The California Youth Crisis Line (CYCL) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week as the statewide emergency response system for youth (ages 12-24) and families in crisis. Professionally trained staff and volunteer counselors respond to 20,000 calls annually with crisis intervention counseling and resource referrals to service providers in the caller’s local community. We have access to more than 5,500 free or low-cost resources for youth and families across California.

For 28 years, we have listened to millions of youth and families in crisis from all over California about many struggles. Thoughts of suicide, depression, bullying, health and identity questions, trauma, human trafficking or any teen-related struggle are discussed with a crisis counselor in confidence and without judgment. We do not provide advice. We listen with compassion. If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of teen-related struggle or crisis, please call 1-800-843-5200. Translation services are available for multiple languages.

The California Youth Crisis Line program and the California Coalition for Youth are proud members of Child Helpline International and the North America Alliance of Child Helplines.

What is a crisis anyway?
Anytime you are feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed and needing to talk to someone about what’s happening, especially before you run away or cause harm to yourselves or others. Call us first to learn how to handle your current and/or future crises.