Teen Line
Real support from other teens. No judgment. No pressure.
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Phone (800) 852-8336 (6:00pm - 10:00pm PST) |
Text Teen to 839863 (6:00pm - 9:00pm PST) |
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Who can contact Teen Line? Teen Line is for young people to the age of 19. For those who are older than 19, we recommend calling or texting 988 (The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). |
Is Teen Line free? Yes. There's no cost to reach out--Teen Line is always free. |
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Who answers the calls, texts, and emails at Teen Line? Teen Line responses are handled by trained teen volunteers, referred to as "Listeners." Each Listener undergoes over 100 hours of training and works under the supervision of adult mental health professionals. |
What languages are available? Currently, support is only available in English. For other languages, you can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. |
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Is Teen Line anonymous? Yes. Almost all conversations are private and anonymous. We won't share what you say unless you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself, hurting someone else, or if you are being hurt.
At the start of your call or text with a teen Listener, they will ask you some demographic questions (like age or location). This helps us get to know you a little better, connect you to resources available in your area, and keep our services free. You are welcome to answer as much or as little as you are comfortable with. |
Will you share my information with anyone? We don't share your information without your permission, except in rare situations where safety is at immediate risk. |
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What kinds of issues can I talk about? No topic is too big or too small. Teens reach out to us about relationships, school stress, anxiety, depression, family conflict, identity, loneliness, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and more. |
Will calling get me in trouble or force emergency services? Our focus is on getting you the best support for your situation. Emergency services are a last resort and are only used when someone is in immediate danger. |
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What should I expect when I reach out? You'll be connected with a caring teen who listens without judgment. You're not alone -- our teen Listeners are here to make sure you feel heard and supported. |
What if I'm in immediate danger right now? If you live in the U.S. and are in immediate danger, call 911. You can contact Teen Line during our operating hours or call 988, available 24/7, while help is on the way. |
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What if I don't know what o say? That's okay -- many people don't. Just start wherever it feels easiest, and we'll figure it out together. |
What if someone I know is in crisis? If a friend or family member is struggling, we are here to help. You can talk to one of our Teen Listeners about how to support your loved one and connect them to resources. |
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Do I have to be in crisis to contact you? No. If something is bothering you or you just need someone to listen, that's reason to reach out. |
Can you connect me to local resources? Yes. We can help you find local services, ongoing support, and talk about the next steps. |
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When is Teen Line available? You can call from 6pm to 10pm PST or text 6pm to 9pm PST every night. Outside these hours, calls are directed to adult counselors at Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center for 24/7 support. |
How do I become a teen Listener? Is it a paid or volunteer experience? If you are interested in becoming a Teen Line Listener, you must be a high school student (at least 14 years old, in 9th grade, and living in the Los Angeles area). You'll need to submit an application and complete an interview to be accepted into our intensive training program.
Training consists of instruction in active listening, crisis de-escalation, and mental health topics, plus practice in real-world scenarios. This is a volunteer opportunity and is not paid. Visit the volunteer page to learn more. |