Who can a teen talk to about problems?

If you are carrying something heavy, you are not weak for wanting to talk. Asking for help takes strength. This page lists real people you can reach. DNLH is not a crisis line, and this is not medical advice.

Who can I talk to in my life?

Think of one adult or friend who has been kind to you. It could be a parent, a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, a coach, a teacher, a pastor or a friend's parent. Friends matter too. But if a friend is struggling as much as you are, also bring in an adult. You both deserve support.

If talking face to face is hard, send a text: "Can we talk later? I'm going through something."

Can I talk to someone at school? {#school}

Yes. Most schools have counselors. Our tip: ask at the counseling office, the front office, or a teacher you trust how to see one.

What you say is mostly private. Under California Education Code 49602, what a student 12 or older tells a school counselor is confidential. It does not go in your school record without written consent. There are exceptions. The counselor may share information to report child abuse or neglect, to prevent a clear and present danger to your health or safety, or because a court orders it. And if the counselor has reason to believe telling your parents would put you in danger, they must not tell them.

What lines can I call or text?

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988, or chat online. It is free, confidential and open 24/7. You don't have to be suicidal to reach out. It is also for when you feel overwhelmed or worried about a friend. Fewer than 2 percent of 988 calls involve emergency services.
• Teen Line. Trained teen listeners, supervised by adult mental health professionals. Call (800) 852-8336 from 6 to 10 p.m. Pacific, or text TEEN to 839863 from 6 to 9 p.m. Pacific. It is free, for young people up to 19, and English only. Almost all conversations stay private, unless you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or someone else, or someone is hurting you. If you are over 19, Teen Line points you to 988.
• Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741, any time. It is free and confidential, and you are usually connected within about five minutes. Message and data rates may apply.
• The Trevor Project, for LGBTQ+ young people. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678, 24/7. Free and confidential.
• California Peer Run Warm Line. Call or text 855-600-9276 to talk with someone who has lived through hard times too. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours can change. It is not a crisis line.

Can I get help in Spanish? {#spanish}

Yes. Call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988. 988 text and chat are now offered in Spanish too. Crisis Text Line takes HOLA at 741741. 988 also has phone interpreters in more than 240 languages. Teen Line is English only.

Can I see someone in person, for free?

Yes, in some places. If you live near San Mateo or Palo Alto, allcove centers there are made for ages 12 to 25. No referral is needed, and most services do not need a parent's consent. Services are free or low cost, and they tell you the cost before your visit. What you share stays confidential, with exceptions for safety and abuse of anyone under 18.

In California, if you are 12 or older and mature enough, you can agree to outpatient counseling on your own. The counselor is expected to involve your parent unless that would be inappropriate. See Where can teens and young adults find therapy?

Somewhere else in California? Call your county's mental health line from the DHCS county list and ask about services for teens.

When is it an emergency?

Call 911 if a life is in danger right now. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988 now. If you are worried a friend might hurt themselves, tell a trusted adult and contact 988. You don't have to carry that alone.

Who can help?

Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, chat at 988lifeline.org
• Teen Line: (800) 852-8336, or text TEEN to 839863
• Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678678
• allcove San Mateo (for young people near San Mateo): (650) 226-7030, 2600 South El Camino Real, Suite 300
• allcove Palo Alto (for young people near Palo Alto): (650) 798-6330, 2741 Middlefield Road, Suite 102
• Other California counties: your county's mental health line is on the DHCS county list

Related questions

• Where can teens and young adults find therapy?
• How can I help my teen who is struggling emotionally? (for parents)
• Calling or texting 988: what happens, privacy, and when to call 911 instead

Feeling alone does not mean you are alone. Someone is ready to listen, tonight.