Kriisipuhelin

Kriisipuhelin is a Finnish term for a crisis helpline—a phone-, text-, and online chat-based service that provides immediate, confidential, and often anonymous emotional support to people in crisis, addressing mental health distress, suicidal thoughts, abuse, loneliness, or other crises.

The service is typically operated by non-profit organizations in cooperation with health and social services and may operate around the clock. It is usually free of charge and aims to protect caller privacy; some lines provide multilingual support to accommodate diverse needs.

Staff includes trained volunteers and professionals such as counselors and social workers who provide crisis intervention, active listening, de-escalation, coping strategies, and safety planning, and who can refer callers to local resources or ongoing care when needed.

Kriisipuhelin serves people of all ages; there are specialized lines for children and youth, and services may differ by region. The overarching goal is to alleviate acute distress, reduce risk, and guide callers toward appropriate help and ongoing support.

It is not a substitute for emergency services. If there is immediate danger or medical need, call the emergency number 112. Crisis lines are part of broader support networks that include health care, social services, and municipalities, and they collaborate with local partners to improve access to care.