🫂 In crisis, or you just can't keep going

You deserve to talk to someone right now. It's free, it's confidential, and a real person is there 24 hours a day — you don't have to be suicidal to call, and you don't have to know what to say. Call or text 988.
If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, call 911.

¿No habla inglés? Llame o envíe un texto al 988 y oprima 2 para español — o escriba AYUDA al 988. Free interpreters in your language are also available through 211.

Going somewhere in person? Call first. Hours, funding, and walk-in rules change fast — the phone number on each card is the quickest way to make sure before you make the trip.

What calling 988 actually does — and doesn't

The fear that stops most people is wrong. Calling 988 does not automatically send the police, and it does not get you "committed." The vast majority of calls are resolved right there on the phone — just talking it through with someone trained to listen. It is confidential, but not fully anonymous: the service usually sees your phone number (or chat IP address), though it generally does not get your exact location, and calls may be recorded for quality. They won't send anyone unless there's an imminent risk to life and no other way to keep you safe — and even then, they try everything else first. It is a conversation, not a trap.

1. Right now

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call, text, or chat

For thoughts of suicide, a mental-health emergency, drinking or using to cope, or just not being okay. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. Free, confidential, 24/7, in English and Spanish.

En español: llame al 988 y oprima 2. Veterans: call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

Checked online · July 12, 2026

2. Someone can come to you — local crisis teams

If talking on the phone isn't enough, KC-area crisis teams can come to you or see you in person. Which side of the state line are you on?

Missouri — 988 dispatches local mobile crisis

In Missouri, 988 connects you to one of the state's crisis centers, which can send a mobile crisis team to you or get you into a behavioral-health crisis center (calm, short-term care — not jail, not the ER). Learn more at missouri988.org.

Checked online · July 12, 2026
Johnson County, KS — 24-hour crisis line

Johnson County Mental Health Center runs a 24-hour crisis line and a mobile crisis response team, plus free walk-in crisis care in Shawnee and Olathe on weekdays.

913-268-0156

Checked online · June 18, 2026
Wyandotte County / KCK — 24-hour crisis line

Wyandot Behavioral Health Network answers a 24-hour crisis line for Wyandotte County.

913-788-4200

Checked online · June 18, 2026
Kansas families & kids — mobile crisis, 24/7

The Kansas Family Mobile Crisis Helpline supports children and families in crisis statewide, including Johnson and Wyandotte counties.

1-833-441-2240 · call or text, 24/7

Checked online · June 18, 2026

3. Drinking or using to get through it

First Call — KC substance-use help & recovery, 24/7

If alcohol or drugs are part of tonight — for you or someone you love — First Call has a 24/7 line for crisis, detox referrals, and finding a way into recovery. No judgment, both sides of the line.

816-361-5900 · firstcallkc.org

Checked online · June 18, 2026
Missouri treatment access line

To find ongoing mental-health or substance-use treatment in Missouri (this is a daytime services line, not a 24/7 crisis line — for a crisis right now, use 988):

1-800-575-7480 · Missouri treatment services

Checked online · July 12, 2026

4. For specific situations

Kids & teens in crisis — Synergy Services, 24/7

For young people facing abuse, violence, homelessness, or thoughts of running away or self-harm. Confidential, 24 hours.

816-741-8700 or 1-888-233-1639

Checked online · June 18, 2026
Veterans & service members

The Veterans Crisis Line is staffed by people who understand military life. Call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net. 24/7 — you don't need to be enrolled in VA care.

Checked online · July 12, 2026

Not an emergency — you just need to talk or find help

211 — free navigation to counseling & support

For finding a counselor, a support group, or low-cost ongoing care, dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Free, confidential, many languages, 24/7.

Checked online · June 18, 2026