You might find yourself in an emergency that requires immediate assistance. If you don’t want to call the police — either because you feel unsafe drawing attention to yourself or you’re not ready — there are more options. These San Diego resources can help around the clock. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re in crisis. Remember that you’re not alone in the world and people really can help. Here you will find various crisis hotlines that are available both day and night.
San Diego Crisis Hotline
This is a 24-hour crisis hotline. You can reach out confidentially, get guidance when feeling stuck, and walk through the tough times with someone on the other end of the line. The best part about it…It’s free! They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1-800-479-3339
Domestic Violence and Rape Hotline
The Domestic Violence (DV) and Rape Hotline’s goal is to put an end to violent relationships, both physical and sexual violence. They are trying to be there for the community for support. This hotline is also a 24 hour hotline available both day and night.
1-800-DV-LINKS
The San Diego County Domestic Violence Hotline
Here you will find confidential crisis hotline providing 24-hour crisis interventions and referral services. You can even call if you have a loved one that is in a domestic violent relationship.
1-888-385-4657
San Diego Warm Hotline (a listening ear)
San Diego Warm Line is a peer-run, non-emergency mental health hotline that offers support, empathy, and non-crisis assistance for individuals experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Unlike hotlines designed for immediate crisis situations, the Warm Line provides a supportive space for people to talk about their feelings, mental health challenges, or personal issues.
The Warm Line’s operators offer active listening, emotional support, and resources to help individuals cope with their challenges or refer them to appropriate services, if necessary.
The San Diego Warm Line and others like it are valuable resources to provide a listening ear and support for those dealing with mental health issues without the immediate urgency of a crisis, offering a comforting space for individuals to share and seek guidance. Please note that services may have changed or evolved since my last update, so I recommend checking the most current information or contacting the local mental health services in San Diego for the most up-to-date details regarding the Warm Line.
CALL or TEXT 855-600-WARM
These hot lines can help you pull yourself out, to take back control in your life. The first step is a little reaching out.
What is a mental health crisis?
A mental health crisis refers to a situation where an individual is experiencing severe emotional or psychological distress that overwhelms their ability to cope with the situation. It often involves a significant disruption in a person’s thoughts, emotions, behavior, or ability to function in their daily life. Mental health crises can manifest in various forms, such as severe anxiety, panic attacks, severe depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts, psychosis, extreme agitation, substance abuse, or experiences of trauma.
These crises can be acute or ongoing and may result from various factors, including personal life stressors, traumatic events, mental health disorders, substance abuse, or sudden life changes. During a mental health crisis, an individual may feel out of control, frightened, or unable to manage their emotions or thoughts.
It’s crucial to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis and to respond appropriately. Seeking immediate professional help or assistance from mental health services, hotlines, or emergency services can be essential to ensure the individual’s safety and to provide appropriate support and treatment during such critical times.
