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International Helplines — support around the world
Global Crisis Support

International Helplines

Helplines, crisis services and support pathways vary from country to country. This page helps you choose the right route for where support is needed, how you want to communicate and what kind of help may be most useful.

Urgent Safety

If there is immediate danger

Use the emergency service for the country you are currently in, or go to the nearest emergency department if you can do so safely. International helpline directories are useful for finding support, but they should not delay emergency help when there is immediate danger.

If speaking is difficult

Text, web chat, written communication, AAC or another accessible option may be easier.

Text & Chat Crisis Support →
Gentle & Accessible Notice

You can choose the communication method that works best

You do not have to use a phone call if speaking, hearing, processing, sensory load, language, privacy or communication access makes calling difficult. Text, web chat, written communication, AAC, relay, interpreter support or help from a trusted person may be useful where those options are available.

Important Information

Support information & safety boundary

Aspie Answers provides general information and navigation support. Helpline availability, eligibility, opening hours and contact methods can change, so check the relevant organisation's current details before relying on a service.

This page does not replace emergency services, medical care, mental-health treatment, safeguarding procedures or professional crisis assessment.

Quick Overview

Inside This Page You Will Find

Phone Helplines Guidance for finding telephone-based crisis and emotional support.
Text & Chat Routes for written or online support when speaking is difficult.
Location-Based Support Find services for the country or region where help is needed.
Helping Someone Abroad Practical guidance when the person you are supporting is in another country.
Start Here

Choose the Support Route That Fits Best

You do not need to search every service. Pick the route that best matches how you want to communicate or where support is needed.

People using phone and online support while connected across a world map
Different Places, Different Services

Start With the Person’s Current Location

Crisis services are organised differently around the world. Some countries have one national crisis line, while others rely on several regional, community or specialist services.

If you are helping someone who is overseas, start with the country they are currently in rather than the country you are in.

Finding the Right Service

How to Use International Helpline Resources

Start with location

  • Use the country or region where support is needed now.
  • Look for national or regional crisis services.
  • Use the Crisis by Location page when geography is the main question.

Choose a communication method

  • Phone may suit some people.
  • Text or web chat may be easier when speech is difficult.
  • Accessible communication options should be used where available.

Check who the service supports

  • Some services support everyone.
  • Others focus on young people, particular communities or specific issues.
  • Read the service description before contacting them where possible.

Use the service’s own current details

  • Helpline hours and contact methods can change.
  • Check the organisation’s current information before relying on it.
  • Use emergency services when the situation is immediately dangerous.
Global Support Gateways

Global Crisis Directories

International directories can be useful when you do not yet know which organisation serves a particular country. They help route people toward more local or specialist support.

Country & Regional Directories Find services organised by country, region or territory.
Mental Health Crisis Services Find broader crisis-support pathways and mental-health organisations.
Text & Online Support Look for written support when voice calls are difficult or unsuitable.
Youth & Audience-Specific Support Use services designed for a particular age group or community where appropriate.
Suicide & Self-Harm Support Use specialist crisis services where these are available.
Accessibility & Inclusive Support Look for services that support communication, sensory, disability or language needs.
For more detailed browsing by region, topic and support type, use the Aspie Answers Global Crisis Directory.
Global Connection

Support Can Look Different Around the World

Language, culture, service structure, accessibility and availability can all affect how support is delivered. A service that works well in one country may not exist in another.

When possible, choose information from the relevant country or a trusted international directory rather than assuming the same number or service model applies everywhere.

A diverse group connecting with international support by phone, chat and online communication
Helping Someone Else

Supporting Someone in Another Country

Start with their location

  • Search for support where they are currently located.
  • Use international directories if you do not know the local system.
  • Check whether the service covers their area.

Think about access

  • Ask whether phone, text, chat or another format is easiest.
  • Consider language and interpreter needs.
  • Be mindful of cultural and regional differences.
If there is immediate danger, use emergency support in the country where the person is located.
Connected Crisis Doorways

Connected Crisis Support

Main Crisis Support Index

Use the central crisis doorway when you are not sure where to begin.

Go to Main Crisis Support Index →

Global Crisis Directory

Use the interactive finder for location, topic and support options.

Use Global Crisis Directory →

Text & Chat Support

Use written crisis-support pathways when speaking is difficult or unsuitable.

Use Text & Chat Crisis Support →

Crisis Support by Location

Browse the crisis-support structure by country or region.

Browse Crisis Support by Location →
Accuracy Reminder

Check current service details before relying on them

Crisis services can change their hours, eligibility and contact methods. Confirm the latest information with the relevant organisation or official local source, and use emergency services when there is immediate danger.