September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide Prevention and Support Resources
FSAO is a free, confidential resource for employees and their immediate household family members. The office provides counseling, consultation, and referrals. We are open during University business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
However, crises don’t always occur during business hours. Below, you’ll find crisis resources available 24/7 for urgent situations.
When a crisis occurs, connecting to support quickly is essential. The resources below specifically support individuals in crisis. Trained staff answer helplines 24/7 and are available to speak with you immediately. We’ve also included resources offering information, support groups, and training.
Boston University Resources
In the Event of a Life-threatening Emergency
- If you are on the Charles River campus call the Boston University Police at 617-353-2121 (3-2121 on a campus phone).
- If you are on the Boston University Medical Campus, call Public Safety at 617-358-4444.
- If you are not on campus call 911.
True medical emergencies are transported by ambulance to local hospital emergency departments in Boston.
Additional BU Crisis Resources on the BU FSAO website.
Suicide Prevention and Support Resources
Tips for Accessing Resources:
All crisis lines are free and confidential
988 works from any phone (call or text)
Most organizations provide local chapter/affiliate information on their websites
Many offer specialized support for teens, veterans, LGBTQ+, and bereaved individuals
Crisis Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Website: www.988lifeline.org
Helpline: Call or text 988
Summary: Free, confidential support available 24/7. Connects callers to trained counselors. Provides crisis support and referrals to local resources.
Local Chapters: 24/7 Directory of state-specific resources available on website
Crisis Text Line
Website: www.crisistextline.org
Text: Text HOME or HOLA to 741741
Summary: Free, confidential crisis support via text message available 24/7. Crisis counselors trained in de-escalation and support.
Veterans Crisis Line
Website: www.veteranscrisisline.net
Helpline: 988 then press 1
Text: Text 838255
Summary: Free, confidential support for veterans, service members, and their families. Available 24/7 with specialized training in military culture.
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Crisis Support)
Website: www.thetrevorproject.org
Helpline: 1-866-488-7386
Text: Text START to 678-678
Summary: 24/7 Free, confidential crisis support and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24.
Trans Lifeline (LGBTQIA+ and Transgender Folks Crisis Support)
Website: https://translifeline.org/
Helpline: 1-877-565-8860
Summary: 24/7 peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning people. English and Spanish speaking counselors.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Website: www.nami.org
Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), M-F 10am-10pm ET
Summary: Support, education, and advocacy for people living with mental illness and their families. Offers support groups and resources.
Local Chapters: Find your state affiliate at Find Your Local NAMI | NAMI
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (SAMHSA)
Website: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (HELP)
Summary: General substance abuse and mental health referral and information service. Available 24/7, free and confidential.
Information, Support and Training Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Website: www.afsp.org
Phone: 1-888-333-AFSP (2377)
Summary: Provides education, research funding, and suicide prevention advocacy. Offers support groups and Out of Darkness walks nationwide.
Mental Health America (MHA)
Website: www.mhanational.org
Helpline: 1-800-273-8255 (also 988)
Summary: Screening tools, resources, and mental health information with state-by-state affiliate directory.
American Psychological Association – Suicide Prevention
Website: www.apaservices.org/advocacy/issues/suicide-prevention
Summary: Evidence-based information, resources, and referrals for individuals and families affected by suicide.
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS)
Website: www.sptsusa.org
Phone: 1-877-744-2008
Summary: Specializes in teen suicide prevention through education, training, and community outreach.
Local Chapters: Regional training programs listed on website
The Jed Foundation
Website: www.jedfoundation.org
Summary: Promotes mental health and suicide prevention among teens and young adults through education, training, and evidence-based programs.
Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program
Website: www.yellowribbon.org
Helpline: Text 4 HELP (the website directs immediate needs to 988)
Summary: Specializes in teen suicide prevention and parent support. Grassroots suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention program emphasizing that “it’s okay to ask for help.”
Local Chapters: Chapters in all 50 states
International Association for Suicide Prevention
Website: www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ (international directory with US links)
Summary: Directory of international and US crisis centers by state.
Need a resource not shown here? Have a question about connecting to a resource?
Please reach out to FSAO web: www.bu.edu/fsao phone: 617-353-5381 or email: fsao@bu.edu