We believe every teen, regardless of background or identity, deserves access to quality care. So, we’ve put together these national and local free helplines, as a place to start.
We’ve highlighted four states where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) populations have grown significantly over the last 10 years, but youth mental wellbeing resources haven’t kept pace with their needs.
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.
1-888-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678.
If you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the Trevor Project is here for you. They offer a free crisis hotline and text line staffed by trained counselors who understand the unique challenges LGBTQ+ teens may experience.
Text STEVE to 741741.
The STEVE Fund is dedicated to reducing disparities and stigma while supporting the mental health of young people of color. They’ve collaborated with the Crisis Text Line, offering a safe, stigma-free space for you to chat 24/7.
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.
