Crisis Hotlines & Resources

Teen Crisis Services

Teen Crisis Services consist of an online teen chat and teen text line, which are free, peer-to-peer services that are accessible from www.sanmateocrisis.org or by texting 650-747-6463. Teens can chat confidentially with trained youth peer counselors under Crisis Center staff supervision about various topics.

While mainly focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention, teens can also talk about school stress, relationship issues, and mental health challenges. While the program is intended to focus on youth ages 13 and up, no youth will be turned away on the basis of age.

San Mateo County Health Crisis Services

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency:


Call or Text 9-1-1Call or text 9-1-1 (ask for a Crisis Intervention Trained [CIT] officer) or go to your nearest hospital emergency room if you can safely get there. See Guidelines for calling 911 in a mental health emergency to help prepare yourself. Watch a brief video about texting 9-1-1.
Psychiatric Emergency ServicesPsychiatric Emergency Services are available at:San Mateo Medical Center(650) 573-2662222 West 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center(650) 696-59151501 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010How to provide information about a family or friend​Provide information about a family member or friend who is being evaluated for involuntary treatment with the following form:Information from Family Member or Other Concerned Party (AB1424 form)​
24/7 Suicide Crisis Hotlines
National Crisis Hotline
  • 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) or (650) 579-0350
  • 1 (888) 628-9454 Spanish speakers
  • 1 (800) 985-5990 Disaster Distress Helpline or text TALKSWITHUS to 66746
  • Chat online

Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for additional phone/chat options (online chat, Spanish speakers, Veterans, deaf or hard of hearing or disaster distress line), resources and to learn the warning signs. Download the Warning Signs Lifeline Wallet Card.
Crisis Text LineCrisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support. Text BAY to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. Learn how it works.
Domestic Violence Hotline – 1 (800) 799-7233 (SAFE) or chat, 24/7.
Mental Health Hotlines for LGBTQ+ TeensLGBT National Youth Talkline(800) 246-PRIDE (7743)
Trevor Lifeline(866) 488-7386TrevortextFor LGBTQ youth: text START to 678678

Veterans Crisis LineVeterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support.Call 1 (800) 273-8255 Text 838255Chat