Crisis help & what Eli is

Helplines in the United States

• 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineGovt

  24x7

  988

  Text 988

  Call, text or chat. Free and confidential, with trained counsellors. Spanish available; veterans press 1. · English, Spanish

• Crisis Text Line

  24x7

  741741

  Text HOME to 741741

  Free, confidential support by text message, from a trained volunteer. · English, Spanish

Somewhere else right now? findahelpline.com lists free helplines in 175+ countries.

How Eli handles heavy moments

• What it watches for. Software checks what you write or say for signs that you may be in danger, such as thoughts of harming yourself or someone else. It looks for direct words and for quieter signs like deep hopelessness. It can be wrong in both directions.
• Nobody is watching live. No person reads your conversation or is alerted in real time. Eli is not a crisis service and cannot call anyone for you.
• What it does. Eli slows down, stays with you, and does not hurry or end the session. She shows free helplines for the country you are in, and in a voice call says one short line aloud. She never makes up a phone number: the numbers come from a list we check against the services' own sources, and we re-check it every three months.
• What it does not do. It does not diagnose, it does not suggest medication, and it does not replace a person who can be with you.

What Eli is — and isn't

Eli is an AI, not a person. Eli is an emotional support companion — not a therapist, doctor, or a substitute for professional care. Eli does not diagnose conditions, prescribe or advise on medication, or provide medical or clinical care. Eli is here to listen, support, and gently help — and to point you toward real human professionals when that's what you need. Eli is an emotional support companion, not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

Helpline numbers verified September 2026. If a number has changed, please let us know.