If you're in crisis right now
988 is free, confidential, 24/7. You don't have to be in crisis to call.
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Warmlines are peer-staffed lines for when you're not in crisis but need to talk. Often staffed by people with lived experience. Many are run by states — toggle your state by typing your ZIP above to see local options.
How to choose between calling, texting, and chatting
- Call — best when you want a person on the line right now. Average wait: under 1 minute.
- Text — best when you can't talk (around others, public, can't form spoken words). Same trained counselors as the call line. Slightly longer first response (1-5 min).
- Chat — best when you want a written record, or you're more comfortable typing than talking. Web-based, no phone needed.
- In-person — most cities have walk-in mental health crisis centers (separate from ERs). Often calmer, less stigmatizing, and don't require insurance.