24/7 Helpline

We’re Ready to Listen

Each day, people who are lonely, desperate, or struggling turn to Samaritans in search of compassion and support. We’re here to answer their call for help.

At the start of the pandemic, we shifted our 24/7 Helpline operations to be remote. We enabled our enthusiastic volunteers to take calls and texts from their own homes, and made changes to our technology to allow for a smooth transition.

Our Impact in 2023

196

volunteers on the Helpline

23,112

hours volunteered

96,620

calls answered

Feeling Suicidal?

If you are feeling suicidal, lonely, or depressed, we are here for you. Whatever the reason, you will get help from a trained volunteer offering nonjudgmental support. The 24/7 Helpline is confidential and free. You can call or text us any time at 988.

Our Crisis Services

Our 24/7 Crisis Services are available because of our remarkable volunteers who answer phone calls and text conversations from people needing someone to listen. In addition to answering Samaritans’ 24/7, free, confidential, and anonymous Statewide Helpline, our volunteers answer calls and chats to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

In efforts to best serve our community, our 24/7 Helpline is available in more than 240 different languages with the aid of a tele-interpreter service!

We are not only available for people experiencing suicidal crises, but also for those who are feeling sad, alone, discouraged, or upset. Whatever the reason for reaching out, our volunteers are there to help.

Volunteer on the 24/7 Helpline

Each day, people turn to Samaritans’ 24/7 Helpline for nonjudgmental support. On the other side of a phone call or text message, they find a caring listener ready to provide compassion. You can be that caring listener! We have a variety of volunteer opportunities on our Helpline. Volunteers include teens (15+), students, working adults, and retirees. You don’t need to worry about having any prior training.

A man talking on the phone.
Two girls talking to one another

Need to help someone who is struggling?

Many people are afraid to talk about suicide, but it is often a great relief to someone thinking about suicide to know that you have noticed their pain. If you worry that someone you know may be suicidal, we have a few suggestions about how to help support them.

“As a last resort, I called Samaritans.  I remember the wave of relief I felt when someone picked up the phone and listened calmly to me fall apart. Because of that volunteer, I drove myself to the closest hospital ER, was seen by a psychiatrist, and was able to schedule follow-up care. In that moment when I called, I was scared of myself and the possibility that I might actually kill myself the way I’d thought about so often in the past. Thank you for providing the help that you do. I’m living my life joyfully and wanted to take a moment to let you know that your work has impacted me.”

Helpline Caller

Recent Posts

Calling a crisis hotline can be a scary and intimidating experience. Hear from some of the people who answer our 24/7 Helpline when you reach out.