Texas Youth Helpline

Get Help!

We provide free, confidential services to youth and families in crisis.

The Texas Youth Helpline provides free and confidential services to youth, their parents, and other family members of youth in crisis who need help finding a counselor, safe shelter, legal information, other local referral information, or just someone to talk to.

Whether you contact us by phone, text, or chat, you are not required to share your name or address. We are not a reporting hotline, and we are not associated with law enforcement or Child Protective Services.

Here’s what to expect from us:

Our trained staff and volunteers are here to listen and not judge. We can help brainstorm solutions and, if needed, connect you with resources that can help you take the next step. Most of the referrals we give are to low or no cost services.

Listening — Helping to cope

We will listen without judgement. Many of our operators have been through similar situations and can relate.

Brainstorming solutions — Action planning

We can talk with you about your issue, discuss your choices, and help you develop a plan of action.

Low or no cost counselors and other community resources

We can give you information for shelters, confidential pregnancy information, or other community services. Our database has more than 2,000 listings of services throughout Texas.

Free messaging service for runaway youth

For 30 years, we have offered a free message service so runaways can communicate with their parents or guardians if they don't want to talk with them directly. All calls are strictly confidential. Our goal is to promote communication between runaways and their families.

Free rides home for runaway youth

We can put youth in contact with "Operation Home Free," a free transportation service that gives youth a free ride if they have run away and are trying to get back home to a parent or guardian.