FAQs

1-800-SUICIDE FAQs

1. Is 1-800-SUICIDE still a working number?
2. Who answers the calls now?
3. How does 1-800-SUICIDE work?
4. Who is running 1-800-SUICIDE now?
5. Will my call be confidential?
6. What is the difference between 1-800-273-TALK and 1-800-SUICIDE?

1. Is 1-800-SUICIDE still a working number?

   Yes. The number remains a 24/7, toll-free, confidential hotline for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. You can call for yourself or for someone you know.
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2. Who answers the calls now?

   Ninety percent of the crisis centers that are now answering 1-800-SUICIDE are the same as before - meaning you will continue to receive the same level of service when you dial the line. There is also a good chance that you will reach the same people.
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3. How does 1-800-SUICIDE work?

   Your call is routed to a trained crisis call worker in your area who will be able to provide you with crisis counseling and information and referrals to local resources. If a crisis call worker is not available at the center closest to you, then your call will be routed to a crisis call worker at the next nearest center.
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4. Who is running 1-800-SUICIDE now?

   The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is now funding both 1-800-SUICIDE and 1-800-273-TALK. Both numbers are being administered by a non-profit agency - Link2Health Solutions, Inc. - a subsidiary of the Mental Health Association of New York City.
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5. Will my call be confidential?

   Yes. All calls to both 1-800-SUICIDE and 1-800-273-TALK have always been and remain confidential.
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6. What is the difference between 1-800-273-TALK and 1-800-SUICIDE?

   These numbers are two different ways to reach the same service: a 24/7, toll-free, confidential hotline for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. When you call either number, you will reach a crisis telephone worker in your area. For more information about the help you will receive when you call, please visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/.
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