If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you need to talk to someone right now:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or Text 988 · Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 · RAINN — 1-800-656-4673
Outside the US? Scroll to the International section at the bottom of this page for crisis lines in your country.
Need Support
Whatever you’re going through, there is somewhere to turn.
This page is organized by situation — not by resource type. US-based resources are listed throughout. If you are outside the United States, scroll to the International section at the bottom for crisis lines and support in your region. Every resource listed here is free and accessible. If you can’t find what you need, reach out directly.
Jump to:
Trauma & Abuse · Mental Health · For Families · Youth & Children · Domestic Violence · Substance Use · Grief & Loss · Human Trafficking · Housing · LGBTQ+ · Veterans · Disability & Neurodivergence · Residential Facilities · 🌍 International
For survivors of trauma and abuse
Whether it happened recently or years ago. Whether you’ve told anyone or this is the first time you’re looking for help. Whether you can name it or not. These resources are for you.
RAINN
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) · rainn.org · Online chat available. Sexual assault support, crisis intervention, local referrals. 24/7.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-422-4453 · childhelp.org · Crisis intervention and referrals for child abuse situations. 24/7. Multilingual.
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA)
ascasupport.org · Support groups and free workbook for adults recovering from childhood abuse.
1in6 (Male Survivors)
1in6.org · Support for men and boys who have experienced sexual trauma. Online chat and peer forums.
SNAP Network
snapnetwork.org · Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests — broader institutional abuse support and peer connection.
For mental health and emotional crisis
Crisis doesn’t always look like an emergency. Sometimes it’s the slow weight of not being okay for a very long time. These resources meet you wherever you are.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 · 988lifeline.org · Free, confidential. 24/7. Specialized lines for veterans, LGBTQ+, and Spanish speakers.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 · crisistextline.org · Free text-based crisis support. 24/7. Good if calling feels like too much.
NAMI Helpline
1-800-950-6264 · nami.org · Information, referrals, support. M–F 10am–10pm ET. Chat at nami.org/help
Open Path Collective
openpathcollective.org · Low-cost therapy $30–$80 with licensed therapists. Income-based access.
Psychology Today — Find a Therapist
psychologytoday.com · Filter by trauma, cost, insurance. Largest US therapist directory.
7 Cups
7cups.com · Free emotional support through trained volunteer listeners. Available 24/7. Also has affordable therapy.
For parents and families
Navigating systems on behalf of your child is its own kind of crisis. These organizations exist specifically to help families understand their rights and use them.
Parent Training & Information Centers
parentcenterhub.org · Federally funded, free IEP advocacy for families. Find your state’s center at parentcenterhub.org/find-your-parent-center
Wrightslaw
wrightslaw.com · Most comprehensive free resource on special education law. IEP rights, IDEA, 504 in plain language with legal citations.
Understood.org
understood.org · Plain-language guides for parents of children with learning and thinking differences.
PACER Center
pacer.org · 1-888-248-0822 · Parent advocacy for children with disabilities. Direct support navigating special education.
Family Voices
familyvoices.org · National network supporting families of children with special health needs. State-level affiliates provide direct support.
For children and young people
If you are a young person reading this — you deserve support too. These resources are specifically for you, not just for the adults in your life. You don’t have to be in a full crisis to reach out. If something doesn’t feel right, that matters.
Boys Town National Hotline
1-800-448-3000 · boystown.org · For teens in crisis. Text, chat, and email available. 24/7.
Teen Line
1-800-852-8336 · teenline.org · Text TEEN to 839863. Peer support by teens for teens. 6pm–10pm PT.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-422-4453 · childhelp.org · For children experiencing abuse. You can call even if you’re not sure it counts.
TrevorLifeline
1-866-488-7386 · thetrevorproject.org · Text START to 678-678. LGBTQ+ youth crisis support. 24/7.
For survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner violence
If you are concerned about someone monitoring your internet activity, access these resources in a private or incognito browser window and clear your history after visiting.
Domestic violence takes many forms — physical, emotional, financial, sexual, digital. You do not need visible injuries or a police report to reach out. If something in your relationship makes you feel unsafe, that is enough.
National DV Hotline
1-800-799-7233 · thehotline.org · Text START to 88788. 24/7. Chat available. Safety planning, local referrals, legal advocacy.
loveisrespect
1-866-331-9474 · loveisrespect.org · Text LOVEIS to 22522. Relationship abuse for teens and young adults. 24/7.
WomensLaw.org
womenslaw.org · Legal information for survivors. State-by-state legal guides. Email hotline for those who can’t call safely.
NNEDV — Safety Net
nnedv.org/ · Technology safety resources for survivors — helps with digital monitoring, safety planning online, and tech abuse.
For substance use, addiction, and recovery
Substance use is often inseparable from trauma — many people are managing pain, memories, and nervous systems that have never had another way to cope. This is not a moral failure. These resources meet you where you are, whether you’re ready to stop, considering it, or just need support right now.
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357 · samhsa.gov · Free, confidential treatment referral. 24/7. English and Spanish. No insurance required.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 · Also serves people in substance use crisis — not only mental health emergencies.
SMART Recovery
smartrecovery.org · Free science-based support groups. Online and in-person. Non-12-step option.
Narcotics Anonymous
na.org · Free peer recovery meetings. Online and in-person. Meeting finder at na.org/meetingsearch
Alcoholics Anonymous
aa.org · Free peer recovery meetings. Online and in-person. Meeting finder at aa.org/find-aa
In The Rooms
intherooms.com · Free online recovery meetings — 12-step and non-12-step. Available 24/7. Good for people who can’t attend in person.
For grief, loss, and bereavement
Grief is not only the loss of a person. It can be the loss of a relationship, a sense of safety, an identity, a version of yourself before something happened. All of it counts. These resources support people navigating loss of every kind.
The Compassionate Friends
compassionatefriends.org · 1-877-969-0010 · Support for bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. Chapters nationwide and online groups.
National Alliance for Grieving Children
childrengrieve.org · Resources for children experiencing grief and the adults supporting them. Program finder included.
American Foundation for Suicide Loss
afsp.org · Support specifically for those who have lost someone to suicide. Local chapters and online support groups.
GriefShare
griefshare.org · Grief recovery support groups. Nationwide and online. Find a group near you.
What’s Your Grief
whatsyourgrief.com · Free grief education, articles, and online community. No login required for most content.
If you are concerned about someone monitoring your internet activity, access these resources in a private or incognito browser window and clear your history after visiting.
For survivors of trafficking and exploitation
Trafficking can happen to anyone — regardless of age, gender, background, or immigration status. You do not have to have crossed a border for it to count. Labor exploitation, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude are all forms of trafficking. Help is available and confidential.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
1-888-373-7888 · humantraffickinghotline.org · Text BeFree to 233733. 24/7. Confidential. Support for survivors and those reporting trafficking.
GEMS
gems-girls.org · Girls Educational & Mentoring Services. Support for girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation.
Polaris Project
polarisproject.org · Survivor support, research, and advocacy. Operates the National Trafficking Hotline.
CAST (Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking)
castla.org · Direct services for trafficking survivors, including legal aid, case management, and housing support.
For housing crisis and homelessness
Housing instability is both a cause and a consequence of trauma. Whether you are currently unhoused, at risk of losing your home, fleeing an unsafe living situation, or supporting someone who is — these resources are for you.
211
Call or text 211 · 211.org · Connects to local shelter, food, and housing resources in every US state. 24/7. The fastest way to find local emergency housing.
HUD Housing Counseling
1-800-569-4287 · hud.gov · Free HUD-approved housing counseling. Rental assistance, eviction prevention, foreclosure help.
National Alliance to End Homelessness
endhomelessness.org · Research, advocacy, and local resource finder for people experiencing homelessness.
Covenant House
covenanthouse.org · 1-800-388-3888 · Crisis shelter and support for youth experiencing homelessness. Locations across the US.
National Low Income Housing Coalition
nlihc.org · Rental assistance programs by state, eviction prevention resources, and housing rights information.
For LGBTQ+ individuals
LGBTQ+ individuals face elevated rates of trauma, family rejection, housing instability, and mental health challenges — often compounded by systems not designed with them in mind. These resources are affirming and specifically designed for this community.
TrevorLifeline
1-866-488-7386 · thetrevorproject.org · Text START to 678-678. LGBTQ+ youth crisis support. 24/7.
988 — LGBTQ+ Line
Press 3 after dialing 988 · Dedicated LGBTQ+ support line within the 988 Lifeline system.
Trans Lifeline
877-565-8860 · translifeline.org · Peer support for trans people by trans people.
PFLAG
pflag.org · Support for LGBTQ+ people and their families. Local chapters nationwide. Also supports parents navigating a child’s coming out.
GLSEN
glsen.org · Resources for LGBTQ+ students and the educators who support them. School climate surveys and safe space resources.
For veterans and military-connected individuals
Military trauma — including combat exposure, moral injury, military sexual trauma, and the difficulty of transition to civilian life — is distinct and deserves specialized support. These resources are specifically for veterans and their families.
Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 · veteranscrisisline.net · 24/7 crisis support for veterans, service members, and families.
Military OneSource
1-800-342-9647 · militaryonesource · Free 24/7 support for active duty, Guard, Reserve, and families.
Headstrong
getheadstrong.org · Free mental health treatment for post-9/11 veterans. No copays, no bureaucracy.
Make the Connection
maketheconnection.net · VA resource connecting veterans to mental health support, peer stories, and treatment options.
NAMI — Veterans & Military
nami.org · Mental health resources specifically for veterans and active duty service members.
For people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals
People with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals experience higher rates of trauma, abuse, and institutional failure — and are frequently underserved by systems not designed with them in mind. These resources are specifically for this community and those who support them.
National Disability Rights Network
ndrn.org · Find your state’s Protection & Advocacy organization — legal advocates for people with disabilities. Free.
Disability Rights Advocates
dralegal.org · Free legal advocacy for people with disabilities facing discrimination or rights violations.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
autisticadvocacy.org · Run by and for autistic people. Resources, advocacy tools, and community.
CHADD
chadd.org · National resource center for ADHD. Education, support groups, and helpline.
ADA National Network
adata.org · 1-800-949-4232 · Free information on Americans with Disabilities Act rights. 10 regional centers across the US.
If you suspect abuse in a residential facility
I’ve worked inside residential youth facilities. I’ve seen what happens when no one is watching and institutions protect themselves over the children in their care. If you believe a child is being harmed in a residential placement — you have options, even when the system has already told you otherwise.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-422-4453 · For reporting abuse of a child in any setting including residential facilities. 24/7.
Your State Licensing Agency
Search “[your state] residential youth facility licensing complaint” — you have the right to file directly with the state. You do not need to go through the facility’s internal process.
Disability Rights Advocates
dralegal.org · Free legal advocacy for people with disabilities in institutional settings.
Your Rights as a Parent or Guardian
Read about what I witnessed firsthand in a residential youth facility and what happened when I reported it→
International Resources
Outside the United States? Start here.
These directories cover crisis lines, mental health support, abuse resources, and more for countries around the world. If you don’t see your country listed below, these global directories will find what exists in your region.
Find A Helpline
findahelpline.com · The most comprehensive global crisis line directory. Covers 70+ countries. Search by country — start here for any mental health or crisis support need outside the US.
Befrienders Worldwide
befrienders.org · Emotional support and suicide prevention centers in 50+ countries. Country finder on homepage.
IASP Crisis Centers
iasp.info · International Association for Suicide Prevention. Country-by-country crisis center directory.
Child Helpline International
childhelplineinternational.org · Child and youth helplines in 140+ countries. Find the line for your country.
UN Women — DV Global Directory
unwomen.org · Country-by-country directory of domestic violence and gender-based violence support organizations.
7 Cups
7cups.com · Free emotional support through trained volunteer listeners. Available globally, 24/7. No country restriction.
ILGA World — LGBTQ+ Global
ilga.org · International LGBTQ+ resource directory. Country-specific legal information and support organizations.
Harm Reduction International
hri.global · Global harm reduction and substance use support. Country-specific directories.
Disability Rights International
driadvocacy.org · Documents and fights abuse in residential institutions globally. Country-specific reporting guidance.
🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
Samaritans
116 123 · samaritans.org · Free, 24/7 emotional support. Available across UK and Ireland. Email [email protected] if calling isn’t possible.
Mind
0300 123 3393 · mind.org.uk · Leading UK mental health charity. Infoline, legal information, local support finder.
Refuge
0808 2000 247 · refuge.org.uk · UK’s largest DV organization. 24/7 helpline and national safe house network.
Childline
0800 1111 · childline.org.uk · Free, confidential support for children and young people. 24/7 phone and online chat.
Cruse Bereavement
0808 808 1677 · cruse.org.uk · UK’s leading bereavement charity. Helpline, chat, and local support groups.
Scope
0808 800 3333 · scope.org.uk · Disability equality and support for disabled people and their families.
Galop
0800 999 5428 · galop.org.uk · LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity. Hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence support.
Combat Stress
0800 138 1619 · combatstress.org.uk · UK veteran mental health charity. PTSD, depression, anxiety. 24/7 helpline.
Shelter
0808 800 4444 · shelter.org.uk · Free housing advice, legal guidance, and emergency support across England and Scotland.
FRANK
0300 123 6600 · talktofrank.com · Free, confidential drug information and support. 24/7.
🇨🇦 CANADA
Crisis Services Canada
1-833-456-4566 · crisisservicescanada.ca · National crisis support. Text 45645 (4pm–midnight ET). 24/7 phone.
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 · kidshelpphone.ca · Text CONNECT to 686868. 24/7 counseling for young people across Canada.
Trans Lifeline Canada
877-330-6366 · translifeline.org · Peer support for trans people in Canada.
Sheltersafe.ca
sheltersafe.ca · Find a women’s shelter anywhere in Canada. Domestic violence emergency housing directory.
Veterans Affairs Canada
1-800-268-7708 · veterans.gc.ca · 24/7 support for Canadian veterans and their families.
CAMH
camh.ca · Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital. Resources, referrals, and support.
🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636 · beyondblue.org.au · Australia’s primary mental health support service. 24/7 phone, chat, and email.
Lifeline Australia
13 11 14 · lifeline.org.au · 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Text 0477 13 11 14 (6pm–midnight AEST).
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800 · kidshelpline.com.au · 24/7 phone and online counseling for ages 5–25.
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732 · 1800respect.org.au · 24/7 DV and sexual assault counseling service.
Open Arms
1800 011 046 · openarms.gov.au · 24/7 counseling for Australian veterans and their families.
QLife
1800 184 527 · qlife.org.au · LGBTQ+ peer support and referral. 3pm–midnight daily.
Carer Gateway
1800 422 737 · carergateway.gov.au · Free services and support for carers across Australia.
🇪🇺 EUROPE
SOS Amitié (France)
09 72 39 40 50 · sos-amitie.org · Emotional support and crisis line. Available daily.
Telefonseelsorge (Germany)
0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222 · telefonseelsorge.de · Free crisis and emotional support. 24/7.
La Strada International
lastradainternational.org · European network against human trafficking. Country-specific hotlines and support across Eastern and Western Europe.
Rape Crisis Network Europe
rcne.com · Directory of rape crisis centers across Europe. Find a center in your country.
European Network of Ombudspersons for Children
enoc.eu · Find your country’s children’s ombudsman for complaints about institutions, abuse, or rights violations affecting children.
Mental Health Europe
mhe-sme.org · Pan-European mental health advocacy and resource directory. Country-specific organization finder.
Finding the right resource when you’re already overwhelmed is its own barrier. This page exists to lower that barrier — and it will keep being updated as more resources are verified and added. If you looked through everything here and still couldn’t find what you need, or you’re somewhere in the world not covered — reach out. I can’t promise I’ll have the answer. But I will try to find someone who does.
“Greatest threat to broken systems. Greatest ally to those who need one.”