Hotlines for Mental Health Crises

In light of the ongoing pandemic, and in anticipation of a continued mental health crisis as we move into winter, the Adolescent Mental Health Network has put together a list of hotlines and other emergency resources for mental health crises. As most hotlines work best when you’re calling for yourself, rather than on someone else’s behalf, we would encourage you to make this list available to the young people you work with. Please note the text lines; many people find texting to be easier than calling in times of crisis.

Please also know that if a child is unsafe, it is always best to go directly to the nearest emergency room. In Massachusetts, the Emergency Services Program/Mobile Crisis Intervention (ESP/MCI) also supports Mobile Crisis Units, which provide emergency behavioral health crisis, intervention, and stabilization services provided statewide and can be contacted at 1-877-382-1609.

National Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 support

National Suicide Prevention Line: 800-273-8255

Samiritan Hotline (MA only): 877-870-4673

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ specific): 866-488-7386, 

Trevor Text (LGBTQ specific): text START to 678678

Please also note that, if you are speaking with someone who is contemplating suicide, or in any other sort of urgent crisis, the first step is to go to the nearest emergency room immediately. It may also be helpful to familiarize yourself with the procedure for calling the Mobile Crisis Intervention/Emergency Services Program.