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Hotlines &
Helplines

If you or anyone is in imminent danger to self or others, CALL 911 NOW!

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.

SAFE  &  CONFIDENTIAL

Free | Confidential | 24/7 | Multilingual | Specialized

Trained Staff
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.
Languages/Hours
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.
Regional & Local Resources
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?
Confidential
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.
Distinct Groups
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.
Need to Know
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!

​

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

https://www.aa.org/

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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

https://na.org/

 

National Council on Problem Gambling

Help for those seeking help with gambling problems

(800) 522-4700

Text (800) 522-4700

Online chat available

https://www.ncpgambling.org/

 

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

https://saa-recovery.org/

 

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

https://www.d2l.org/

 

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

https://www.missingkids.org

 

Child Find of America 

For parents reporting lost or abducted children

(800) I-AM-LOST (426-5678)

https://childfindofamerica.org/location-services/

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

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

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

https://www.missingkids.org

​

​

Divorce

DivorceCare

Support for those dealing with separation or divorce

(800) 489-7778

To find a local group:

https://www.divorcecare.org/

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

https://www.thehotline.org/

 

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/

​

​

Elder Care

Elder Abuse Hotline

A source for services for older adults and their families

(800) 677-1116

To find local resources:

https://eldercare.acl.gov/

 

National Elder Fraud Hotline

For help in reporting scams and abuses that target older persons

(833) FRAUD-11 (372-8311) Daily, 6a-11p EST

https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/

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)

https://needhim.org/

 

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

https://www1.cbn.com/contact

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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

https://al-anon.org

 

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)

https://www.madd.org/

​

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

https://www.missingkids.org

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National Parent Helpline

Offering emotional support for parents and caregivers

(855) 4APARENT (427-2736) (Mon-Fri, 10a-7p PST)

https://www.nationalparenthelpline.org/

Grief

GriefShare 

For people grieving the death of a family member or friend

(800) 395-5755

To find a local group:

https://www.griefshare.org

 

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)

http://hopeafterabortion.com/

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

https://www.va.gov/homeless

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

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/

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)

https://www.hungerfreeamerica.org/

International

Crisis Centers/Help Lines

The International Association for Suicide Prevention helps you find support for crisis in 50 countries around the world.

https://www.iasp.info/crisis-centres-helplines/

 

Department of State

Here's information of what the Department of State can (and cannot) help if you are in a crisis in foreign countries.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/what-state-dept-can-cant-do-crisis.html/

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Basics

The U.S. government describes how to handle crises in foreign countries.

https://www.usa.gov/emergency-assistance-abroad/

LGBTQ

The Trevor Project

For LGBTQ+ who need a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone

(866) 488-7386

Text START to 678-678

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

​

SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline
For LGBT older people and their caretakers, needing kindly, friendly responders.
1-877-360-LGBT (5428)
Confidential support and crisis response

Available 24/7, 365 days a year

https://www.sageusa.org/hearme/

​

​

Medication

Poison Control

For help and information on product and medication reactions

(800) 222-1222

https://www.poisonhelp.org/

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

https://www.mhanational.org/

 

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

@NAMICommunicate

https://www.facebook.com/NAMI/

https://www.nami.org

 

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

https://www.facebook.com/samhsa

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

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

https://www.strongheartshelpline.org/

Natural Disaster

Disaster Distress Hotline

For those affected by natural or other disasters

(800) 985-5990

TTY (800) 846-8517

Text TalkWithUs to 66746

@distressline

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

https://www.211.org/

Pregnancy

Bethany Pregnancy Hotline 

Life-affirming support for women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy

(800) BETHANY (232-4269)

Online chat available

https://impregnant.org/

 

Birthright

Confidential support and services for any pregnant woman

(800) 550-4900

https://birthright.org

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

https://www.missingkids.org

​

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

​

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

https://www.rainn.org/

Suicide Prevention

988 Lifeline

For all people in the United States, dial on your phone, or find chat/email and other options for support at this link.

https://988lifeline.org/

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

https://www.1800runaway.org

 

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

https://teenlineonline.org/

 

Thursdays Child

Helping children, teens, young adults who are endangered or in any type of crisis

(800) USA-KIDS (872-5437)

http://www.thursdayschild.org/

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

https://www.va.gov/homeless

​

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

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Victim Support

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers

Support for victims of drunk or drugged drivers
(877) MADD-HELP (623-3435)

https://www.madd.org/

 

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.

https://www.ovc.ojp.gov/

​

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

https://victimconnect.org

Learn How to Help

Spirit Fire offers online programs for parishes and other groups to learn how to engage with survivors and family members seeking help from the Church.

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