A suicide crisis line (also known as a crisis hotline) is a service that provides immediate, confidential support to people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation via telephone, text messaging, or online chat. They are connected with trained counselors who offer crisis intervention, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate mental health resources. Each hotline typically operates within a single nation or region and is run by a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a charity.
While many countries have dedicated mental health crisis lines, a significant number of nations and territories—particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia—do not. In regions where a general service is unavailable, specialized hotlines may operate for violence against women or child welfare. Alternatively, people in these countries can receive support through international organizations such as Befrienders Worldwide, Lifeline International, and the mental health programs of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Even when a general crisis line is available, people from marginalized communities—such as LGBTQ+ individuals or survivors of domestic violence or sexual abuse—may prefer to utilize specialized hotlines tailored to their specific identities or circumstances.
The following list of general suicide crisis lines is organized by geographic region and arranged alphabetically by country within each region.
List by country The telephone numbers in this list do not include international country codes. They are formatted for domestic dialing, allowing a caller within the respective country or territory to connect by dialing the digits exactly as displayed.
Africa Country Contact (Airtel) (TNM)
Caribbean Country Contact
Central America Country Contact
North America Country/Region Contact Veterans & Military: Press 1 · Text 838255 Spanish (Español): Press 2 · Text AYUDA LGBTQ+ Youth (under 25): Press 3 · Text YOUTH
South America Country Contact (Press 6) (Press 5)
Asia Country Contact (English) (Arabic) (Press 8) (Press 4)
Europe Country Contact 0800 58 58 58 (5pm - 12am)
Oceania Country Contact (Vodafone) (Vini) (Vodafone) (Digicel)
References
fr:Prévention du suicide#Écoute en ligne et aide directe