New York Suicide Prevention Hotline | Depression Help 24/7

If you are in New York and thinking about suicide, call or text 988 now for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24/7. For depression, anxiety, and PTSD support, the National Depression Hotline connects New Yorkers with trained crisis counselors at (866) 629-4564, free and available 24/7. You can reach both lines right now.

New York Suicide and Crisis Hotlines

New Yorkers can reach free, 24/7 crisis support through several hotlines. The fastest is 988, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which routes New York callers to local crisis counselors.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org (statewide, 24/7)
• NYC 988 / NYC WELL: call 988, text “WELL” to 65173, or call 1-888-NYC-WELL (New York City, 24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: text “GOT5” to 741741 (statewide, anonymous, 24/7)
• Samaritans of New York: 24-hour confidential crisis line for NYC, (212) 673-3000
• Long Island Crisis Center: designated 988 crisis center for Nassau County, (516) 679-1111
• Response Crisis Center: designated 988 crisis center for Suffolk County, (631) 751-7500
• NY Office of Mental Health (OMH): statewide crisis prevention and county program directory
• NY HOPEline: problem gambling and substance use, 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY
• The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, 1-866-488-7386
• NY State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
• National Depression Hotline: (866) 629-4564, trained crisis counselors for depression, anxiety, and PTSD

Call, Text, or Chat: How to Reach Support in New York

You can reach crisis support in New York by phone, text, or online chat, whichever feels easiest.

• Call: dial 988, or (866) 629-4564 for the National Depression Hotline
• Text: text 988, text “WELL” to 65173 (NYC), or text “GOT5” to 741741
• Chat: chat online at 988lifeline.org

Some people find it easier to write than to talk, especially in a hard moment. Text and chat are staffed by trained counselors, like the phone lines.

What Happens When You Call a Suicide Prevention Hotline

When you call a suicide prevention hotline, a trained counselor answers, listens without judgment, and helps you through the moment. Calls are free and confidential.

You do not have to be suicidal to call. You can reach out for persistent sadness, anxiety, grief, a hard day, or worry about someone else. The counselor talks with you about what you are feeling and helps you stay safe right now, at your pace. There is no script you have to follow.

Your call is private. You can speak openly about what you are going through, which is often the first step toward getting help. If you want support beyond the call, the counselor can connect you with local New York services, including therapists, clinics, and mobile crisis teams available through 988 in many counties.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

Warning signs of a mental health crisis include talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden, withdrawing from friends and activities, sharp changes in sleep or mood, giving away belongings, or increased use of alcohol or drugs. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone close to you, you do not have to wait for things to escalate.

You do not need to be at a breaking point to call. If you are feeling persistently sad, hopeless, anxious, or overwhelmed, or having any thoughts of self-harm, that is reason enough to reach out. The earlier you connect with someone, the more support is available before things feel unmanageable.

Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD Support for New York

New Yorkers living with depression, anxiety, or PTSD have several ways to find help beyond a single crisis call. NYC 988 and the county crisis lines above handle immediate distress, while NAMI-NYC and county mental health services offer referrals to ongoing New York providers.

For people who want a free line that bridges crisis support and next steps, the National Depression Hotline at (866) 629-4564 is one option, staffed 24/7 by trained crisis counselors. Crisis lines focus on getting you through the moment; a trained counselor can also point you toward therapists, psychiatrists, and treatment options for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. A crisis line is the first step, and a path to ongoing treatment is the next one.

If you are not sure whether what you are feeling is depression, guides on the signs of depression and depression symptoms can help you understand what to look for and when to reach out.

Suicide Prevention Support Across New York State

Crisis support reaches every part of New York State, including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, and Albany. Coverage extends to the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island), Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and upstate New York. Wherever you are in the state, you can call or text 988 for around-the-clock help, or reach the National Depression Hotline at (866) 629-4564.

For county-level crisis resources near you, see our pages for Nassau County, Queens County, Kings County, and Richmond County.

We also provide suicide prevention resources for nearby communities across the Northeast and beyond, including Plymouth County, Boston, New London County, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Suicide Hotline Number in New York?

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline anywhere in New York, 24/7 and free. New York City residents can also reach NYC 988 by texting “WELL” to 65173. For depression and anxiety support, call the National Depression Hotline at (866) 629-4564.

What Exactly Happens When You Call 988?

A trained crisis counselor answers, listens, and helps you through the moment. They work with you on immediate safety and can connect you to local New York services. Most calls are handled entirely over the phone.

Is the New York Suicide Hotline Free and Confidential?

Yes. 988 and the National Depression Hotline are both free, and calls are confidential. You do not need insurance or personal information to call.

Who Answers When I Call the Hotline?

You speak with a trained crisis counselor who specializes in crisis support, depression, and emotional distress. The National Depression Hotline is available 24/7 at (866) 629-4564.

What Is the Phone Number for the NYC Mental Health Crisis Hotline?

New York City residents can call 988 or text “WELL” to 65173 to reach NYC 988 (formerly NYC Well). It offers free, confidential mental health support 24/7.

Do I Have to Be Suicidal to Call a Crisis Hotline?

No. You can call the National Depression Hotline at (866) 629-4564 to speak with a trained crisis counselor about depression, anxiety, PTSD, or any emotional distress. You do not need to be in immediate crisis, and you do not need insurance, to reach out.

What Should I Do in a Mental Health Emergency in New York?

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For urgent emotional support that is not life-threatening, call or text 988. Mobile crisis teams are available in many New York counties through 988.

Can I Reach Out by Text Instead of Calling?

Yes. You can text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline anywhere in New York, text “WELL” to 65173 for NYC 988, or text “GOT5” to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. All offer confidential text support 24/7.