When you’re overwhelmed, picking up the phone can feel like too much. The Crisis Text Line exists for exactly those moments: it lets you reach free, confidential support by text, any time of day or night, simply by texting HOME to 741741. Crisis isn’t rare, either. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 49,316 people died by suicide in 2023, and suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34 — the same age group that makes up most of the Crisis Text Line’s texters.
This page explains what the Crisis Text Line is, how it works, what you can reach out about and how it compares to other free support lines. If your concern is connected to substance use or addiction, the National Rehab Hotline can also help with treatment information and referrals at 866-210-1303.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you’re thinking about suicide or in emotional crisis, you can also call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7. The National Rehab Hotline at 866-210-1303 is for non-emergency information, support and referrals.
What Is the Crisis Text Line?
The Crisis Text Line is a nonprofit organization, founded in 2013, that provides free, 24/7, confidential crisis support through text messaging in English and Spanish. This text help line was the first text-based crisis intervention service of its kind, and people can also reach it through web chat and WhatsApp. According to Crisis Text Line, its trained volunteer Crisis Counselors have handled more than 350 million messages from people working through difficult moments.
The service is open to anyone, but it’s especially popular with teens and young adults — most texters are between 14 and 24 years old — which makes it a practical option for students and younger people who are more comfortable texting than calling.
How the Crisis Text Line Works
Reaching out is meant to be simple, even when you’re at your lowest. Here’s what to expect:
- Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States. You can write a single word or describe what’s going on.
- You’ll receive an automated reply right away so you know you’re in the queue.
- A live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor responds and listens without judgment.
- Through back-and-forth texting, they help you move from what the organization calls “a hot moment to a cool calm” and can share referrals for further support.
Conversations are confidential. Crisis Text Line reports that the information you share stays private unless contacting emergency services is necessary for your safety — and that emergency services are involved in fewer than 1% of conversations. Texting the crisis text number 741741 is free of charge on major U.S. carriers.
What You Can Reach Out About
You don’t have to be in a life-threatening emergency to text. The Crisis Text Line supports people through a wide range of struggles, including:
- Anxiety, depression and overwhelming stress
- Loneliness, grief and relationship problems
- Bullying and school or work pressure
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
- Substance use, cravings and fear of relapse — areas where the National Rehab Hotline and relapse prevention resources can also help
Crisis Text Line vs. the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Both services are free, confidential and available 24/7 — the main difference is how you connect. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline lets you call or text 988 and reach support by voice or message. The Crisis Text Line is text-only and reached at 741741. Neither is better than the other; the right choice is whichever feels easiest in the moment. If your situation involves drugs or alcohol specifically, a substance-focused line can be a helpful next step.
Other Free Support Resources
If you or someone you love needs help, these national resources are available around the clock:
- National Rehab Hotline. Free, confidential, 24/7 information, guidance and referrals to substance use and mental health treatment resources. Call 866-210-1303.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential crisis support for anyone in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis. Call or text 988.
- SAMHSA National Helpline. Free, confidential treatment referral and information service for substance use and mental health. Call 800-662-HELP (4357).
- Crisis Text Line. Free, confidential, 24/7 text-based crisis support. Text HOME to 741741.
How the National Rehab Hotline Can Help
If the crisis you’re facing is tied to drugs or alcohol — your own use or a loved one’s — you don’t have to navigate it alone. The National Rehab Hotline can connect you with information, guidance and referrals to substance abuse and mental health treatment options. It’s a free, confidential, non-emergency line — for immediate danger, call 911 or 988 — reachable any time at 866-210-1303.
Frequently Asked Questions: Crisis Text Line
- What is the number for the Crisis Text Line?
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States. You can also reach the service through web chat and WhatsApp. - Is the Crisis Text Line free?
Yes. Crisis Text Line doesn’t charge texters, and messages to 741741 are free of charge on major U.S. carriers. On some smaller or prepaid plans, standard text message rates may apply. - Is the Crisis Text Line confidential?
Yes. The organization reports that what you share stays confidential unless contacting emergency services is necessary for your safety, which happens in fewer than 1% of conversations. - Can I use the Crisis Text Line for addiction or substance use?
Yes. You can text about substance use, cravings or fear of relapse. For treatment information and referrals specifically, you can also call the National Rehab Hotline at 866-210-1303. - Will texting the Crisis Text Line show up on my phone bill?
On major U.S. carriers, texts to the 741741 short code don’t appear on your bill. On other carriers, the short code may appear like a standard text. - What should I do if I’m in immediate danger?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a suicidal or mental health crisis, you can also call or text 988 at any time.
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