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Newsletter
1 in 5 teens struggle with their mental health. 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds.
The average delay between onset of symptoms and intervention is 8-10 years. Teen Line volunteers are extensively trained to actively listen as well as provide hope and resources.
Teen Line allows you to talk to someone your age who “gets it.” They reach out for a wide variety of concerns including: loneliness, abuse, suicide, family, relationships, and many more.
Teen Line is a program of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a 501c3 organization. Teen Line helps teens and provides education and support to the community. All donations are tax deductible.
Teen Line is for young people up to the age of 19. For those who are older than 19, we recommend calling or texting 988 (The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Teen Line responses are handled by trained teen volunteers, referred to as “Listeners.” Each Listener undergoes over 100 hours of training and works under the supervision of adult mental health professionals.
Yes. Almost all conversations are private and anonymous. We won’t share what you say unless you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself, hurting someone else, or if you are being hurt.
At the start of your call or text with a teen Listener, they will ask you some demographic questions (like age or location). This helps us get to know you a little better, connect you to resources available in your area, and keep our services free. You are welcome to answer as much or as little as you are comfortable with.
No topic is too big or too small. Teens reach out to us about relationships, school stress, anxiety, depression, family conflict, identity, loneliness, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and more.
You’ll be connected with a caring teen who listens without judgment. You’re not alone — our teen Listeners are here to make sure you feel heard and supported.
That’s okay—many people don’t. Just start wherever it feels easiest, and we’ll figure it out together.
No. If something is bothering you or you just need someone to listen, that’s reason enough to reach out.
Yes. There’s no cost to reach out—Teen Line is always free.
Currently, support is only available in English. For other languages, you can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We don’t share your information without your permission, except in rare situations where safety is at immediate risk.
Our focus is on getting you the best support for your situation. Emergency services are a last resort and are only used when someone is in immediate danger.
If you live in the U.S. and are in immediate danger, call 911. You can contact Teen Line during our operating hours or call 988, available 24/7, while help is on the way.
If a friend or family member is struggling, we are here to help. You can talk to one of our Teen Listeners about how to support your loved one and connect them to resources. If you are a parent or caring adult looking for support for a teen in your life, we recommend reaching out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Yes. We can help you find local services, ongoing support, and talk about the next steps.
If you are interested in becoming a Teen Line Listener, you must be a high school student (at least 14 years old, in 9th grade, and living in the Los Angeles area). You’ll need to submit an application and complete an interview to be accepted into our intensive training program.
Training consists of instruction in active listening, crisis de-escalation, and mental health topics, plus practice in real-world scenarios. This is a volunteer opportunity and is not paid. Visit our volunteer page to learn more.
Teens Supported Annually
Teachers Assisted Annually
I just wanted to take a moment to say how much Teen Line has really helped me. It feels like I finally have someone to talk to, someone who understands me without judgment.
Your words are real and helped me a lot. After your advice, I found this center where I go often to talk to teens like me. Thanks so much because now I know that I’m not alone.
Thank you so much for supporting and listening to me. It was a huge relief to know that I am understood and am not being judged.
Thank you so much for being here with me tonight, especially when I couldn’t tell anybody what I was dealing with. I feel much better than I did before.
I just want to thank you for your support. You have no idea how long I’ve suffered without anyone by my side, without anyone to love me. And thanks to your site, even just seeing someone who believes in me warms my heart.
Stories that moves us
Interested in our mission and want to get involved? Reach our to our Teen Line team today!
