SUICIDE PREVENTION & SUPPORT
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Call 988 (or 1-800-273-8255). Chat (English only) is available through the Lifeline’s website at 988lifeline.org/chat. The support and service received from the crisis counselors is provided at no charge to those who use the service; however, standard data rates from telecommunication mobile carriers may apply to those who text to the Lifeline. If monetary assistance is needed for communications needs, please see www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers for more information.
TTY: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711, then 988; or call 1-800-799-4889
Video Relay Service: 1-800-273-8255
Voice/Caption Phone: 1-800-273-8255
Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis: 988; or 1-888-628-9454/p>
VETERANS’ CRISIS LINE
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or Service member in crisis — or you’re concerned about one — there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 988, then press 1; or call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) and Press 1. Support for deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889.
You may also text 838255, or chat online through the website
CRISIS TEXT LINE
Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Our first priority is helping people move from a hot moment to a cool calm, guiding you to create a plan to stay safe and healthy. Visit the website for information and help with issues, including anxiety, suicide, depression, emotional abuse, bullying, self -harm and more.
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.
For UK affiliate service, text SHOUT to 85258. In Canada, text HOME to 686868
THE TREVOR PROJECT
Trevor Support Center, a place where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions, and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more.
TrevorLifeline is a 24/7/365 suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386.
TrevorText offers confidential text messaging with a Trevor counselor, available 24/7/365. Text START to 678678. (Standard text rates apply.)
TrevorChat is confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor counselor, available 24/7. Best accessed at the website using a computer, instead of a smartphone or tablet.
TRANS LIFELINE
TTrans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis — for the trans community, by the trans community. Their mission is to connect trans people to community support and resources trans individuals need to survive and thrive. Phone (877) 565-8860
TEEN LINE
The Teen Line hotline provides a safe, non-judgmental space for youth to talk about their worries with someone their age who 'gets it'. The hotline is staffed by highly trained teens and supervised by mental health professionals and is OPEN from 6-10pm PST every evening. Text 'TEEN' to 839863 or email our hotline through the website.
We also offer message boards for teens to talk to other teens, including anxiety around the Covid-19 virus, as well as tips for coping skills from teens on all of our social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.). We also provide support resources for parents on our website at www.teenlineonline.org.
Teen Line’s hotline ad texting numbers: 1-310-855-4673, or 1-800-852-8336 (Toll free in the U.S. and Canada) Hotline open from 6pm-10pm PST Text TEEN to 839863 (6-9pm PST U.S. only)
FRIENDSHIP LINE
The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Knowing that older people do not contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if they are considering suicide, the Institute created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.
The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls. For the 24-hour toll-free FRIENDSHIP LINE call 1-800-971-0016.
Outreach and other services are available only in the San Francisco Bay area at this time. See website for more information.
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION – GREATER LOS ANGELES AND CENTRAL COAST
The chapter delivers innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.
DIDI HIRSCH SUICIDE PREVENTION CENTER
Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Call 1-424-362-2900 for non-crisis services and information.
Didi Hirsch is the United States’ first suicide prevention center. It offers a comprehensive array of crisis services, therapy, support and training.
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCE CENTER
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC) – Suicide Prevention
Facts, risk and protective factors, coping with stress, prevention strategies, resources.
KNOW THE SIGNS
Know the Signs is California’s suicide prevention social marketing campaign, intended to educate Californians how to know the warning signs of suicide, how to find the words to have a direct conversation with someone in crisis and where to reach out to find professional help and resources. Visit the Know the Signs website.
US DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SUICIDE PREVENTION
When things feel unbearable, or if you’re having thoughts of ending your life, support is available. VA offers a number of programs and resources for Veterans and their loved ones, friends, and health care providers. This website includes information about warning signs, programs to prevent suicide, and links to additional resources.
Veterans Crisis Line: If you are a Veteran in crisis — or you’re concerned about one — free, confidential support is available 24/7. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, send a text message to 838255 or chat online:
10 THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO PREVENT SUICIDE
From the American Academy of Pediatrics, available in Spanish or audio version at website.
BUDDY PROJECT
Buddy Project® is a non-profit movement that aims to prevent suicide and self-harm by pairing people as buddies and raising awareness for mental health. We will primarily focus on children, teens, and young adults across the globe by providing positivity, companionship, resources, and education, in order to reduce the stigma of mental illness, bullying and negativity on social media. By introducing these concepts at an early age, we hope to promote empathy, compassion, and awareness of mental health issues.
HELPGUIDE.ORG
Helpguide’s mission is to help people understand, prevent and resolve many of life’s challenges by providing knowledge and hope. Their goal is to give individuals the information and encouragement they need to take charge of their health, well-being and make healthy choices. The website provides comprehensive information for mental and emotional health; family and relationships; healthy living; and seniors and aging.
The Suicide Prevention page provides an understanding of suicide for all populations, including the higher risk factors for teens and older adults, dispels misconceptions, identifies the warning signs, and offers guidance on how to help.
SAVE (SUICIDE AWARENESS VOICES OF EDUCATION)
Public awareness, education and training, resources, and grief support for survivors of suicide attempts and loss and for those thinking about or planning suicide.
BeSMART
BeSMART is an education campaign to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries. The website includes resources and tools in English and Spanish. The program is offered by Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. To learn more and get involved in your community, please visit the website.
S (Secure) M (Model) A (Ask) R (Recognize) T (Tell)
SPEAK FOR SAFETY
If you are in immediate danger, please contact local law enforcement or dial 911.
Campaign to raise awareness of the Gun Violence Restraining Order, a law that allows family members, household members, and law enforcement to work with courts to temporarily remove guns and prevent the purchase of new guns by individuals who pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others.
Includes some downloads and videos available in both English and Spanish and resources for private individuals and professionals, such as health providers, law enforcement, fiduciaries, caseworkers, caregivers, and attorneys.
Speak for Safety is a California Firearm Strategy Group project funded by The California Wellness Foundation. Information is intended for general purposes only. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR AGAINST SUICIDE (NOPCAS)
The National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide, founded by suicide loss survivor, Dr. Donna Barnes, works to increase suicide education and awareness, and reduce the stigma of suicide among communities of color through training and advocacy. NOPCAS serves as the only national organization of its kind addressing the issue of suicide prevention and intervention, specifically in communities of color. Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, the organization primarily collaborates with people of color and institutions that are ignored or unaware in the area of suicide prevention.
RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA) “PREVENTING SUICIDE: A Toolkit for High Schools
This toolkit assists high schools and school districts in designing and implementing strategies to prevent suicide and promote behavioral health. The toolkit includes tools to implement a multifaceted suicide prevention program that responds to the needs and cultures of students. Access the high school kit promotional flyer.
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION – AFTER A SUICIDE: A TOOLKIT FOR SCHOOLS
A Toolkit for Schools offers best practices and practical tools to help schools in the aftermath of a suicide.
SUPPORT AFTER A SUICIDE ATTEMPT
DIDI HIRSCH SUICIDE PREVENTION CENTER SURVIVORS OF A SUICIDE ATTEMPT GROUPS
The groups are held in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Participants meet in groups of six to 10 once a week for 90-munite sessions over eight consecutive weeks. They are co-facilitated by a therapist and a suicide attempt survivor who has successfully completed a group.
Call 1-424-362-2911 or email at [email protected]
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SUICIDOLOGY “A JOURNEY TOWARD HEALTH AND HOPE: YOUR HANDBOOK FOR RECOVERY AFTER A SUICIDE ATTEMPT”
This handbook guides people through the first steps toward recovery and a hopeful future after a suicide attempt. Includes personal stories from survivors who share their experiences as well as strategies, such as re-establishing connections and finding a counselor to work with. Download from the web site.
SAVE (SUICIDE AWARENESS VOICES OF EDUCATION) - FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPT SURVIVORS
Public awareness, education and training, resources, and grief support for survivors of suicide attempts and loss and for those thinking about or planning suicide.
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION - AFTER AN ATTEMPT
If you or a loved one has made a suicide attempt, it is important that you seek support and take steps to care for yourself and them.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SUICIDOLOGY — SUICIDE ATTEMPT SURVIVORS
The AAS site offers a downloadable handbook to guide people through the first steps toward recovery and a hopeful future after a suicide attempt. Also available are videos, supports for families and friends, articles and personal stories.
SUPPORT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THOSE WHO HAVE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION “MY LOVED ONE HAS MADE AN ATTEMPT”
When someone you love attempts to take their life, it can evoke a range of strong emotions. During their crisis, your loved one may have perceived themselves as being completely alone, or a burden on you and the others who love them. See this web page to learn more about how you can care for that person and for yourself.
SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION OF TEEN SUICIDE — AFTER AN ATTEMPT
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide is dedicated to increasing awareness, saving lives and reducing the stigma of suicide through specialized training programs and resources that empower teens, parents and educational leaders with the skills needed to help youth build a life of resiliency. Two of the organization’s many offerings are listed below.
- WHEN YOUR CHILD IS RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL:Find guidance on the process that follows release of your child and the steps you can take to support your child. Website
- WHEN A CHILD’S FRIEND ATTEMPTS SUICIDE:Find guidance on how to talk to your child about suicide and give them an opportunity to talk about it and its affect on them. Website
SUPPORT AFTER A SUICIDE LOSS
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
- HEALING CONVERSATIONS - gives those who have lost someone to suicide the opportunity to talk with our experienced volunteers. These AFSP volunteers, who are themselves survivors of suicide loss, offer understanding and guidance in the weeks and months following a suicide death and is available in person, on the phone or by video chat. Website | Email
- INTERNATIONAL SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS DAY - Suicide loss survivors come together to find connection, understanding and hope through their shared experience. Each event is unique and offers various programming, all feature an AFSP-produced documentary that offers a message of growth, resilience and connection. Website Email
- BOOKS FOR LOSS SURVIVORS - Books, poetry on coping with loss, some specifically for adolescents and teenagers, men, clinicians. Website
DIDI HIRSCH SUICIDE PREVENTION CENTER
Adult Suicide Bereavement Groups - (424) 362-2912 - Co-facilitated by a therapist and a peer who has also lost a loved one to suicide, the groups provide activities and sharing opportunities to help survivors cope with their loss in a positive and productive way. Groups are held in Century City, Sherman Oaks, Redondo Beach, San Marino, Santa Ana and Newbury Park. Participants meet in groups of six to 10 once a week for 90-minute sessions over eight consecutive weeks. Groups are held during day or evening hours.
Teen Suicide Bereavement Support Groups - (424) 362-2911 - 8-week grief support groups. Meetings are in small groups, once a week, for 90-minute sessions where they learn healthy stress-management tools and new and creative coping skills to help them deal with their loss. Teen support groups are part of the new Everychild Suicide Prevention Project.
BEYOND LOSS – A BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY - ADVENTIST HEALTH GLENDALE, CHAPLAINS DEPARTMENT
(818) 409-8008 - Beyond Loss programs and services include:
- - Individual grief counseling.
- - Weekly bereavement support groups.
- - Advocacy for the bereaved.
- - Suicide prevention, intervention and post-vention support groups.
- - Intervention following traumatic events for individuals, families and communities.
- - Bereavement education and ongoing training for professionals and laypersons.
- Website
SUICIDE.ORG
Suicide.org is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004. The organization assists millions of people around the world each year. The mission is to prevent suicides, support suicide survivors, and educate the public about suicide. For more information and to view a list of California support groups in different locations, please visit the website.
OUR HOUSE
Resources and grief support groups in English and Spanish, not specific to suicide in West Los Angeles, Koreatown, Woodland Hills 1-888-417-1444.
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE
Independent web site to help those who have lost a loved one to suicide resolve their grief and pain in their own personal way.
ALLIANCE OF HOPE FOR SUICIDE LOSS SURVIVORS
Created by survivors for survivors As a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit. It provides online healing support and other services for people who are coping with devastating loss to suicide. Our online forum operates like a 24/7 support group. Our website contains support resources and information on the survivor experience.
AFTER A SUICIDE RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Portal linking people who are grieving after a death by suicide to an online directory of resources and information to help them cope with their loss. The directory also lists items for people who want to offer support and assistance to the suicide bereaved.
SAVE – (SUICIDE AWARENESS, VOICES OF EDUCATION) - FOR SUICIDE LOSS SURVIVORS
Public awareness, education and training, resources, and grief support for survivors of suicide attempts and loss and for those thinking about or planning suicide.
THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS SUPPORTING A FAMILY AFTER A CHILD DIES
- "SURVIVING YOUR CHILD’S SUICIDE". Website
- Online support community and private Facebook groups for grieving parents, not specific to suicide. Website
- Santa Clarita Valley Chapter of TCF, 26889 Bouquet Canyon Road. Santa Clarita California 91350 monthly meetings. Website | Email
SPEAKING OF SUICIDE
SOS: A Handbook for Survivors of Suicide - Of all the online guides to coping with the suicide of a loved one, this may be the most comprehensive. Written by a man whose wife died by suicide, the guide includes information on the “emotional rollercoaster” that follows a suicide, myths and facts about suicide, suggestions for coping, narratives from other suicide loss survivors, and inspirational words for surviving, coping, and healing after the loss of a loved one to suicide. (Sponsored by the American Association of Suicidology.)
After a Suicide: A Practical and Personal Guide for Survivors - This booklet begins with information about the practical logistics immediately following a suicide, including details about a possible autopsy, cleaning of the home if the suicide occurred there, organ donation – and more. The second part of this booklet addresses the emotional aftermath of suicide bereavement, including common reactions to the suicide of a loved one, as well as the process of grieving.
SOCIETY TO PREVENT TEEN SUCIDE: MEMORIALS AFTER A SUICIDE: GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES
SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE SUFFERED A SUICIDE LOSS OR ATTEMPT
THE DOUGY CENTER – THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN & FAMILIES
- After a Suicide Death: An Activity Book for Grieving Kids. Website
- Understanding Suicide, Supporting Children - a streaming video delivered through Vimeo.com which may be rented or purchased. Website
OUR HOUSE - CAMP ERIN
Three weekends each summer, OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center hosts Camp Erin Los Angeles and Camp Erin Orange County. The weekend-long camp provides children ages 6-17 an opportunity to learn coping skills, enjoy traditional summer camp activities, and connect with other children who are also grieving the death of someone close.SPEAKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT SUICIDE: HOW CAN ADULTS HELP A CHILD AFTER A PARENT DIES BY SUICIDE? BLOG POST
Author is Nancy Rappaport, M.D., a child psychiatrist whose own mother died by suicide when the author was 4 years old.
HOW TO TALK TO A CHILD ABOUT A SUICIDE ATTEMPT IN YOUR FAMILY
Provide support and share resources that may be helpful if there has been a recent suicide attempt in the family.
Each of three sections provides information and ideas specific to the preschooler, school age and teenager age groups. It is also available in Spanish Language.
SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION OF TEEN SUICIDE
- WHEN A CHILD’S FRIEND DIES BY SUICIDE. Website
- PREPARING YOUR CHILD TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF A FRIEND. Website
PHONE APPS TO HELP PREVENT SUICIDE
#LetsTalk Mobile App
Alliance for Youth app -provide youth with useful and relatable information about mental health and suicide prevention.
SEESAY
Teen Suicide Prevention App combines real-time crisis intervention with community and social engagement. It includes Emergency 911 service connection, Crisis Text Line app integration, Suicide Risks, Warning Signs and Crisis Resources, Online and social engagement via our SEESAY campaign website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter platforms, Teen Peer engagement. Supported by crisis services partner, CRISIS TEXT LINE.
"A Friend Asks"
Free smart-phone app that helps provide the information, tools and resources to help a friend (or yourself) who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide.
MY3 App
Define personal network and plan to stay safe, build safety plan, access important resources, access National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7.
MoodTools
Free smartphone app that provides six evidence-based tools to aid against clinical depression and negative moods and includes Screening tools, how to build a safety plan, access safety resources.
Calm Harm
Timed activities to help resist or manage self-harm urges with ability to log completed activities and tracks progress.
SAFETY RESOURCES
BeSMART
Education campaign to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries. The website includes resources and tools in English and Spanish. The program is offered by Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund.
S (Secure) M (Model) A (Ask) R (Recognize) T (Tell)