988 vs 211 vs Addiction Hotlines — Which Should You Call?
Los Angeles has multiple crisis and support lines, and each one serves a different purpose. Calling the wrong number wastes precious time. This guide breaks down exactly which number to call based on your situation.
Available 24/7 — No insurance required
Key Facts: LA Crisis and Addiction Hotlines
- 988 is for mental health crises and suicidal thoughts — call or text 24/7.
- 211 is for social services like housing, food, and healthcare enrollment — not addiction.
- SASH (1-844-804-7500) is LA County's official substance abuse helpline run by the Department of Public Health.
- SAMHSA (1-800-662-4357) is the federal government's free treatment referral line covering all 50 states.
- (213) 277-7446 provides personalized addiction treatment matching for the Los Angeles area.
- For life-threatening emergencies or active overdoses, always call 911 first.
- All of these hotlines are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Quick Guide: Which Number to Call
Someone is overdosing or in immediate physical danger
Call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available. Do not leave the person alone.
You are thinking about suicide or in a mental health crisis
Call or text 988. For veterans, call 988 and press 1. For Spanish, call 988 and press 2.
You need addiction treatment or detox in Los Angeles
Call (213) 277-7446 for personalized treatment matching, or 1-844-804-7500 (SASH) for LA County-funded programs.
You need help with housing, food, or basic needs
Call 211. They connect you to social services across LA County but do not provide addiction counseling.
You want national treatment referrals or general information
Call 1-800-662-4357 (SAMHSA). They cover all 50 states and can provide information about treatment options nationwide.
Detailed Comparison of Each Hotline
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, emotional distress
What This Line Handles
- Suicidal ideation and active crisis
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Emotional distress and mental health emergencies
- Veterans crisis support (press 1)
- Spanish language support (press 2)
What This Line Does Not Do
- Provide addiction-specific treatment referrals
- Connect callers to detox or rehab programs
- Help with housing, food, or social services
- Offer ongoing case management
When to call: You or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or in severe emotional distress.
Hours: 24/7 — call or text | Cost: Free
211 LA
Social services referrals — housing, food, healthcare, utilities
What This Line Handles
- Housing assistance and homeless services
- Food banks and nutrition programs
- Healthcare enrollment (Medi-Cal, Covered California)
- Utility payment assistance
- General social services navigation
What This Line Does Not Do
- Provide crisis counseling or intervention
- Offer direct addiction treatment referrals
- Connect callers with detox or rehab programs
- Provide emotional support or counseling
When to call: You need help with basic needs like housing, food, healthcare enrollment, or utility bills. This is a referral service, not a crisis line.
Hours: 24/7 | Cost: Free
LA County SASH Hotline
Substance abuse treatment access in LA County
What This Line Handles
- Substance abuse treatment referrals within LA County
- Connection to SAPC-funded programs
- Screening and assessment for treatment needs
- English and Spanish language support
- Navigation of the LA County treatment system
What This Line Does Not Do
- Provide mental health crisis intervention
- Help with housing, food, or social services
- Cover areas outside LA County
- Offer direct medical advice
When to call: You live in LA County and need help accessing publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs. This is the official gateway to LA County's treatment network.
Hours: 24/7 | Cost: Free
SAMHSA National Helpline
National substance abuse and mental health treatment referrals
What This Line Handles
- Treatment referrals across all 50 states
- Information about substance abuse and mental health
- Referrals to local support groups
- English and Spanish language support
- Information about insurance and payment options
What This Line Does Not Do
- Provide crisis intervention for active emergencies
- Offer direct counseling during the call
- Make appointments on your behalf
- Provide medical advice or diagnoses
When to call: You want a broad range of treatment options nationwide, need information about addiction and mental health, or are not located in Los Angeles County.
Hours: 24/7, 365 days a year | Cost: Free
Los Angeles Addiction Hotline
Personalized addiction treatment referrals for the LA area
What This Line Handles
- Personalized treatment matching for your situation
- Connection to detox, inpatient, outpatient, and sober living
- Insurance verification and Medi-Cal navigation
- Same-day placement assistance when available
- Support for callers and their families
What This Line Does Not Do
- Replace 911 for life-threatening emergencies
- Provide ongoing therapy or counseling
- Serve as a substitute for 988 in active suicidal crises
When to call: You or a loved one is dealing with addiction in the Los Angeles area and you want to speak with a real person who can help you find the right treatment program quickly.
Hours: 24/7 | Cost: Free — no insurance required
Common Scenarios: Who to Call
Your loved one is using drugs and you want to get them into treatment
Call (213) 277-7446. The operator can walk you through your options, explain different types of treatment programs, and help you find a program that accepts your loved one's insurance or Medi-Cal.
You are having suicidal thoughts and also struggle with substance use
Call 988 first to address the immediate crisis. Once you are safe, call (213) 277-7446 to address the substance use component. Many treatment programs in LA handle co-occurring mental health and addiction issues together.
You are homeless and struggling with addiction
Call 211 for housing assistance and (213) 277-7446 for addiction treatment. Some residential treatment programs in LA provide housing during treatment, which the addiction hotline can help you locate.
You have Medi-Cal and want free treatment in LA County
Call the SASH hotline at 1-844-804-7500. This is the official entry point to LA County's publicly funded treatment network operated by the Department of Public Health SAPC division. They can screen you and connect you with a Medi-Cal-accepting program near you.
You are a veteran dealing with addiction
Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. For addiction-specific help, also call (213) 277-7446 — the operator can help you find programs that specialize in veteran care and connect with VA resources.
Related Resources
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