Free, confidential-leaning help lines for crisis, treatment referral, and urgent questions. For any life-threatening emergency, call 911.
| Line | Contact | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or text 988 · 24/7 | Suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or worry about someone else. Veterans press 1; Spanish press 2. |
| Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 | Text-based crisis counseling, any crisis, 24/7. |
| SAMHSA National Helpline | 1-800-662-4357 · 24/7 | Treatment referral for mental health and substance use — free, English & Spanish. |
| NAMI HelpLine | 1-800-950-6264 | Mental health information, resources and support (not a crisis line). |
| Trevor Project | 1-866-488-7386 · 24/7 | Crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people. |
| Disaster Distress Helpline | 1-800-985-5990 · 24/7 | Emotional distress related to disasters. |
| Line | Contact | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Poison Control | 1-800-222-1222 · 24/7 | Poisoning or medication overdose questions — experts, free, and often avoids an ER trip. |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | 1-800-799-7233 · text START to 88788 | Safety planning and local resources, 24/7. |
| RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline | 1-800-656-4673 · 24/7 | Support and local referrals for survivors. |
| Childhelp Child Abuse Hotline | 1-800-422-4453 · 24/7 | Report or get help with suspected child abuse. |
| Eldercare Locator | 1-800-677-1116 | Connects older adults and caregivers to local services. |
| Line | Contact | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Quitline (smoking/vaping) | 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW) | Free coaching and quit plans in every state. |
| CDC-INFO | 1-800-232-4636 | General health questions answered from CDC guidance. |
| Medicare | 1-800-633-4227 · 24/7 | Coverage, claims and plan questions. |
| Your insurer's nurse line | Number on the back of your card | Most plans include a free 24/7 nurse advice line — underused and genuinely helpful. |
Numbers current as of August 2026. Spot an error or a line we should add? Tell us.