Boston is home to dozens of colleges and universities, and students at all of them deal with stress, homesickness, anxiety, low mood, breakups and grief. This list is for students at any school in the city, not only one campus. Each resource is free, and every phone number below was copied from the organization's own website on 23 September 2026.
Your own campus counseling center is usually the first stop. It knows your school's policies and can often see you quickly. The resources here are for times when the counseling center is closed, when you want to talk to someone outside your school, or when you need something more specialized. For longer-term support, see Dr. Rabin's page on therapy for college students in Boston.
1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Best for: Any crisis, any time
Where: Call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org
The Lifeline says it is free, confidential and available 24/7/365. You can call 988, text 988, or chat online at chat.988lifeline.org. You do not need to be suicidal to reach out. The line is also for emotional distress, substance use worries, or concern about a friend. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
2. Samaritans (Boston) and the Hey Sam textline
Best for: Local 988 support and peer texting for students up to 24
Where: 41 West St., Boston; call or text 988; Hey Sam: text 439-726
Samaritans is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit with its office in Boston. Its site says its helpline is available 24/7 by phone or text at 988. Hey Sam is Samaritans' peer-to-peer textline for young people up to age 24, run by trained young people. Text 439-726 between 9 a.m. and midnight Eastern time. Samaritans also runs free SafePlace grief support groups for people who have lost someone to suicide.
Visit Samaritans (Boston) and the Hey Sam textline
3. Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
Best for: Finding the right level of care in Massachusetts
Where: Call or text 833-773-2445; chat on the website
The Help Line connects people to mental health and substance use treatment across Massachusetts. Its site says it is available 24/7, including holidays, is free and confidential, and does not require health insurance. It offers real-time interpretation in more than 200 languages. Deaf or hard of hearing callers can dial MassRelay at 711. It can also help you find urgent care if you need to be seen soon.
Visit Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
4. Crisis Text Line
Best for: Students who would rather text than talk
Where: Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Text Line connects you with a live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor by text. Its site says the service is free, confidential and available 24/7 anywhere in the United States. Text HOME to 741741. Some students find texting easier than a phone call, especially from a shared dorm room.
Visit Crisis Text Line
5. The Trevor Project
Best for: LGBTQ+ young people
Where: Call 1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678
The Trevor Project connects LGBTQ+ young people with counselors who, in its words, are "understanding of LGBTQ issues" and "won't judge you." Its site says its services are available 24/7/365 and are free and confidential. Call 1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678. Deaf and hard of hearing callers can use TTY at 1-866-803-3699.
Visit The Trevor Project
6. NAMI Massachusetts Compass Helpline
Best for: Help finding your way through the mental health system
Where: 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085; compass@namimass.org
Compass is not a crisis line. It is staffed by people with lived experience of navigating the mental health system, for themselves or for a family member. It is a useful call for a student, or a parent helping from a distance, who is not sure where to turn next. The site lists hours of Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding holidays. You can also book a call online.
Visit NAMI Massachusetts Compass Helpline
7. Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
Best for: Survivors of sexual violence and the people who support them
Where: 24-hour hotline 800-841-8371; web chat 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
BARCC supports survivors of sexual violence, along with their families, friends and providers. Its hotline is open 24/7 at 800-841-8371, and web chat runs from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. You can also call the hotline to request a BARCC medical advocate at local hospitals. BARCC's clinical team offers short-term counseling with licensed clinicians.
Visit Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
Which one should you use?
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are thinking about suicide or feel overwhelmed right now, call or text 988. If you are not in crisis but are not sure what kind of help you need, the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line and your campus counseling center are good places to start.
- Right now, any hour: 988 (call or text), or text HOME to 741741
- Want a peer your age: Hey Sam, text 439-726, 9 a.m. to midnight
- LGBTQ+ and want someone who gets it: The Trevor Project
- Need treatment and are not sure where: 833-773-2445
- Parents trying to help from a distance: NAMI Massachusetts Compass
When you want ongoing therapy
Many campus counseling centers offer short-term care and then refer students to a therapist in the community. Dr. Rabin did post-doctoral work at the MIT and Boston College counseling centers and works with college and graduate students in person in Brookline and by secure telehealth anywhere in Massachusetts. Read more on her college student therapy page and in when to seek therapy for college adjustment issues. If anxiety is the main issue, see anxiety therapy.
Related guides
Last reviewed September 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.
