Free Mental Health Hotlines for Students
With the stress and uncertainty about school this year, it’s normal to not feel like yourself. Know that it’s OK to talk to a crisis counselor, a therapist or someone you trust about what you’re going through. To get you started, each of these mental health hotlines is free, confidential, available in multiple languages and here for teens and students of all ages.
- Crisis Text Line
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Phone: Text HOME to 741741
Website: crisistextline.org
Available 24/7The Crisis Text Line is here for you if you’re experiencing any kind of emotional or mental crisis. It’s a convenient option if you’d rather not or are unable to talk on the phone, and you can connect with a trained crisis counselor in under five minutes, in most cases. They’re here to help with everything from anxiety and depression to school-related pressures and suicidal thoughts.
- The Trevor Project
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Website: thetrevorproject.org
TrevorLifeline: Call1-866-488-7386
TrevorChat: Access through a computer, smartphone or tablet
TrevorText: Text START to 678-678
Available 24/7The Trevor Project is the country’s leading organization offering crisis intervention and suicide prevention help to LGBTQIA+ youth. Trained crisis counselors are here to listen to and support you on the phone, through text or through online chatting, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Teen Line
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Website: teenlineonline.org
Phone: Call800-852-8336
Text TEEN to 839863
Available from 6 to 9 pm PST (Pacific Time), every dayWith Teen Line, you can talk with a trained teen or adult volunteer on the phone or through text about any issues or struggles you’re facing, whether it’s bullying, teen suicide, depression or something else.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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Phone: Call1-800-273-8255
Website: suicidepreventionlifeline.org, or to chat, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
Available 24/7The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free, confidential support to anyone in emotional distress, including from suicidal thoughts. They offer both phone calls and online chatting with trained crisis counselors who can help you through a crisis.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine
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Phone: Call1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Website: nami.org/help
Available Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 6 pmThe National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine is a peer-support service that’s available to anyone. This line is staffed with trained volunteers who can answer your questions, offer support and provide practical next steps for you — no matter what kind of mental health crisis you’re facing.
It’s OK to Not Be OK
Going to school or college is anything but normal right now, and the things you’d normally do to stay happy might not be the same. It can be hard to be hopeful about the future, but know that one thing won’t change: Help is always here for you.
If you're feeling suicidal, or have a plan to end your life, know that you aren't alone in these thoughts, and you don't have to follow through with them. People who care are here to listen 24 hours a day at the National Suicide Hotline at Call1-800-273-8255 and on the Crisis Text Line when you text HOME to 741741.
Downloadable Resources
- Preschool/Daycare
- Elementary School
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- Middle School
- High School
- Post-Secondary
Clinically-Approved Video Resources
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Proper Hand Washing Techniques
