Too many teens say they don’t know where to turn when they’re struggling. Some worry about
what others will think. Others can’t afford the care they need, according to a national survey..
So, we’ve put together these national and local free helplines as a place to start.
We’ve also highlighted specific resources in four states where youth face rising mental health challenges — yet many still lack access to the support they deserve.
988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
Call or text 988 and you will be connected to the closest possible crisis center near you. Dial 2 for Spanish. Available 24/7.
Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counsellor. Free 24/7.
Youth America Hotline
Call 1-877-968-8491, text “teen2teen” to 839863, or chat online.
YouthLine offers free, confidential peer-to-peer support for youth, by youth. Whether you’re dealing with stress, loneliness, or just need someone to talk to, trained teen volunteers are there to listen — without judgment, pressure or advice.
California mental health support:
The California Youth Crisis Line: Call 1-800-843-5200.
No matter where you live in California, city, suburban or rural, if you’re looking for help, you can give them a call. It’s a free, 24/7, confidential and anonymous hotline for ages 12-14 anywhere in the state.
Illinois mental health support:
Illinois Crisis and Referral Entry Service (CARES) Crisis Line: 1-800-345-9049 (Voice), 1-773-523-4504 (TTY).
Both teens and their parents can call this crisis line if they or their kids have an urgent mental health need, including if they might need resources but cannot afford them.
New York mental health support:
Crisis Text Line: Text GOT5 to 741741.
New York State has partnered with the text hotline so teens in the city or upstate can chat anonymously and via text 24/7. Starting a conversation is easy.
Minnesota mental health support
Crisis Text Line: Text “MN” to 741741.
This text line provides free 24/7 help for those anywhere in Minnesota who are having a mental health crisis or are contemplating suicide.
If you are in the Twin Cities area, you can also call **CRISIS (**274747) from a cell phone. For those who only have a landline, you can find a crisis number find your county in Minnesota here.
