As part of our partnership with ThroughLine, we have introduced localized helplines in ChatGPT to help support users who may be experiencing mental or emotional distress. These expand on our existing crisis resources to provide localized support that can be easily accessed via one-click messages.
The information below was drafted in partnership with experts at ThroughLine.
A crisis line (sometimes called a suicide crisis helpline) is a confidential service that connects people experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental health crisis with trained listeners. These services are staffed by professionals or volunteers who provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support and can help you stay safe in the moment. They are typically available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, with phone, text, or chat options so you can reach out in the way that feels most comfortable. Each helpline may operate a bit differently, so please refer to the terms or guidance provided by the specific helpline for details on how its service works.
If you are in the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., you can find local options through directories such as Find A Helpline.
How to use a crisis line
You do not need to be in immediate danger to contact a crisis line. Many people reach out just to talk when things feel overwhelming. You can:
Call, text, or chat with a crisis counselor using your preferred method.
Explain what you are going through in your own words; there is no “right” way to start.
Expect the counselor to listen, ask gentle questions, and help identify next steps to stay safe or find longer-term support.
You can contact a crisis line for yourself or if you are worried about someone else.
Benefits and common uses
Helplines may operate differently—please review the specific helpline’s terms or guidance for details.
Immediate, real-time support from a trained listener.
Confidential and free access to timely support, with no insurance or registration required.
De-escalation and safety planning during moments of crisis.
Connection to local mental-health resources for ongoing support.
Crisis lines help people feel less alone and more in control.
When a crisis line may not be the right tool
Crisis lines are designed for emotional or mental health emergencies, not for medical, legal, housing, or long-term therapy needs. They may not be the best option when:
You are looking for regular therapy sessions or long-term treatment.
You need immediate medical attention (for example, overdose or self-injury requiring care). For these types of emergencies, you should call an emergency service, like 911 if you are in the United States, or go to your nearest emergency room.
You are seeking legal or financial advice, or other non-mental-health services. In these situations, counselors may refer you to professionals who can better meet your needs.
Other resources you can explore
If you are not ready to contact a crisis line, you can explore other non-emergency resources:
Now Matters Now – evidence-based coping skills and peer stories for managing suicidal thoughts and emotional distress.
Local mental-health directories or community clinics for ongoing counseling.
Well-being apps focused on mindfulness, journaling, or stress reduction.
Crisis services are separate from OpenAI
Crisis lines and directories (for example, Find A Helpline) are independent organizations. When you contact one, you are communicating directly with that service, not with OpenAI. OpenAI does not monitor or participate in these conversations, and crisis line staff cannot access your OpenAI account or fix product issues.
Across OpenAI products, including ChatGPT, you may see a small in-product message such as “Help is available” or “Just checking in” when our systems detect content that may relate to mental or emotional distress. This can be based on what you type, or on pages shown while browsing with ChatGPT Atlas. This message is a gentle check-in. It exists to make it easier to reach trained support if you want it.
Crisis services are not for reporting OpenAI issues
Please note that crisis lines exist to support people who may be struggling or in distress, and are not affiliated with OpenAI. They are not able to file tickets with OpenAI, escalate bugs, or pass along product feedback.
How to get product help from OpenAI
Open the Help Center and select Contact us.
Choose the topic that matches your issue, then follow the prompts to submit your request.
For urgent account access problems, include the email tied to your OpenAI account and any relevant details or screenshots.
Privacy and data use
Contacting a crisis line puts you in touch with that service, not OpenAI.
OpenAI does not share your ChatGPT conversations with crisis lines, and crisis line counselors cannot view your OpenAI account.
When you contact OpenAI Support, we can assist with product questions and account issues, but we do not provide mental health guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to pay if I contact a crisis line?
No, the service is free. You will not be charged by the crisis line. (In some cases, your phone carrier may apply standard call / text rates.)
Do I need to provide my identity to use a crisis line?
No, you do not need to give your name.
Are there exceptions to privacy or confidentiality?
Check the terms and policies of the specific crisis line. In some cases, there are exceptions if you are in immediate, clear danger. In this rare case, the listener’s first priority is your safety and they will try to work with you before involving emergency services.
Do crisis lines actually help?
Yes, research shows that talking to a crisis counselor significantly reduces feelings of distress and can stop people from acting on suicidal thoughts.
What should I expect?
They will listen to you without judgment, ask questions to help you process your feelings, and work with you to explore your options and a safety plan.
What if I can't talk on the phone?
Many helplines are available over text message, online chat, or WhatsApp.
I am outside the U.S. Where can I find support?
Visit a trusted directory such as Find A Helpline to discover phone, text, or chat options in your region.
What if the line is busy?
Helplines can experience high call volumes. Keep trying; your call is important. Try a different contact method (text/chat) while you wait.
I’m still unsure about contacting a helpline.
It's completely normal to feel unsure, especially if you usually handle things yourself. Helpline staff are trained to listen and won't pressure or judge you. You can share as much or as little as you want. They'll help you figure out what to do next. If you're nervous, just start with: "I've never done this before. Can you help?"
How do you choose which resources to show?
We partner with ThroughLine to provide locally relevant resources based on your location.