Resources
Remember: you don’t have to be on this journey alone; help is available.
This page provides a comprehensive list of supplemental resources designed to offer support in times of crisis or distress outside of the therapeutic setting. We understand that navigating mental health can be complex and having access to immediate and appropriate assistance is crucial.
Here, you'll find information on both crisis hotlines and warm lines, each of which provide distinct but equally vital roles in mental health support. We encourage you to explore these resources and utilize them as needed.
Crisis Hotlines: These are telephone services staffed by trained professionals, often 24/7, that provide immediate support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. They are designed for urgent situations where someone is or feels they may be at imminent risk of harm to themselves or others. The focus is on de-escalation, safety planning, and connecting individuals with emergency services if necessary.
Warm Lines: Warm lines are peer-support phone lines. Unlike crisis hotlines, these are staffed by individuals with lived experience in mental health recovery, not by emergency services nor mental health professionals. They offer a non-crisis environment for those seeking support, connection, or a listening ear. Warm lines provide a safe space for conversation helping to prevent situations from escalating into a crisis.
(Please note: these resources are meant to serve as
supplemental
essential resources for times of crisis and/or distress in-between regularly scheduled therapy sessions. This is
not
designed to replace therapy sessions
nor be the only resource/coping mechanism. Please alert the crisis hotline(s), a loved one, and/or your clinician if you find yourself relying on these regularly as a higher level of care may be needed.)
Crisis Hotlines*:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free and confidential support for suicidal, mental health, and substance use crises.
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD: Call their 24/7 Crisis and Access Line at (713) 970-7000 or toll-free at (866) 970-4770.
Crisis Intervention of Houston: Call their hotline at (832) 416-1177 for emotional trauma or suicide ideation.
Teen Talk: Call (832) 416-1199 or text (281) 201-4430 for teen-specific crisis intervention.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT): For those at risk of hospitalization, MCOT provides crisis intervention and will come to the person in crisis. The number is (713) 970-7520 or you can access it through the Harris Center crisis line by calling 988 and selecting option 1.
Veterans Crisis Line: For military veterans and their families, call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online for confidential support.
*Please note that crisis hotlines may contact local emergency services (i.e., the police or fire department) if you are deemed an immediate risk to yourself or others - if harm ideation & clear intent to act are both present. Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
Non-reporting crisis lines
Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC)
Domestic Violence Hotline: (713) 528-6798.
Sexual Assault Hotline: (713) 528-7273.
Focus: These lines are for support related to domestic and sexual violence. They are separate from police response and focus on confidential, compassionate help.
Warm Lines:
Phone: (713) 970-4483.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m..
Focus: This warmline is run by peers with lived experience of mental health conditions. It’s designed for supportive conversations during moments of "medium crisis" or distress, connecting you with an empathetic and non-judgmental listener.
Trans Lifeline
Phone: (877) 565-8860.
This line is staffed by transgender folks for other transgender folks. All volunteers are trans, and all calls are confidential and anonymous.
Note: The service's website states a policy against non-consensual active rescue, which means they will not call emergency services unless you explicitly ask them to.
LGBT Switchboard of Houston
Phone: (713) 529-3211.
This is a 24-hour line that provides confidential, LGBTQ+-affirming resources and support.