Crisis Hotlines and Resources

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. The resources below provide free, confidential support for people in crisis. Temporarily securing or removing firearms from the home during a crisis is one of the most effective ways to prevent tragedy.

Suicide Prevention

Firearms are involved in over half of all suicide deaths in the United States. Access to a firearm during a suicidal crisis dramatically increases the risk of a fatal outcome. Most suicidal crises are temporary — creating time and distance between a person in crisis and lethal means saves lives.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Call or text: 988
• Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Languages: English and Spanish, with translation services for 240+ languages
• What they do: Free, confidential support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Trained counselors listen and help callers develop a safety plan.

Crisis Text Line

• Text: HOME to 741741
• Available: 24/7
• What they do: Free, confidential text-based crisis counseling. Useful for people who prefer texting over phone calls.

Veteran and Military Support

Veterans face a disproportionately high rate of suicide, and firearms are involved in the majority of veteran suicide deaths. Specialized support is available.

Veterans Crisis Line

• Call: 988, then press 1
• Text: 838255
• Available: 24/7
• What they do: Connects veterans, service members, and their families with trained VA responders. Callers do not need to be enrolled in VA services.

Domestic Violence

The presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide fivefold. If you are in an abusive relationship where firearms are present, specialized help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

• Call: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
• Text: START to 88788
• Available: 24/7
• Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ additional languages through interpreters
• What they do: Confidential support, safety planning, and referrals to local resources including shelters and legal assistance.

Youth and Teen Support

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

• Call: 1-800-422-4453
• Available: 24/7
• What they do: Crisis intervention, information, and referrals for children, parents, and caregivers

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

• Call: 1-866-488-7386
• Text: START to 678-678
• Available: 24/7
• What they do: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ young people

Mental Health and Substance Use

SAMHSA National Helpline

• Call: 1-800-662-4357
• Available: 24/7, 365 days a year
• What they do: Free, confidential referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations for mental health and substance use disorders. Available in English and Spanish.

What You Can Do During a Crisis

If someone you know is in crisis and has access to firearms:

1. Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. Asking does not increase risk — it opens the door to help.
2. Listen without judgment. Let them talk. You do not need to have all the answers.
3. Reduce access to firearms. Offer to temporarily store their firearms, or help them find a gun shop or law enforcement agency that offers temporary storage. This can be a life-saving step.
4. Stay with them and help connect them with a crisis resource listed above.
5. Follow up. Check in with them in the days and weeks that follow. Ongoing support matters.

Temporary Firearm Storage

During a crisis, removing firearms from the home can save a life. Options include:

• A trusted friend or family member (where legal in your state)
• A licensed firearms dealer — many will store firearms temporarily for a small fee or free of charge
• Some law enforcement agencies offer voluntary temporary storage

For more information on secure storage options, see our Safe Storage Guide.