When families face difficult times, it’s good to remember that help is available. Crisis and support hotlines provide free counseling, resources, and support ― and many of them are available 24 hours a day. The websites and hotlines below offer support for adults and caregivers around difficult topics such as child abuse, natural disasters, parenting support, domestic violence, suicide, and substance use. These organizations offer confidential support from trained professionals who can provide additional resources.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress. Find prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Call or text 988.
Hours: All day, every day
Call or text: 988 (toll-free)
Childhelp Hotline (funded by the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families)
Live hotline offering resources to aid in every child abuse and neglect situation. Texting and live chat are available.
Hours: All day, every day
Call or text: 800-4A-CHILD (800-422-4453) (toll-free)
Disaster Distress Helpline (operated by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Live crisis counseling and referral support for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Texting is available.
Hours: All day, every day
Call: 800-985-5990 (toll-free)
Text: “TalkWithUs” to 66746
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (operated by Health Resources Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Pregnant or just had a baby? The MCHB Hotline offers free and confidential support in English and Spanish. Texting is available.
Hours: All day, every day
Call or text: 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262) (toll-free)
Parent Helpline (operated by Parents Anonymous)
Trained parent advocates provide support to empower parents. Texting and live chat are available.
Hours: All day, every day
Call or text: 855-4A PARENT (855-427-2736) (toll-free)
AgriStress Helpline
Crisis support for agricultural communities and farm workers. Texting is available.
Hours: All day, every day
Call or text: 833-897-2474 (toll-free)
Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free, confidential support and resources for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Texting and live chat are available.
Hours: All day, every day
Call: 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) (toll-free)
Text: “START” to 88788
StrongHearts Native Helpline (a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline)
Safe, anonymous, and confidential domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy. Live chat is available.
Hours: All day, every day
Call: 844-7NATIVE (844-762-8483) (toll-free)
Substance Use
SAMHSA's National Helpline
This national helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders. This service can give referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. The service is available in English and Spanish.
Hours: All day, every day
Call: 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357) (toll-free)
Text: Your zip code to HELP4U (435748) or enter it online at FindTreatment.gov
Alcoholics Anonymous
Free community-based support groups for anyone with a desire to stop drinking.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm ET
Call: 212-870-3400
Contact your local office for support all day, every day
Narcotics Anonymous
Free community-based support groups for anyone with a desire to stop using narcotics.
Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT
Call: 818-773-9999 (toll-free)
Contact your local office for support all day, every day
AlAnon Family Groups
Free community-based support groups for people who are worried about a family member’s, a friend’s, or someone else’s drinking.
Hours: All day, every day
Call: 888-4AL-ANON (888-425-2666) (toll-free)
National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA)
NACoA offers resources for everyone ― including families, friends, and professionals ― to better support individuals in pain due to alcohol and drug dependency in their families. Visit the website for more information and resources.
Last Updated: March 26, 2025