Emotional support: where to start

Do Not Lose Hope is not a crisis line and cannot answer calls or messages for help. This page is not medical advice. It points you to people who are trained to listen.

Do I have to be in crisis to reach out?

No. Reach out if you feel lonely, sad or worried. You can also contact 988 because a friend is struggling, not only for yourself. In California, the California Peer Run Warm Line is for anyone who wants to talk when it is not a crisis: call or text 855-600-9276. Its posted hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours can change.

Where do adults start?

Call your county's mental health line. County lines can tell you what is available, check what you need and refer you. You can call about someone else too. Community health centers that get federal funds may not turn you away because you cannot pay; find one anywhere in the U.S. with Find a Health Center. See Mental health care without fear for costs, Medi-Cal changes and clinics near East Palo Alto.

Not sure what you are feeling? Start with Signs of depression and anxiety or Why you feel overwhelmed all the time.

What if I am worried about my teen?

We know it hurts to watch your child struggle. Get help if changes last more than two weeks or get in the way of school, home or friends. In California, children and teens up to 18 can get full Medi-Cal whatever their immigration status, if they meet the other rules, such as income. Starting January 1, 2027, members DHCS lists with "unsatisfactory immigration status," children included, move from health plans to Medi-Cal Fee for Service; county specialty mental health care continues (DHCS). When your teen is struggling shows what to watch for and how to start talking.

What if I am a teen?

You can talk to someone today. Call, text or chat with 988 any time, or talk with another teen at Teen Line in the evening. If you are 12 to 25 and live near San Mateo or Palo Alto, allcove centers there are open weekdays from 1 to 7 p.m.: San Mateo (650) 226-7030, Palo Alto (650) 798-6330. Most allcove services do not need a parent's OK. See Where a teen can talk to someone right now.

Will what I share stay private?

In California, your immigration status counts as private medical information. Providers may not share medical information for immigration enforcement except in limited cases, such as your permission or a court order. There are limits to privacy, for example when someone is in danger. Read Will my therapist share my information with immigration? and, for teens, What is private and what is not?

Where does faith fit in?

Many families find strength in prayer and in their faith community. A pastor or faith leader can be one more caring adult, alongside professional care. See When to talk to your pastor and when to see a counselor. Whatever you believe, you are welcome here.

Guides in this section

If someone may be in danger

• What to do right now if you or someone you love is thinking of suicide
• Warning signs that someone may be thinking of suicide
• How to talk with someone you love about suicide
• Make a safety plan for hard moments (printable)
• Calling or texting 988: what happens, privacy, and when to call 911 instead
• Which helpline to call: crisis, abuse, shelter, drugs and alcohol

For yourself

• Signs of depression and anxiety in yourself or your family
• Why you feel overwhelmed all the time, and what helps
• Simple grounding exercises to calm fear and stress
• Healing from the trauma of the trip to the United States
• Coping with racism and anti immigrant hate
• Living with grief when a loved one was deported
• How long it takes to feel okay after a disaster or frightening event
• Where to get emotional support during pregnancy and after birth
• Where LGBTQ+ people can find affirming counseling
• Your plan to stay well after therapy ends (worksheet)

For parents and teens

• When your teen is struggling
• Anxiety in teens: what it looks like and how to cope
• When a teen hurts themselves on purpose
• How to talk with your teen about alcohol and drugs
• My teen is using drugs or alcohol: what help is out there?
• Where your child can get mental health help in California
• What to do if a friend tells you they want to die (for teens)

For families, helpers and care

• Mental health care without fear
• Will my therapist share my information with immigration?
• How to complain or appeal when Medi-Cal mental health or addiction care is denied
• What Enhanced Care Management in Medi-Cal is and who can get it
• Caring for a family member with mental illness without losing yourself
• What harm reduction means and how it can help someone you love
• When to talk to your pastor and when to see a counselor
• How teachers can spot and support a student in distress
• Mental health and emotional support: the complete guide

Hold on to hope. One call, one text or one honest talk is a real first step.