988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or chat with a trained crisis counselor. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365 in the United States.
Support & resources
You do not need perfect words to reach out.
Whether you need immediate help, want professional support, or are checking on someone you care about, start with the next safe step.
Call 911
If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a website, email, or social-media response.
Call 911Find professional support
A licensed therapist, counselor, doctor, or local clinic can help with ongoing emotional and mental-health needs.
- Contact your primary-care provider or insurance plan.
- Ask a trusted person to help you make the first appointment.
- If the first provider is not a good fit, it is okay to try another.
Check in—and listen.
Ask directly and compassionately how the person is doing. Make room for the real answer instead of settling for “I'm fine.”
- Listen without judgment or trying to fix everything.
- Take statements about suicide or self-harm seriously.
- Encourage connection to 988 or professional help.
- Do not promise secrecy when someone may be in danger.
Peer support matters.
Being heard by people who understand can reduce isolation and help someone take the next step. Peer support works best alongside—not in place of—qualified professional care when that care is needed.
Protect your privacy.
Do not submit diagnoses, medical records, crisis details, or other sensitive health information through ordinary email or social media. Use secure channels provided by qualified healthcare or crisis services.