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If everything feels razor-thin right now, pause and press 988. A trained human will answer—usually in under a minute—and stay with you until the storm calms.

Call / Text 988 Now

Specialty Crisis Helplines

Profession-, identity-, and issue-specific hotlines vetted September 2025. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

Questions people ask seconds before they reach for help

Friend, if your thumb is hovering over the call button, this part is for you. These are the no-fluff answers I give when someone in my office asks, “ What really happens if I call? ” Take what helps, skip what doesn’t, and remember—every helpline you see here is staffed by humans whose only job tonight is to keep a little light on for you.


  • What will I hear when I dial 988?

    You’ll get a 15-second recording (press 2 for Spanish, 1 if you’re a veteran). Then the system finds the closest accredited crisis center. A real human—usually inside a minute—says, “Hi, I’m glad you called.” They listen first, ask a couple of safety questions, and help you sketch a survive-tonight plan. Less than 2 % of calls trigger 911, and that’s only when someone is in immediate, can’t-stay-safe danger.


  • Does talking or texting 988 cost anything?

    Not a penny. All calls, texts, and chats to 988 are 100% free. Same for texting HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line); U.S. carriers waive the SMS fee.


  • Who’s behind the Lifeline numbers, anyway?

    Money comes from SAMHSA, the U.S. mental-health agency. Daily ops live with the nonprofit Vibrant Emotional Health, which audits 200+ local centers so you land with someone who knows your zip-code reality.


  • I’m in Texas—do I text a different number?

    Nope. Texas partners with the national Crisis Text Line. Text TX (or HOME) to 741-741 anytime, or text/call 988. Both routes reach counselors licensed to help Texans.


  • What do I say when I dial 911 for mental-health help?

    Tell the dispatcher, “This is a mental-health emergency,” and ask for a CIT officer (or mobile-crisis clinician) if they have one. They’ll try to de-escalate on scene; an ER ride happens only when a medical check or a safe bed is truly the best next step.


  • Can 988 or Crisis Text Line see exactly where I am?

    They can’t ping your GPS. Counselors only see the phone number you used. If you’re in immediate danger and choose to share an address, they’ll pass it to 911. Otherwise, your story stays right where you put it.

Still on the fence? Breathe once. Tap 988. Start with silence if you need to—let the counselor lead. You only have to answer one question at a time.

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