Hotlines For Troubled Teens

Teen hotlines are operated all over the world to help teenagers dealing with a wide variety of issues, including depression, suicide, drugs and alcohol, domestic violence and abuse. Many areas have local hotlines that can provide resources and references to local services. There are also a number of national and international hotlines that serve teens all over the U.S. and the world.

What Are Teen Hotlines?

Teen hotlines are phone numbers that teens, and often their parents, friends and family, can call for counseling, references and help with all kinds of problems. While many of the hotlines are local to cities or regions, there are many national, toll-free hotlines that can be called from anywhere in the United States. Some of the local and national hotlines have evolved to include online resources or support, which can be a good option for some kids who don’t have access to a private phone or aren’t comfortable talking on the phone.

What Kinds of Situations Can Teen Hotlines Help With?

Teen hotlines are good starting places for teens dealing with many common issues, such as depression, suicide, drugs and alcohol, domestic violence and physical, sexual and emotional abuse, or who just need a understanding ear. There are also hotlines dedicated to specific issues, such as sexual abuse and assault, drug and alcohol dependency and smoking. Many hotlines can also help parents, family or friends of teens who are in trouble, and local hotlines are often able to provide references to services such as counseling, medical care or law enforcement.

Emergency Situations

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, or of being harmed, or there is a medical emergency, always call 911 first. They will be happy to let you know if your situation isn’t an emergency or can be handled some other way. If you’re not sure, call 911.

National Hotlines

— Boys’ Town National Hotline is a toll-free, 24/7 hotline for teens and parents; teens can also receive help via email. (800) 448-3000, TTY: (800) 448-1833; http://www.boystown.org/AboutUs/hotline/Pages/CrisisHotline.aspx
— NEO Teen Hotline is an Ohio-based teen hotline, toll-free in the U.S. and Canada; teens can also receive help via email. (800) 272-TEEN or (800) 272-8336, toll free in the U.S. and Canada; http://www.neoteenhelp.org/
— A listing of more national as well as international hotlines can be found at http://www.teencentral.net/Help/other.php

Local Hotlines

— Arizona: Teen Lifeline, peer counseling and suicide prevention hotline, (800) 248-TEEN or (602) 248-TEEN (Maricopa County), 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Outside of Arizona, call (800) SUICIDE.
— California (Los Angeles-based): (800) 852-8336 (toll free within California) or (310) 855-4673; http://teenlineonline.org/teens/
— California (Orange County): (714) NEW-TEEN or (714)639-8336 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.; http://www.teenline.org/
— Chicago, Illinois area: Teen Living Programs Teen Hotline, (866) 803-8336 ext. 10 (or press 0); 24/7 hotline for teens between ages 13 and 21. http://www.teenliving.org/perl/2/index.cgi/contact/teen_hotline
— Iowa (Iowa State University): TEEN Line, a service of the Iowa Department of Public Health, 24/7. (800) 443-8336, TTY: (800) 735-2942; http://www.extension.iastate.edu/teenline/
— Ohio (Ashtabula-based): (800) 272-TEEN or (800) 272-8336, toll free in U.S. and Canada; http://www.neoteenhelp.org/
— Texas: Texas Youth Hotline, 24/7, (800) 98-YOUTH, http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/YOUTH_Hotline/youth.asp
— Texas: Texas Runaway Hotline, 24/7, (888) 580-HELP, http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Runaway_Hotline/runaway.asp
— For a listing of teen hotlines by U.S. state, visit http://www.teencentral.net/Help/teenhelp.php