Orange County Crisis Hotlines for Addiction and Mental Health

When to Call a Crisis Hotline

A crisis hotline should be called whenever someone is in immediate danger due to substance use, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or a psychiatric emergency. Crisis situations include active overdoses, threats of suicide, severe withdrawal symptoms without medical support, and psychotic episodes related to substance use.

Crisis hotlines are staffed by trained counselors who can provide immediate emotional support, safety planning, de-escalation, and referrals to local emergency services. Calls are confidential, and many hotlines offer services in multiple languages. You do not need insurance or an appointment — simply call when help is needed.

It is important to understand the difference between a crisis hotline and a treatment admissions line. Crisis hotlines address immediate safety concerns and provide short-term intervention. Treatment admissions lines, like Trust SoCal's at (949) 280-8360, help individuals access ongoing care when they are ready to begin recovery. Both serve critical roles, and the right call depends on the urgency of the situation.

Essential Crisis Hotlines for Orange County

Orange County residents have access to local, state, and national crisis resources. The following hotlines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are free to use. We recommend saving these numbers in your phone so they are immediately accessible during an emergency.

Each hotline serves a specific purpose, from general mental health crises to overdose response and youth-specific services. Knowing which number to call for which situation ensures the fastest, most appropriate response.

• 911 — Life-threatening emergencies, active overdoses, immediate danger
• 988 — Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text for mental health and substance abuse crises)
• (800) 723-8641 — Orange County HCA Crisis Assessment Team
• (877) 727-4747 — OC Links Information and Referral Line
• 1-800-662-4357 — SAMHSA National Helpline (free referrals, English and Spanish)
• (949) 280-8360 — Trust SoCal 24/7 admissions and support
• 1-800-273-8255 — Veterans Crisis Line (press 1)
• 741741 — Crisis Text Line (text HOME)
• (714) 894-4242 — OC Warm Line (peer support, non-emergency)

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline replaced the former 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number in 2022. By calling or texting 988, individuals in crisis are connected to trained counselors at local crisis centers who provide immediate support for suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, and substance abuse crises.

The 988 system routes calls to the nearest local crisis center based on the caller's area code. In Orange County, calls are directed to crisis professionals familiar with local resources and services. Spanish-language support is available, and callers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use TTY by dialing 711 then 988.

Veterans can press 1 after dialing 988 to connect directly with the Veterans Crisis Line, which is staffed by counselors trained in the unique challenges faced by military service members and their families.

Orange County HCA Crisis Services

The Orange County Health Care Agency operates the Crisis Assessment Team, which provides mobile crisis response throughout the county. Trained behavioral health professionals respond to locations where individuals are experiencing psychiatric or substance-related emergencies, conducting assessments and connecting people with appropriate services.

The HCA also operates the Centralized Assessment Team, accessible at (800) 723-8641, which serves as the entry point for all publicly funded behavioral health services in Orange County. This includes assessment, referral to treatment programs, and connection to ongoing care for individuals with Medi-Cal or no insurance.

OC Links at (877) 727-4747 provides information and referral services for any Orange County resident seeking behavioral health resources. This line is staffed by specialists who can help callers navigate the complex landscape of mental health and substance abuse services available in the county.

What to Do During an Overdose Emergency

If you witness a suspected opioid overdose — characterized by slow or stopped breathing, blue lips, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness — take immediate action. Call 911 first. If you have naloxone (Narcan), administer it while waiting for paramedics. Place the person on their side in the recovery position and stay with them until help arrives.

California's Good Samaritan law protects both the person who calls 911 and the person experiencing the overdose from prosecution for certain drug-related offenses. Do not let fear of legal consequences prevent you from calling for help. Every second counts during an overdose, and your call could save a life.

After the immediate crisis has been resolved, consider reaching out to Trust SoCal at (949) 280-8360. An overdose is a powerful indicator that professional treatment is needed. Our admissions team can help you or your loved one access treatment quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours of the initial call.

Connecting Crisis Intervention to Ongoing Treatment

Crisis hotlines provide essential immediate support, but they are not a substitute for ongoing addiction treatment. If you or someone you know is repeatedly experiencing substance-related crises, it is a clear sign that professional treatment is needed to address the underlying substance use disorder.

Trust SoCal in Fountain Valley provides comprehensive addiction treatment that addresses both substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our programs include medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient care. We work with most major insurance plans and offer free insurance verification.

The transition from crisis to treatment does not have to be complicated. Call (949) 280-8360 at any time — our admissions counselors are available 24/7 to answer questions, verify insurance, and facilitate rapid intake when someone is ready to begin recovery.