Hello
Everybody goes through moments that feel too big to handle alone: stress that won't let up, a fight at home, a relationship that doesn't feel right, or a day when you just feel off. Reaching out isn't a sign of weakness. It's one of the strongest things you can do. We've gathered trusted places where you can call, text, or chat with someone who gets it. Most are free, and many are open 24/7. Some are just for teens and young adults, some are for specific situations, and some are right here in San Francisco and the East Bay.
Not sure where to start? Try 988 or text HOME to 741741. They can help with anything and point you to the right place.
Check out our media and storytelling resources below to get your started or go right to the helplines.
Please note Bounce Back Generation provides information, education, and youth storytelling to bring tools and knowledge about resilience in the face of toxic stress, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and trauma. We do not treat or diagnose mental health issues. We do encourage young people to seek individual help and healing through their family, friends and responsible caring adults around them. Check out our resources and others available beyond BBG.
BBG Resources
the 6 Building Blocks for Resilience
Many young people grow up missing things every kid needs. Our Six Building Blocks show them how to build those pieces into their lives now, on their own terms, as teens and young adults. Our in person training teaches these tools. Coming soon: Free Downloadable workbook!
Don't go it alone. Reach out
Helplines
In danger right now? Call 911. Need to talk? Call or text 988.
You will find these services are free, staffed with real peoople ready to listen, any time of day or night.
Bounce Back Generation is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. Resources last checked September 2026.
call or text 988
Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. For anyone who is struggling, in crisis, or worried about someone else.
Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741
Text HOME to 741741. Text with a trained crisis counselor about anything.
LGBTQ
YOUTH
LINE
(LGBTQ+ young people). Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat at thetrevorproject.org.
California Youth Crisis Line
(ages 12–24 and families). Call or text 1-800-843-5200.
Teen Line text TEEN
Teen Line (teens talking to trained teens). Call 800-852-8336 nightly, 6–10 p.m. Pacific, or text TEEN to 839863, 6–9 p.m. Pacific.
Love is Respect. Text Loveis to
22522
Dating abuse: love is respect. Call 866-331-9474, text LOVEIS to 22522, or chat at loveisrespect.org.
Domestic Violence
text START
Domestic violence: National Domestic Violence Hotline. Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Available 24/7
Sexual Assault Hotline
rainn.org
Sexual assault: RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline. Call 800-656-4673, or chat at rainn.org. Available 24/7, in English and Spanish.
Sometimes they won't get it right
At BBG we have heard from many young people that they called and didn't get exactly the help they needed at first.
Don't give up. Sometimes it takes a few calls or texts. Try different resources.
The only thing to remember is you are valuable and worthy of help.
If you are curious about how these help lines work, watch this video about how the suicide prevention hotline in Alameda County, California answers calls. You will see that behind the phone or screen are caring people who do want to help.
More resources to try
Abuse at
Home
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. Call or text 1-800-422-4453. Available 24/7.
Running Away or Thinking About It
National Runaway Safeline. Call 1-800-786-2929, or text or chat at 1800runaway.org. Available 24/7.
Drugs or Alcohol
SAMHSA National Helpline. Call 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential treatment referrals. Available 24/7, in English and Spanish.
Eating Concerns
Eating concerns: National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Call 1-866-662-1235, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Eastern. Staffed by licensed therapists.
Local to BBG Resources
California Resources
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CalHOPE Warm Line. Call 833-317-4673, or 833-642-7696 in Spanish. Emotional support from peers when you need to talk but it isn't an emergency. Available 24/7.
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Soluna app (ages 13–25). Free coaching, stress tools, and support, paid for by the State of California regardless of insurance or immigration status. solunaapp.com
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BrightLife Kids (parents of kids 0–12). A free state app with coaching for families. brightlife.kids
San Francisco Resources
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San Francisco Suicide Prevention Crisis Line. Call 415-781-0500 or text 415-200-2920. Available 24/7.
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Huckleberry House (ages 12–17). Call 415-621-2929 for 24-hour crisis support and emergency shelter.
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LYRIC Center for LGBTQQ+ Youth (ages 24 and under). Call 415-703-6150, or visit 127 Collingwood St., Monday–Friday. Offers support groups, housing help, and career programs.
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Larkin Street Youth Services (ages 18–24). Call 415-673-0911 ext. 456, or visit 134 Golden Gate Ave. Offers housing and shelter help for young adults experiencing homelessness.
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SF Behavioral Health Access Line. Call 888-246-3333, 24/7, for help finding mental health and substance use services in San Francisco.
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Greenlight Clinic (ages 14–26). Free counseling. greenlightclinic.org
Alameda County Resources
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Crisis Support Services of Alameda County. Call 1-800-309-2131 or text SAFE to 20121. Available 24/7.
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Alameda County ACCESS. Call 1-800-491-9099 for screening and referrals to mental health and drug or alcohol services.
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A Safe Place. Call 510-536-7233 for help with domestic violence and teen dating violence.
