Help right now
Crisis and emergency resources
You do not have to find the perfect words before reaching out. Use the option that fits the immediate situation.
Call
988
Connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US, available 24/7.
Text
988
Text if a phone call feels easier to avoid or less accessible right now.
Online
Chat
Open the official 988 Lifeline chat. If chat is unavailable or waiting is unsafe, call instead.
What to expect
You can start with one simple sentence
The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support for suicidal crisis and emotional distress. You can say, “I need help staying safe,” “I’m worried about someone else,” or “I don’t know what to do right now.” You do not need a diagnosis or a prepared explanation.
A crisis counselor can help with immediate support and next steps. Ongoing treatment is a separate process; if you need a provider, use the find-help guide after immediate safety is addressed.
If you are supporting someone
Stay focused on immediate safety
- Stay with the person when you can, or maintain contact while help is being reached.
- Ask directly and calmly about suicide and immediate danger. You do not need to debate or promise secrecy.
- If it is safe to do so, reduce access to medications, weapons or other means of harm while help is being contacted.
- Call 988 for guidance. Call 911 when danger is immediate or the person cannot remain safe.
- Look after your own safety too. Do not put yourself in physical danger to keep someone else safe.
Location and accessibility notes
The 988 Lifeline is a US service. NIMH also notes that help is available in Spanish by calling 988. Outside the US, use the local emergency number or crisis service. Mindful Path is not a hotline and cannot receive crisis messages.
For veterans, NIMH lists the Veterans Crisis Line: call 988 and press 1, text 838255 or use the official veterans chat. Disaster-related distress support is available through SAMHSA's Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
Sources
Reviewed November 2026. Emergency availability and local services can change; use current official instructions.