Skip to main content
Crisis Help: Call or Text 988 — 24/7 Crisis: Llama o Textea 988 — 24 horas
Call 988Text 988988lifeline.org

Get Help Now

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7.

When life feels overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone.

In Chester County, there’s always someone to call. Are you in a crisis? Call or text 988.
Two numbers. Local support. Always available.

What is the Human Needs Network of Chester County?

Both 211 and 988 are nationally recognized numbers. In Chester County, calls are answered locally through the Human Needs Network of Chester County’s Contact Center.

Whether you need help finding resources, support through a difficult time, or someone to talk to during a crisis, you’ll be connected with compassionate, local professionals, 24 hours a day.

211
Everyday needs
  • Housing & Shelter
  • Food & Utility Assistance
  • Government Services
  • Healthcare Services
988
Emotional or suicidal crisis
  • Thoughts of Suicide
  • Mental Health Crisis
  • Substance Use Crisis
  • Emotional Distress
911
Call for Emergencies
  • Medical or Fire Emergency
  • Reporting a Crime
  • Life-Threatening Situation
  • Disaster Response
911

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

In 2017, Chester County launched its Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program. Across the country, CIT programs equip law enforcement officers and other first responders with the skills needed to recognize, respond to, and de-escalate behavioral health crises.

If you need to call 911 and the emergency involves someone struggling with their mental health, you can request a CIT-trained officer to be dispatched if they are available.

If You’re Worried About Someone Else

  • Ask directly: ‘Are you thinking about killing yourself?’
  • Listen without judgment
  • Don’t promise to keep suicidal thoughts secret
  • Stay with them or get help staying with them
  • Call 988 together or encourage them to call
  • Help them connect with ongoing professional support
  • Take care of yourself—supporting someone in crisis is emotionally demanding

Specialized Resources

Veterans

  • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, Press 1
  • Text 838255
  • Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net
  • Available 24/7 specifically for veterans, service members, National Guard, Reserve members, and their families

LGBTQIA+ Community

  • The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 support for LGBTQ+ youth)
  • Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
  • PFLAG Chester County for family support and resources

Teens & Young Adults

  • Crisis Text Line: Text ‘HOME’ to 741741
  • National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY
  • If you’re a student, reach out to your school counselor or trusted teacher