Teen Lifeline

Teen Lifeline: Preventing Teen Suicide and Supporting Youth Mental Health in Arizona

Teen Lifeline is dedicated to preventing teen suicide by enhancing resiliency in youth and fostering supportive communities across Arizona. Since 1986, we have been committed to addressing the mental health needs of teenagers through innovative, evidence-based services.

Our Unique Approach

What sets Teen Lifeline apart is our peer-driven model. We believe that teens are most effectively supported by those who truly understand their experiences. Our approach is rooted in best practices and backed by research, ensuring that every teen receives compassionate, professional support.

Our Services

Peer Crisis Hotline

Our free, anonymous, and confidential crisis hotline and texting service provide a lifeline for teens facing challenges of all magnitudes. Whether struggling with family conflicts, depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, teens can find a compassionate, listening ear. When teens call, they are connected with a trained Peer Counselor who can help. In 2024, we responded to over 46,000 calls and texts, demonstrating the critical need for our services.

Life Skills Training

At the heart of our crisis intervention are our remarkable Peer Counselors. Aged 15-19, these young volunteers undergo an over 72-hour of training that equips them with critical skills to support their peers. Under the supervision of Master-level clinicians, these counselors not only help crisis-experiencing teens but also develop profound personal growth. In 2024, we trained 68 new volunteers, expanding our capacity to support Arizona's youth.

Community Education and Postvention Services

Prevention is key to our mission. We actively engage with schools, districts, and communities to spread suicide prevention awareness. Our multifaceted approach includes:

• Classroom and staff presentations
• School parent night talks
• Community event booths
• School ID Initiative (placing our crisis number on school IDs)

Last year, we reached an impressive 494,000 people, spreading a message of hope and support across Arizona.

Caring Contacts

Recognizing the vulnerable period after psychiatric hospitalization, our Caring Contacts program provides critical support to teens during their first year of recovery. Through ongoing texts, calls, and letters, we aim to increase connectedness, foster hope, and reduce the risk of future hospitalizations. Launched officially in 2023, we partner with Arizona's behavioral health agencies to provide this essential service.

Commitment to Accessibility

All of our programs are completely free. We firmly believe that no teen or family should be prevented from receiving help due to financial constraints. Our services remain accessible thanks to the generous support of donors who share our commitment to youth mental health.

Together, we can create a supportive community where every teen knows they are valued, heard, and never alone.