Crisis lines are available for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, whether that is thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
The use of a crisis line is different from 911 in that 911 focuses on dispatching emergency medical services, or the fire or police departments as needed, often in cases of imminent danger.
- There’s a statewide mental health crisis line available at 844-534-HOPE (4673). The new line began operating on Oct. 1, to replace three different numbers that respectively served the northern, central, and southern regions of the state. Trained Crisis Specialists are available 24/7, all days of the year, at the new number. Assistance is also available around the clock via text by texting “hope” to 4HOPE (4673).
- Another resource for Arizonans to get 24/7 help that’s easier to remember is to dial 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in July replaced the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK), though 800-273-TALK remains active. If someone calls 988 in Arizona and does not have an Arizona area code, however, there may be an extra step involved. For the time being, calls will be routed to the closest center based upon the area code of the cell phone being used, federal officials say.
- Texting 988 will work, but texts, for now, are expected to go through the centralized system and not to local crisis centers. The same is true for the chat option: https://988lifeline.org/chat/.
- Individuals have the option to dial 988 and then hit 1, which will transfer to a crisis line for veterans.
- There’s a Teen Lifeline for kids to call and get free, confidential and anonymous help from trained peers at 602-248-8336 (TEEN) or 800-248-8336 (TEEN) outside of Maricopa County. The mission of the Teen Lifeline is to prevent teen suicide in Arizona through enhancing resiliency in youth and fostering supportive communities.
- For LGBTQ+ youths, the Arizona Department of Health Services suggests the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 or via text 678-678.
- The National Domestic Violence hotline is 800-799-7233.
- The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a 24/7 free, confidential hotline for pregnant and new moms that’s available to call or text at 833-943-5746 in English and Spanish. TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 833-943-5746.
Non-crisis help
Hospice of the Valley operates grief support groups that are both in person and virtual and don’t cost anything. The nonprofit has compiled a list of counseling services that accept Medicaid and offer services on a sliding scale at https://www.hov.org/our-care/grief-support/. The organization’s phone number is 602-530-6900.
The Arizona Department of Health Services maintains a mental health resources webpage that suggests calling 2-1-1, which is a statewide information and referral service.