Hotlines &
Helplines
Being ready to direct survivors (and others in need) to sources of help is one of the most important ways to prepare to serve in any trauma-informed way within the Church -- or beyond the Church.
Here are national help- and hotlines that survivors find helpful, especially when in crisis.
To create an even fuller list for survivors you may meet, add to these local and regional resources for similar and other areas you will encounter in your trauma-informed pastoral care ministry or friendships.
About
Free, Confidential, 24/7
Multilingual, Specialized
If you or anyone is in imminent danger to self or others, CALL 911 NOW!
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Trained Staff
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These hotlines are staffed with highly trained crisis managers. They are not law enforcement. They are well-prepared to offer sources of support and information for both the individual suffering and/or a family member or loved one. You do not need to be the victim to call and find support and answers.
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Confidential
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These hotlines are confidential. Callers receive clear explanations at the start about confidentiality and any well-defined exceptions, e.g., mandated reporting of the abuse of a minor. Hotlines do not require you to provide more information than you are comfortable providing, including your name or address.
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Languages/Hours
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All hotlines have English/Spanish options. Most offer information and support in up to 200 languages. Unless otherwise noted, these hotlines are 24-hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. To learn more, or access the online chat options noted, visit websites by clicking on the links provided. Many hotlines also offer forums on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.
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Distinct Groups
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This list includes hotlines for specific demographic subgroups, such as the hearing impaired, disabled, Native American, addicted, and LGBT. Any subgroup represented below is one where abuse and vulnerability to abuse or ex trafficking is statistically higher than the general population.
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Regional & Local Resources
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These hotlines and helplines are mostly national resources. What if your parish or school or organization were to create a working committee to compile all similar resources in your region and locality? Wouldn't that be a great way to serve those who come to us in need?
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Do We Need to Tell You?
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This list of hotlines and helplines is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for getting personalized, professional care. This is simply a list, the best Spirit Fire has at this moment, to be used as a resource for survivors, family members or others who reach out to our pastoral ministry. This information is rechecked for accuracy from time to time, but there is no guarantee that contact information has not changed since last check. At least it will give you ideas for where you can search on the web, and what you might want to explore locally.
Child Safety
If you suspect or know that a minor (under the age of 18 years) is being abused in any way, you must call local authorities and/or Child Protective Services. The information below must not be used in lieu of proper reporting!
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Regardless of whether someone is over or under 18 years of age, if they are being abused, you need to activate to get them help.
Addictions
Compulsions
Alcoholics Anonymous
Help for those with a drinking problem
To find resources, in-person, online, and telephone meetings
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Gaming Addicts Anonymous
Help for those who have problems managing gaming/internet time
To find resources, meetings, programs
https://www.gamingaddictsanonymous.org/
Marijuana Anonymous
Help for those recovering from marijuana addiction
(800) 766-6779
Text 800-766-6779
To find a local meeting:
https://marijuana-anonymous.org
Narcotics Anonymous
Help for those struggling with prescription and illicit drug use
To find resources, in-person, online, and telephone meetings
National Council on Problem Gambling
Help for those seeking help with gambling problems
(800) 522-4700
Text (800) 522-4700
Online chat available
National Eating Disorders Association
Support for individuals and families affected by eating disorders
(800) 931-2237
Online chat available
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline
Porn Addicts Anonymous
Help for those dependent on porn
To find resources, meetings, programs
Includes a self-test to determine if you are addicted
https://www.pornaddictsanonymous.org/
Sex Addicts Anonymous
Help for those overcoming or recovering from sexual dependency
(800) 477-8191
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline
For individuals and families facing mental and/or substance-abuse disorders, a free source of treatment referrals and information; in English or Spanish
(800) 662-HELP (4357)
TTY (800) 487-4889
@samhsagov
https://www.facebook.com/samhsa
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Child Abuse
TAKE ACTION!
If you become aware of a minor being abused, sexually or otherwise, call Child Protective Services and 911 immediately. The hotlines below help in the many instances where the caller has questions about what to do where abuse is suspected but not proven — and/or where abuse has occurred and has been reported but next steps are still being determined.
ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline
For Americans and Canadians seeking crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources
(800) 4-A-CHILD (422-4453)
Text (800) 422-4453
@Childhelp
https://www.facebook.com/childhelp/
Online chat available
https://www.childhelphotline.org
Darkness to Light Helpline
For children and adults needing local information or resources about child sexual abuse, also a valuable source of up-to-date statistics
(866) FOR-LIGHT (367-5444)
Text LIGHT to 741741
Stop It Now!
Resource to help prevent sexual abuse of children and heal victims
(888) PREVENT (Mon-Fri, 12p-6p EST)
Online chat and email available
https://www.stopitnow.org/get-immediate-help
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The national clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization
Amber Alerts and Cyber Tipline
(800) THE-LOST (843-5678)
@MissingKids
https://www.facebook.com/missingkids
Child Find of America
For parents reporting lost or abducted children
(800) I-AM-LOST (426-5678)
Crisis
Any crisis, any time, someone is here to listen, help, walk with you all the way to trusted, solid support
Crisis Text Line
For anyone in crisis in the United States or Canada
Text HELLO to 741741
@CrisisTextLine
http://www.facebook.com/crisistextline (chat support)
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Support for all veterans and active-duty military veterans experiencing a crisis
(800) 273-TALK (8255)
TTY (800) 799-4889
Text 838255
https://www.facebook.com/veterans.crisisline.1/
Online chat available
DISABILITIES
Those people who have physical or cognitive disabilities are at substantially higher risk of abuse and human trafficking. Many hotlines and helplines are trained to help persons in crisis who may have disabilities, but these are particularly targeted sources of information and support.
Abused Deaf Services
A partnership between the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS), IM and video-call line for the hearing impaired or disabled in endangered situations (Disabled children and adults are over 10X more likely to be abused than those without disability.)
TTY (800) 787-3224
Video Phone (855) 812-1001
IM DeafHotline
Email nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org
Online chat available
https://www.thehotline.org/help/deaf-services/
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National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Founded by John Walsh and his wife, this is the home of Amber Alerts, Sex Offender Registries, etc., that serves as a Congressionally sanctioned national clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization
Amber Alerts and Cyber Tipline
(800) THE-LOST (843-5678)
@MissingKids
https://www.facebook.com/missingkids
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Divorce
DivorceCare
Support for those dealing with separation or divorce
(800) 489-7778
To find a local group:
Domestic
Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
For anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information for others, or questioning aspects of their own relationship (access to specialized counselors for disabled, LGBTQ)
(800) 799-SAFE (7233)
TTY (800) 787-3224
Text LOVEIS to 1-866-331-9474
@ndvh
https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline/
Online chat available
Abused Deaf Services
A partnership between the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS), IM and video-call line for the hearing impaired or disabled in endangered situations
TTY (800) 787-3224
Video Phone (855) 812-1001
IM DeafHotline
Email nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org
Online chat available
StrongHearts Native Helpline
For Native Americans experiencing violence in their home or dating relationships
(844) 7-NATIVE (762-8483) (Daily, 7a-10p CST)
Email info@strongheartshelpline.org
Online chat available
https://www.strongheartshelpline.org/
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Elder Care
Elder Abuse Hotline
A source for services for older adults and their families
(800) 677-1116
To find local resources:
National Elder Fraud Hotline
For help in reporting scams and abuses that target older persons
(833) FRAUD-11 (372-8311) Daily, 6a-11p EST
Faith-Based Support
Catholic Charities
Help for anyone struggling with poverty or other issues
To find local help:
https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/
Need Him Global
Providing biblical encouragement and conversation on following Jesus Christ
(800) NEED-HIM (699-9446)
The 700 Club Hotline (Christian Broadcast Network)
Providing biblical counsel, prayer and literature to those in need, as well as a 24-hour prayer line
(800) 700-7000
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(I know there are more of these, Send me info!)
Family Help
All hotlines are set up to answer questions from concerned family members and other loved ones. Many also offer referrals to family support related to the topic of concern. The following are confidential family-centric programs for those grappling with the addictions or other behavioral issues of a family member.
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters
For friends and relatives of a problem drinker
(888) 4AL-ANON (425-2666)
@AlAnon_WSO
Child Find of America—Parent Help Program
Providing services to parents in conflict
(800) 716-3468
https://childfindofamerica.org/services/parent-help/
Families Anonymous
A fellowship program for family and friends of people with addiction or behavioral issues
(800) 736-9805
To find a meeting
https://www.familiesanonymous.org/
Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
Support for victims of drunk or drugged drivers
(877) MADD-HELP (623-3435)
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National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The national clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization, with many options for parental support including support groups
Amber Alerts and Cyber Tipline
(800) THE-LOST (843-5678)
@MissingKids
https://www.facebook.com/missingkids
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National Parent Helpline
Offering emotional support for parents and caregivers
(855) 4APARENT (427-2736) (Mon-Fri, 10a-7p PST)
Grief
GriefShare
For people grieving the death of a family member or friend
(800) 395-5755
To find a local group:
Pet Loss & Bereavement Resource Line
Providing comfort and support to those anticipating or grieving the loss of a pet
(855) 352-LOVE (5683) Mon-Fri 10a-9p EST
Email Support@LapofLove.com
https://www.lapoflove.com/community/Pet-Loss-Support/Pet-Loss-Support-Hotline
Project Rachel
For hope and healing following an abortion
(888) 456-HOPE (4673)
Homelessness
Homeless Hotline
Referral to local community help for homeless or at risk of being homeless
(800) 569-4287
https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/homeless-help/
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
For veterans who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless
(877) 4AID-VET (424-3838)
Online chat available
Human
Trafficking
National Human Trafficking Hotline
For anyone (including victims) trying to determine if a situation is human trafficking and, if so, what resources and options exist for safely seeking help (access to specialized counselors for disabled, LGBTQ)
(888) 373-7888
TTY 711
Text HELP or INFO to 233733
@Polaris_Project
https://www.facebook.com/polarisproject/
Online chat available
Hunger
Feeding America
A hunger-relief organization connecting those in need of food
To find local resources:
https://www.feedingamerica.org/need-help-find-food
Hunger Free America
A resource for individuals and families seeking information on how to obtain food
(866) 3-HUNGRY (Mon-Fri, 7a-10p EST)
(877) 8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
LGBTQ
Feeding America
A hunger-relief organization connecting those in need of food
To find local resources:
https://www.feedingamerica.org/need-help-find-food
Hunger Free America
A resource for individuals and families seeking information on how to obtain food
(866) 3-HUNGRY (Mon-Fri, 7a-10p EST)
(877) 8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
Medication
Poison Control
For help and information on product and medication reactions
(800) 222-1222
Mental Illness
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
Support for families and individuals affected by ADHD
(866) 200-8098 (Mon-Fri, 1p-5p EST)
https://chadd.org/
Mental Health America
Interactive tool to find mental health help
(800) 969-6642
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
For individuals and families with questions about mental health disorders, treatment, and support services
(800) 950-NAMI (6264) (Mon-Fri, 10a-6p EST)
Text NAMI to 741741
Email info@nami.org
https://www.facebook.com/NAMI/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin (SAMHSA) Helpline
For individuals and families facing mental and/or substance-abuse disorders, a free source of treatment referrals and information; in English or Spanish
(800) 662-HELP (4357)
TTY (800) 487-4889
@samhsagov
Native Americans
StrongHearts Native Helpline
For Native Americans, who experience some of the highest rates of domestic violence and abuse and predation by human traffickers, a hotline that understands interplay of federal, state, local law and independent nation rights and options in cases of violence or abuse in domestic or interpersonal relations
(844) 7-NATIVE (762-8483) (Daily, 7a-10p CST)
Email info@strongheartshelpline.org
Online chat available
Natural Disaster
Disaster Distress Hotline
For those affected by natural or other disasters
(800) 985-5990
TTY (800) 846-8517
Text TalkWithUs to 66746
https://www.facebook.com/distresshelpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
United Way Crisis Helpline
To find local help, including for emergency or crisis situations, disaster assistance, and food and housing support
Call 211
Pregnancy
Bethany Pregnancy Hotline
Life-affirming support for women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy
(800) BETHANY (232-4269)
Online chat available
Birthright
Confidential support and services for any pregnant woman
(800) 550-4900
Runaways
Runaways are often under 18 years old, and so should be considered minors whose status should be reported to local authorities immediately. For additional information about runaways, including reporting and seeking:
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National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Founded by John Walsh and his wife, this is the home of Amber Alerts, Sex Offender Registries, etc., that serves as a Congressionally sanctioned national clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization
Amber Alerts and Cyber Tipline
(800) THE-LOST (843-5678)
@MissingKids
https://www.facebook.com/missingkids
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National Runaway Safeline
For homeless and runaway youth in crisis who need support services where they are
(800) RUNAWAY (786-2929)
Text 66008
Email info@1800runaway.org
@1800RUNAWAY
https://www.facebook.com/1800RUNAWAY/
Online chat and forum available
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See also "Teens" below.
Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse -- that is, abuse that involves a minor -- must be reported to local authorities. See "Child Abuse" above. For persons who are 18 years old and older, this is a renowned and trustworthy hotline, with excellent resources for and about victims of rape, abuse, or incest.
National Sexual Abuse Hotline
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network)
For victims of rape, abuse, or incest, as well as anyone seeking resources and information, and anyone who needs to talk about the possibility they may be in an unhealthy relationship marked by violence (from the nation’s leading hotline for all issues of abuse)
(800) 656-HOPE (4673)
@RAINN
https://www.facebook.com/RAINN01/
Online chat available
Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
For anyone fearful of self-harm, considering suicide, or feeling hopeless or despair, and for anyone who knows a person in crisis who needs information and resources for helping
(800) 273-TALK (8255)
TTY (800) 799-4TTY (4889)
Text HOME to 741741
@800273TALK
https://www.facebook.com/800273talk/
Online chat available
suicidepreventionlifeline org
Teens
Al-Anon/Alateen Hotline
For young people who are the relatives or friends of a problem drinker
(888) 4AL-ANON (425-2666)
@Alateen_WSO
https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/
Boys Town National Hotline
To speak to a counselor
(800) 448-3000
Text VOICE to 20121
https://www.boystown.org/hotline/Pages/default.aspx
Covenant House
Providing care and shelter for homeless kids
https://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-shelters
Love is Respect
A resource for youth to prevent and end dating abuse
(866) 331-9474
Text LOVEIS to 22522
Online chat available
https://www.loveisrespect.org/
National Runaway Safeline
For homeless and runaway youth in crisis needing support where they are
(800) RUNAWAY (786-2929)
Text 66008
Email info@1800runaway.org
@1800RUNAWAY
https://www.facebook.com/1800RUNAWAY/
Online chat and forum available
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
For anyone who wants to help a young person struggling with drug or alcohol use
(855) DRUGFREE (378-4373)
Text JOIN to 55753
https://drugfree.org/article/get-one-on-one-help/
Runaway and Homeless Youth Housing
Emergency services for runaway and homeless youth
(800) 621-4000
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/625
Safe Place
For young people under the age of 18 in need of immediate help and safety
Text SAFE and current location (address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357)
https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/
Stomp Out Bullying
A helpline for youth ages 13-24 dealing with bullying and cyberbullying
Online chat only
https://www.stompoutbullying.org/get-help/helpchat-line
TeenLine
For teens in crisis or struggling with life
(800) TLC-TEEN (852-8336) 6p-10p PST
Text TEEN to 839863
Thursdays Child
Helping children, teens, young adults who are endangered or in any type of crisis
(800) USA-KIDS (872-5437)
Veterans
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
For veterans who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless
(877) 4AID-VET (424-3838)
Online chat available
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Veterans Crisis Hotline
Support for all veterans and active-duty military veterans experiencing a crisis
(800) 273-TALK (8255)
TTY (800) 799-4889
Text 838255
https://www.facebook.com/veterans.crisisline.1/
Online chat available
Victim Support
Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
Support for victims of drunk or drugged drivers
(877) MADD-HELP (623-3435)
Office for Victims Of Crime
Little-known excellent resource within the Department of Justice providing funding, resources, and support to help crime survivors find justice and recovery. Counseling and information on victim compensation, rights, services, events, and more.
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Victim Connect Resource Center
A referral helpline for victims of crime
(855) 4-VICTIM (484-2846) Daily, 8:30a-7:30p EST
Online chat available