homeless or live in an unsafe home environment. By calling or emailing them, you can get connected to helpful resources, such as safe shelters, mental health treatment, van pickups, and transitional housing. Their crisis line provides youth with support and helps them create an immediate plan of action.


MISCELLANEOUS HOTLINES FOR OTHER NEEDS

  • Girls & Boys Town National Hotline: (800) 448-3000

  • Alcohol Hotline: (800) 331-2900

  • Al-Anon for Families of Alcoholics: (800) 344-2666

  • Alcohol and Drug Helpline: (800) 821-4357

  • Alcohol Treatment Referral Hotline: (800) 252-6465

  • Alcohol & Drug Abuse Hotline: (800) 729-6686

  • Families Anonymous: (800) 736-9805

  • National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Hopeline: (800) 622-2255

  • Poison Control: (800) 222-1222

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline: (800) 662-4357

  • Cocaine Anonymous: (800) 347-8998

  • National Help Line for Substance Abuse: (800) 262-2463

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

  • National US Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 422-4453


EMAIL OR CHAT

If you're not fond of calling on the phone, some support centers provide online help. You can send a message through the website or send an e-mail to the address provided. A trained professional will usually answer your e-mail within the timeframe the website indicates. E-mail or online depression hotlines are great for non-urgent situations. If you have an ongoing problem and you don't need immediate assistance, an e-mail may work for you. However, if you are going through a crisis, a phone call can help you right when you need it. Another precaution with e-mail is it is not as confidential as using the phone. You never know who may read your e-mail, and that person may not be under the same confidentiality agreement as a counselor. Additionally, someone you know may read your email and see what you wrote to the support center.

  • Boys Town: This is an email option for youths and their parents. Turnaround time is usually 24 to 48 hours.

  • Crisis Chat: Talk about stress and other problems anonymously and get non-judgmental support.

  • IMAlive: Speak with a volunteer online without having to wait for an emailed reply.

  • Now Matters Now: Speak with a volunteer or professional counselor about suicidal thoughts.


FOLLOW-UP AFTER CRISIS:

Crisis intervention is helpful, but you may have some residual effects from the crisis requiring follow up. Please inform your mental health provider of any crises that may occur, even after the fact, so that they can assist you in healing from the crisis in addition to your current goals.

​

If In Crisis...: Welcome
bottom of page