Crisis Help: Africa
If you’re in crisis right now, you’re not alone. Help is available immediately, confidentially, and without judgment.
This page connects you to crisis resources across Africa.
⚠️ Content note: This page discusses suicide, abuse, self-harm, and violence.
Where Are You?
Section titled “Where Are You?”Northern Africa
Section titled “Northern Africa”Western Africa
Section titled “Western Africa”Eastern Africa
Section titled “Eastern Africa”Southern Africa
Section titled “Southern Africa”Central Africa
Section titled “Central Africa”Other Countries](#other-african-countries)
Section titled “Other Countries](#other-african-countries)”Northern Africa
Section titled “Northern Africa”Algeria
Section titled “Algeria”SOS Psychologique
- Phone: 0800-00-10-18 (free)
- Psychological support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 14 (civil protection)
- Police: 17
- Medical: 115
Ministry of Health Mental Health Hotline
- Phone: 16328 (General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment)
- Round-the-clock psychological support (verified June 2026; call costs not confirmed)
Note: Egypt has no independent suicide-prevention NGO line in the Befrienders model — Befrienders Cairo closed around 2005. The Ministry of Health line above is the national option.
National Council for Childhood and Motherhood Hotline
- Phone: 16000
- Child protection and abuse reporting only
For mental health crisis:
- Call 16328, contact emergency services (122), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 122
- Police: 122
- Ambulance: 123
Limited formal crisis services currently available due to ongoing conflict
Emergency Services
- Police: 1515
- Ambulance: 1515
- Contact local hospitals directly for mental health emergencies
Morocco
Section titled “Morocco”SOS Help (English-speaking)
- Phone: (0537) 76-06-04
- Hours: 24/7
- Based in Rabat
Maroc Écoute (Domestic Violence)
- Phone: 8350 (free, 24/7)
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 15
- Police: 19
Tunisia
Section titled “Tunisia”SOS Tunis
- Phone: (71) 783-888
- Mental health support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 190
- Police: 197
- Medical: 190
Western Africa
Section titled “Western Africa”Mental Health Authority Helpline
- Phone: 0800-678-678 (toll-free)
- Website: https://mha-ghana.com
- (Number verified against the Mental Health Authority’s site, June 2026; hours not published — confirm when you call)
Domestic Violence & Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU)
- Phone: 0800-800-900 (toll-free, 24/7)
- Part of Ghana Police Service
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 191
- Police: 191
- Ambulance: 193
Nigeria
Section titled “Nigeria”For complete crisis resources in Nigeria, see Crisis Help: Nigeria
Quick Numbers:
- SURPIN (Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative): 0800 078 7746 (toll-free, 24-hour)
- She Writes Woman (Women’s Mental Health): 0800 800 2000 (toll-free, 24/7, operating since 2020)
- National Human Rights Commission: 0700-2255-6472
- Emergency: 112 or 767
Senegal
Section titled “Senegal”SOS Village d’Enfants Senegal
- Phone: 800-00-10-10
- Child protection
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 17 (police)
- Medical: 15
Eastern Africa
Section titled “Eastern Africa”Ethiopia
Section titled “Ethiopia”Ethiopia Toll-Free Hotline
- Phone: 952 or 8399
- Mental health and psychological support
- Run by Ministry of Health
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 991
- Police: 991
- Medical: 907
Kenya Red Cross Counseling
- Phone: 1199 (toll-free, 24/7)
- Website: https://www.redcross.or.ke
Befrienders Kenya
- Phone: 0722-178-177
- Hours: 9am–5pm daily (not 24/7)
- Email: befrienderskenya@gmail.com
Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC)
- Phone: 0719-63-8006 or 0790-60-0710
- 24/7 support for gender-based violence
Childline Kenya
- Phone: 116 (free, 24/7)
- Child protection
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 999 or 112
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 999
Tanzania
Section titled “Tanzania”National Crisis Hotline
- Phone: 0800-110-555 (toll-free)
- Mental health support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 112 or 999
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 114
Uganda
Section titled “Uganda”Mental Health Uganda
- Phone: 0800-20-24-24 or 0417-711-200
- Website: https://mhuganda.com
Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET)
- Phone: 0800-20-00-01 (toll-free)
- Gender-based violence support
Samaritans Uganda
- Phone: (031) 2-200-044
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 999 or 112
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 911
Southern Africa
Section titled “Southern Africa”Botswana
Section titled “Botswana”Lifeline Botswana
- Phone: 3911-270 or 3912-279
- Hours: 7am-1am daily
- Website: http://www.lifelinebotswana.org
Gender-Based Violence Hotline
- Phone: 1499 (toll-free, 24/7)
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 999
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 997
Namibia
Section titled “Namibia”LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia
- Phone: (061) 232-221 or 106-48-777
- Crisis counseling and child protection
- Website: http://www.lifeline.org.na
Women’s Action for Development (WAD)
- Phone: (061) 236-9696
- Gender-based violence support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 10111
- Police: 10111
- Ambulance: 211-111
South Africa
Section titled “South Africa”For complete crisis resources in South Africa, see Crisis Help: South Africa
Quick Numbers:
- SADAG: 0800-567-567 (toll-free, 8am-8pm)
- Suicide Crisis Line: 0800-456-789 (24/7)
- LifeLine South Africa: 0861-322-322 (24/7)
- Childline: 116 (free, 24/7)
- GBV Command Centre: 0800-428-428 (toll-free, 24/7)
- Emergency: 10111 or 112
Zimbabwe
Section titled “Zimbabwe”Samaritans Bulawayo
- Phone: +263 9 65000
- Hours: 24/7 (per Befrienders Worldwide, June 2026)
Friendship Bench National Helpline
- Phone: 0808 4116 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm)
Childline Zimbabwe
- Phone: 116 (free, 24/7)
Adult Rape Clinic (ARC)
- Phone: (024) 2-773-388
- Sexual violence support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 999 or 112
- Police: 995
- Ambulance: 994
Central Africa
Section titled “Central Africa”Cameroon
Section titled “Cameroon”Porte Ouverte (Open Door)
- Phone: (237) 233-472-046
- Mental health support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 117 (police)
- Medical: 119
Democratic Republic of Congo
Section titled “Democratic Republic of Congo”Centre Médical Bondeko
- Phone: +243-85-131-3131
- Mental health services in Kinshasa
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 112 or 113
- Police: 112
Other African Countries
Section titled “Other African Countries”Many African countries are developing mental health services and crisis lines. Resources may be limited or emergent.
General guidance:
- Contact local hospitals or health centers for mental health emergencies
- Reach out to religious or community organizations that provide counseling
- International organizations (Red Cross, MSF) may provide crisis support in some areas
- Befrienders Worldwide (https://befrienders.org) lists additional African contacts
Regional Resources
Section titled “Regional Resources”Africa Mental Health Foundation
Section titled “Africa Mental Health Foundation”- Website: https://www.africamentalhealthfoundation.org
- Mental health advocacy across Africa
WHO Regional Office for Africa
Section titled “WHO Regional Office for Africa”- Website: https://www.afro.who.int
- Mental health resources and guidance
African Union Mental Health Commission
Section titled “African Union Mental Health Commission”- Working to improve mental health services continent-wide
Befrienders Worldwide
Section titled “Befrienders Worldwide”- Website: https://befrienders.org
- Global network including African crisis centers
Important Context for African Crisis Services
Section titled “Important Context for African Crisis Services”Service Availability
Section titled “Service Availability”Mental health crisis services vary significantly across Africa:
- Urban areas generally have better access to services
- Rural/remote areas may have limited or no formal crisis services
- Conflict zones may have interrupted services
- Resource limitations mean not all services operate 24/7
Language Support
Section titled “Language Support”Many services operate in:
- English (particularly East/Southern Africa)
- French (particularly West/Central Africa)
- Arabic (North Africa)
- Local languages (varies by country)
Ask if multilingual support is available.
Free vs. Paid Services
Section titled “Free vs. Paid Services”- Toll-free numbers (often starting with 0800) are free
- Other numbers may charge standard call rates
- Mobile minutes may apply for non-toll-free numbers
Cultural Considerations
Section titled “Cultural Considerations”- Mental health stigma remains significant in many communities
- Traditional healers and religious leaders often provide support
- Family and community support networks are vital
- Some services integrate traditional and Western approaches
Calling from Outside the Country
Section titled “Calling from Outside the Country”- Add country code (varies by nation)
- Toll-free numbers typically don’t work internationally
- Consider WhatsApp services where available
Alternative Support Options
Section titled “Alternative Support Options”When formal crisis services are limited:
Community Resources
Section titled “Community Resources”- Religious organizations (churches, mosques, temples)
- Traditional community leaders
- Women’s groups and community organizations
- Youth centers
Healthcare Facilities
Section titled “Healthcare Facilities”- Government hospitals often have psychiatric departments
- Health centers may offer counseling
- NGO-run clinics
- University teaching hospitals
International Organizations
Section titled “International Organizations”- Red Cross/Red Crescent societies
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in some regions
- UNHCR for refugees
- International Rescue Committee
Disability Organizations
Section titled “Disability Organizations”- Local disability rights organizations
- Deaf associations and organizations for the blind
- Organizations serving specific disabilities
- Search: “[country] disability organization”
After the Crisis
Section titled “After the Crisis”Crisis support is just the first step. For ongoing care:
- Seek follow-up with local mental health services
- Connect with community support groups
- Reach out to faith communities if meaningful to you
- Contact disability organizations for ongoing support
- Use telemedicine/online therapy where available and affordable
Related Pages
Section titled “Related Pages”In crisis right now? Call your country’s crisis line or emergency services. Everything else can wait.
Contribute to This Page
Section titled “Contribute to This Page”Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.
This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.