You’re here. That’s already a step.
Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to carry it alone.
A human voice
Talk with a trained human. Free, 24/7.
Outside the US? Find your local line.
Something to steady you
Small things that help right now
A listening companion — AI
Talk with Angel
Angel is an AI listening companion, designed by our crisis-line volunteers. Private, no sign-up, and Angel will always tell you it’s AI. It isn’t a human and isn’t a replacement for one — for a human, call or text 988.
All three are free, private, and need no sign-up — take the one that feels possible right now.
Each small light in this sky is a real person’s story from the library — 281 of them so far.
Somewhere in the country, about ten people reach out to 988 every minute of the day and night. A trained person answers each one. Whatever this hour looks like, you aren’t the only one in it.
What happens when you call
- A real person answers, usually within a minute.
- They listen — you set the pace. There’s no script you have to follow.
- It stays a conversation: fewer than 2 in 100 calls involve emergency services at all, and often with the caller’s okay. Counselors only act without you in the rarest moments, when someone can’t stay safe.
Worried about someone?
- Ask directly and plainly. Naming it out loud doesn’t plant the idea — it tells them you noticed, and that you can handle the answer.
- Listen more than you fix. You don’t need the right words or a solution. Staying, and taking them seriously, is the help.
- If they’re in danger, stay with them while they call or text 988, and help them take the next small step.
Need something more specific?
Free, confidential support from a trained counselor, any time.
It stays a conversation — you set the pace. Veterans press 1. En español, oprime 2.
National Domestic Violence HotlineAbuse survivors
Confidential support for anyone affected by relationship abuse, plus help thinking through a safety plan.
Advocates won't tell you what to do. They help you weigh your options at your own pace.
The Trevor ProjectLGBTQ+Teens & youth
Free, confidential support for LGBTQ+ young people, by phone, text, or chat, any time.
Counselors are trained to understand what LGBTQ+ young people face. You don't have to explain yourself first.
Veterans Crisis LineVeterans
Support for veterans and service members from people trained to understand military life.
Dial 988, then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. You don't need to be enrolled in VA care.
Boys Town National HotlineTeens & youthParents
You can reach a trained counselor any hour for anything a kid, teen, or parent is facing — from bullying to family fights to feeling hopeless.
It is open every day and night, with Spanish counselors and help in more than 100 languages.
Childhelp National Child Abuse HotlineTeens & youthParentsAbuse survivors
You can talk with a counselor about child abuse — whether it is happening to you, to a child you know, or happened to you long ago.
It is private and open all day and night. You can call, text, or chat if you are not sure what to do next.
Free, confidential support by text with a trained crisis counselor, any time.
Texting can feel easier than talking out loud, and you set the pace.
Find a free, confidential helpline in your country. Search by where you are and what you're going through.
Useful if you're outside the U.S., or looking for a line for a specific situation.
Love Is RespectTeens & youthAbuse survivors
You can reach trained advocates when a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner is hurting, controlling, or scaring you.
It is made for teens and young adults, free and private any time, by call, text, or chat. It is run by the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
National Runaway SafelineTeens & youthParents
Support for young people thinking about leaving home, already gone, or feeling they have nowhere to go — and for the adults who care about them.
Free and confidential. They help you think through what's next, without judgment.
RAINN — National Sexual Assault HotlineAbuse survivorsTeens & youth
You can talk with someone trained to help after any kind of sexual assault or abuse, whether it happened last night or years ago.
It is free and private any hour. You can chat online at online.rainn.org instead of talking out loud if that feels safer.
StrongHearts Native HelplineAbuse survivors
Support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives affected by domestic or dating violence.
Advocates offer support that understands Native culture, and can connect you to Native-centered help near you.
Trans LifelineLGBTQ+
A peer support line run by and for trans people. Call to talk with someone who gets it.
Run by trans volunteers. They will not call police or emergency services without your consent.
More help of every kind → the Resource Bank.
Browsing privately
A private (incognito) window saves no history at all; already-made entries can be removed one at a time. The short guide —Browsing privately — walks through both, plus the Leave-quickly button and its keyboard shortcut, in plain steps.
If someone who monitors this device could be a danger to you, the safest option is a different device — a library computer, or a trusted friend’s phone. The guide covers that too.
A candle for the next person
Whenever you’re ready — small steps from people who carried something like this: find one →
Or, for a night when your thoughts keep circling:the long view →
Pressing Esc twice also leaves fast. This hides the page quickly, but it can’t erase your browsing history — here’s how to browse more privately.