Provides free, confidential support 24/7 to anyone in crisis or emotional distress. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call the lifeline for help. A skilled, trained crisis worker will answer. This person will listen to you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful. Deaf/Hard of Hearing/ASL users can access the lifeline by going to the website and clicking “ASL Now.”
Always call 911 first for emergencies.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis: (888) 628-9454
Main Website: 988lifeline.org
Suicide Prevention Resource Center (for Professionals): sprc.org
The Kids Mental Health Foundation: Bullying Basics
kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/bullying/bullying-basics
National Bullying Prevention Center
pacer.org/bullying/resources/info-facts.asp
Kids Health
kidshealth.org
Wrightslaw: Bullying & Harrasment Laws
wrightslaw.com/info/harassment.index.htm
SAMHSA: Take Action Against Bullying Guide
samhsa.gov
Safer Schools Ohio: Anti-Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Resources
saferschools.ohio.gov/content/anti_harassment_intimidation_and_bullying_resources
Ohio Juvenile Civil Protection Orders
supremecourtofohio.gov
Provides resources and confidential support for LGBTQ+ survivors of hate and bias violence, relationship violence, stalking, and other forms of violence. They have walk-in hours on Wednesdays and Fridays, and offer a live helpline on weekdays. You can also text or email the organization with questions. BRAVO also offers trainings for professionals and service survivors. Their website has many resources for survivors in Ohio and nationwide.
King-Lincoln Medical Center 750 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
Helpline: (866) 862-7286
Text an advocate: (614) 333-1907
bravo.equitashealth.org
A faith-based organization that offers free programs for youth, including:
PO Box 14804, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 848-4870
coyfc.org
Non-profit agency that provides services for adults and youth in three areas: prevention, intervention, and treatment. Youth services include a Summer Day Camp, after-school program, and in-school program. They teach leadership development, anti-bullying and violence prevention, job readiness, college preparedness, and focus on ATOD-V (alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, as well as violence) education. They also take high-school aged youth on an annual college tour and offer a FOCUS (Future Opportunities Created for Urban Students) program.
Main Phone: (614) 272-1464
Treatment Services Phone: (614) 252-4941
cndcolumbus.org
Offers a range of services for kids ages 5-17 to create a positive and nurturing environment for youth. Programs include a literacy and STEM academy, annual fashion and art shows, community give-back projects, social outings, and bullying prevention programs. They provide a safe space to assist with the reporting of bullying incidents to authorities, and their website has additional educational and anti-bullying resources for parents.
6600 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 512-6511
facebook.com/empowerouryouthfoundation
Program: Provides virtual/telehealth sessions with Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS), who are clinically trained on the impact of illness, injury, trauma, and loss on child development. Interventions may include therapeutic play, art, emotional processing, trauma processing, education, and building coping strategies. They can help children, teens, and families facing challenging life circumstances such as anxiety, medical fears and preparing for a procedure, bullying, death or loss, coping with significant life transitions, and more. They offer 1:1 sessions for parents, and a free 15-minute consultation. Hearts Connected also provides virtual services for pediatric clinicians, and professional support for students pursuing Child Life certification.
Eligibility: Parents with children of all ages, Youth ages 4-21 years old.
Cost: Varies depending on the service. Families may be reimbursed for services through Private/Commercial Insurance. Families may apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid on the organization’s website.
Referral: Families may refer themselves by contacting the organization directly, or be referred by a professional.
(404) 516-0906
heartsconnected.org
A faith-based organization working to protect and empower youth and families in underserved neighborhoods. They offer a food pantry, parent education, and community events. Their website has educational resources for parents on internet safety, abuse, and more. Youth programming includes a reading program for grades 1-9, youth soccer league, and free counseling and mentoring. The MY Helpline is a referral service for survivors and victims of gangs, trafficking, drugs, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and violence in Central Ohio.
3275 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 905-0977
MY Helpline: (614) 971-9375
myprojectusa.org
This interactive educational program for students in 5th-7th grade deals with the physical and emotional cruelty caused by bullying and violence. Students learn to appreciate differences and build skills for great empathy and compassion. The program travels to various classrooms, youth groups, and organizations. Teachers and group leaders can register online to request the program for a small fee.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0678
nationwidechildrens.org/its-not-cool-to-be-cruel
Safer Ohio School Tip Line is a free safety resource available to all Ohio schools. Students and adults can use the tip line to anonymously share information with school officials and law enforcement about threats to student safety such as bullying, school shootings, self-harm or suicide risk, and any other safety-related concerns. Text or Caller the SaferOH Tip Line, or use the online form to report a concern.
Ohio Department of Public Safety
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 644-2641
SaferOH Tip Line: Call or Text (844) 723-3764
ohioschoolsafetycenter.ohio.gov/home
Provides information and videos to help children thrive and deal with issues that affect children’s lives. Resource topics include health and wellness, social-emotional skills, trauma, diversity and inclusion, and school readiness. They offer videos, games, and worksheets for children to explore, and free webinars for parents and educators.
Sesame for Families: sesameworkshop.org/resources
sesamestreet.org/home
Dedicated to changing the culture for all students by preventing bullying, cyberbullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, and racism. Their website has helpful safety information for parents, educators, and youth. The HelpChat Crisis Line is a free and confidential helpline for anyone age 13-24 experiencing stress, depression, and fear because of bullying or cyberbullying to chat with a counselor. Click the link to access the HelpChat Crisis Line.
General Inquiries: 877-602-8559
stompoutbullying.org/helpchat
Provides information for kids, parents, and educators on understanding and responding to bullying or cyberbullying. Go online to find state laws, and policies on bullying, digital awareness resources for parents, tips for teachers, videos for kids, and bullying prevention trainings.
stopbullying.gov
Focused on providing resources for adults to support kids mental health and help break stigmas surrounding mental health challenges. Their website has tons of resources for parents and teachers on how to discuss mental health topics with kids, helping kids management emotions, and information on mental health disorders in kids.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(855) 902-5437
kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org