Crisis Resources
Screening Assessment and Support Services (SASS) Heading link
1-800-345-9049
A program for children and adolescents enrolled in Medicaid in Illinois experiencing a mental health crisis. To access the program, contact the Crisis and Referral Entry Service (CARES) line at 1-800-345-9049. The CARES line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services are provided by contracted services providers throughout the state of Illinois determined by the Local Area Network. The appropriate level of services and agency for services will be determined by the CARES line.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -> 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Heading link
988 or chat on their website https://988lifeline.org/
Spanish Lifeline 1-888-628-9454 or Deaf or Hard of Hearing Lifeline 1-800-799-4889
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Additional resources are available on their website for the deaf or hard of hearing, youth, loss survivors, attempt survivors, LGBTQ, and resources in Spanish.
Crisis Text Line Heading link
Text HOME to 741741
https://www.crisistextline.org/
Provides 24/7 crisis services through text.
Trained crisis counselors utilize empathetic listening, build rapport and trust, explore issues, and collaborate to problem solve to develop a plan that keeps the texter safe.
Crisis counselors are trained, supervised volunteers that receive training, submit to a background check and commit to 200 hours of volunteering.
Cell phone plans with AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon are free of charge. For other carriers, standard text message rates apply. However, texting may not work on some prepaid plans. Youth can access the crisis line through Facebook Messenger at facebook.com/crisistextline
The Trevor Project Heading link
1-866-488-7386 or text START 678678
The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 and provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth under age 25.
Trevor Lifeline- The only national 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ youth available at 1-866-488-7386.
TrevorChat– A free, confidential, secure instant message service for LGBTQ youth that provides live help from trained volunteer counselors. Open daily. Youths can usually expect to wait a few minutes to speak with a counselor. However, depending on use, wait times can be 30 minutes. TrevorChat is designed to be used with a computer and there may be technical difficulties when using a tablet or smartphone.
TrevorText– A free, confidential secure service that LGBTQ youth can text a trained Trevor counselor for support and crisis intervention. The service is available daily. Begin by texting START to 678678. Standard text messaging rates apply.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Heading link
1-800-950-6264 https://namiillinois.org/
The NAMI Information HelpLine is an information and referral service Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
OK 2 TALK Heading link
OK2TALK is a NAMI resource for adolescents and young adults who are experiencing mental illness and would benefit from a place to share their stories. NAMI provides the following guidelines for submissions:
Every submission is reviewed by NAMI and not all stories will be published on the blog.
Stories with inappropriate or offensive language in addition to information about specific medications or medical treatments may not be posted.
The submitted name or the identification on the Tumblr profile will be posted on the Internet along with your story and may be shared on other social media platforms and indexed through google searches.
It is not appropriate to promote personal blogs, websites, books, or other works.
Do not post personal information such as phone numbers, emails, or addresses.
NAMI reserves the right to edit personal information out of submissions.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Heading link
833-2FINDHELP https://helplineil.org/app/home
In Illinois, the Illinois Helpline for opioids and other substances offers free confidential services to provide information about treatment options and referrals in Illinois. The Illinois Helpline also provides information about what to do when a person overdoses and where to access assistance through the Drug Overdose Prevention Program. The program trains consumers to respond to opioid overdose including education on using naloxone. Naloxone is a medication that reverses an overdose by blocking opioids, including prescription opioids and heroin.
Love is Respect Heading link
Call: 866-331-9474
Text: LOVEIS to 22522
Chat Live: loveisrespect.org
Trained advocates are available 24/7 to offer support, education, and advocacy to teens and young adults (as well as friends and family) with questions or concerns about dating and relationships.
National Runaway Hotline Heading link
1-800-RUNAWAY
Chat: 1800runaway.org
Trained staff and volunteers connect with youth who have run away or are at risk of running away and also adults who are concerned about the young people in their lives. Support, problem-solving and critical resources are offered.
National Human Trafficking Hotline Heading link
Text: Text* 233733
Chat live: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en
Specially trained Anti-trafficing Hotline Advocate’s are available in 200 languages. Advocates confidentially listen and connect individuals to help and resources. Potential human trafficking situations can also be reported to this hotline.