Youth and Teens: Looking for help?

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You are on this page: Youth and Teens: Looking for help?

If you, or someone you know, are struggling with where to go, how to survive, or how to get home, help is available – you’re not alone!

Need to talk?

The National Runaway Safeline is available online, or by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY. They’re trained to listen and answer questions without judgement 24/7.

More national hotlines are listed below.

Young and homeless?

Ever in foster care? Read more about the specialized supports that might be available for you.

Looking for a place to go?

OCFS-certified programs (see map here) available to help youth who need a place to stay. You can check out the websites of the programs nearby or call the emergency number listed for the program. Someone will answer 24/7.

Additional Resources for Youth

Below is a list of resources that are available to provide free, nonjudgmental, confidential support to young people 24/7/365 (unless noted).

Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group

Website: al-anon.org/newcomers/

Meetings for teens who struggle with substance use themselves or love someone who uses.

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Call: 888-373-7888

Text: HELP or INFO to BEFREE (233733)

Website: humantraffickinghotline.org/en/contact

Crisis response and information about services for survivors of sex and labor trafficking.

National Runaway Safeline

Call: 1-800-RUNAWAY (800-786-2929)

Website: 1800runaway.org

Online Chat NRS Live Chat (icarol.com)

Someone to listen if you’re thinking about running away or already have.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call and text: 988

Website: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/youth/

For anyone thinking about suicide, or worried about someone who might be thinking about suicide.

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

Call: 866-331-9474 (TTY: 800.787.3224)

Text: LOVEIS to 22522

Website: loveisrespect.org

Speak with advocates trained in domestic violence. A live chat with domestic violence advocates is provided on the website.

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)

Call: 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673)

Website: rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline

A listening ear from local sexual assault service providers.

Sexual Health Counseling & Referral Hotline, Planned Parenthood (PPLM)

Call: 617-616-1616 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST Monday, Wednesday and Friday)

Website: plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-massachusetts/online-health-center/sexual-health-hotline

Speak with health center staff and volunteers about sexual health issues.

Teen Line

Call: 800-852-8336 (9 p.m. – 1 a.m. EST every night)

Text: TEEN to 839863 (9 p.m. – 12 p.m. EST every night)

Message Board: teenlineonline.org/board/

Website: teenlineonline.org

Teens helping teens talk through the tough stuff.

The Trevor Project

Call: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)

Text: START to 678678

Website: thetrevorproject.org

Online Chat: TrevorChat (force.com)

Crisis support and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

Your Life Your Voice

Call: 800-448-3000

Text: VOICE to 20121 (8 a.m. – 2 a.m. EST every day)

Website: yourlifeyourvoice.org

Someone to listen, no matter what the challenge (bullying, suicidal thoughts, a breakup, or anything else.)

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