Crisis hotline


 * Wikipedia contains a list of crisis hotlines by country.

A crisis hotline is a phone number people can call to get immediate over-the-phone emergency counseling, usually by trained volunteers. Such hotlines have existed in most major cities of the United States at least since the mid-1970s. Initially set up to help those contemplating suicide, many have expanded their mandate to deal more generally with emotional crises. They have also spawned similar hotlines to help counsel people in other circumstances, including rape victims, runaway children, homosexuals facing difficulties, and suchlike.

Such services began no later than 1953, with Chad Varah, an English vicar, founding The Samaritans service, which soon established branches across the entire United Kingdom. A similar service, Lifeline, was established in Australia in 1963.

General services

 * A list of crisis hotlines in many countries. Former Befrienders International website - now maintained by Samaritans UK.
 * Lifeline International - originated in Australia, now has affiliates in a number of countries including the United States.
 * International Federation of Telephone Emergency Services - International federation covering mainly continental Europe.
 * Suicidehotlines.com - directory of American crisis hotlines

Services for children and adolescents

 * Childline - UK - for children and young people in the UK - 0800 1111
 * Kids Help Line Australia - 1800 55 1800
 * Kids Help Phone - 1 800 668 6868
 * National Runaway Switchboard at http://1800runaway.com - For teens in the U.S. who have ran away or are thinking about running away.