Resources for when help is needed
Help in an acute crisis
For children and adolescents
Telephone advice from pro juventute: Call on 147
Anonymous, confidential and free advice; 24 hours a day, every day
German, French, Italian
From the age of 18
Telephone counseling «Dargebotene Hand»: Call on 143
Anonymous, confidential and free advice (call charges may apply depending on the telephone provider); available 24 hours a day, every day
German, French, Italian www.143.ch
For all age groups in the event of acute danger to self / others
Ambulance / police / emergency: 112 / 117 / 144
German, French, Italian
Further help / information offers (not for emergencies!) – alphabetical
Free counseling service for adults (aged 18 and over) on all kinds of topics such as worries, stress, crises and suicidal thoughts in German, French and Italian.
- Telephone advice: only this offer from Dargebotene Hand is also suitable for emergencies
- Contact by chat
- Contact by mail
Online platform (German, French) for young people with information, interactive tools and videos on topics such as mental health, addiction, stress, sexuality, nutrition, violence, career choices and self-confidence. On the site you will also find links to regional support services.
The LGBTIQ Helpline is a contact point for all concerns about life as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex or queer person and offers peer-to-peer counseling in German, French, Italian or English and via chat, e-mail or telephone (LGBTIQ-Helpline: LGBTIQ Helpline). The helpline is also a reporting point for LGBTIQ-hostile violence.
Free counseling services for children and young people on all kinds of topics such as crises, suicidal thoughts, stress, family problems, etc. in German, French and Italian.
- Telephone advice: this service from pro juventute is also suitable for emergencies
- WhatsApp consultation
- E-mail advice
- Chat with peers
Victim support supports all people who have been physically, mentally or sexually injured as a result of a crime in Switzerland. There are victim support advice centers throughout Switzerland. They will inform you about your rights, support you in coming to terms with what has happened and provide you with further help.
This organization, which is committed to mental health, offers telephone or e-counselling on psychosocial (e.g. personal crises) or legal issues for adults in German, French, Italian and English Strengthen your Mental Health ¦ Pro Mente Sana Switzerland | Pro Mente Sana | Psychische Gesundheit stärken.
The website provides information, tools, resources and practical advice to promote mental health. The organization focuses primarily on the promotion of mental health in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, but also offers information in German.
The «Talking can save» campaign encourages people with suicidal thoughts and their relatives to talk openly about their feelings in order to facilitate timely help. The website offers comprehensive information, tips for talking and emergency contacts to prevent suicides and remove the taboo from the subject.
Anonymous and free online advice on addiction issues (e.g. consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs, gambling, online media and addiction) in German, French and Italian: Beratung: online, sicher, anonym - SafeZone.ch. The website also offers extensive information on these topics and addresses of specialist agencies.
Exchange within self-help groups (e.g. about mental health problems) in German, French or Italian
This website in German, French, Italian and English helps people to talk about their feelings and strengthen their mental health. It offers tools such as the ABC of feelings, an app for an anonymous feelings diary, a self-check and tips for conversations. It also lists various services for people who would like further support and help.