kriisiliiniga

kriisiliiniga is a term that refers to a telephone-based crisis support service operating in Estonia. The service, operated by the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs, provides 24/7 access to trained counselors who assist callers dealing with emotional, psychological, or social crises. The system was established in response to a national initiative to improve mental health resources and reduce the burden on emergency services by offering an accessible point of contact for individuals experiencing acute distress.

The name kriisiliiniga is derived from the Estonian words “kriis” meaning crisis, and “liin” meaning line, with the suffix “‑iga” indicating “with”. The service is available to all residents of Estonia, regardless of age, and callers can receive help in Estonian as well as in several other languages for non‑native speakers. Callers are not required to disclose their identity, and the service is confidential. The counselors follow standardized protocols that include emotional support, information on coping strategies, and referrals to appropriate professional services such as psychotherapy, psychiatric care, or social work when needed.

Usage statistics show that most calls occur during early evening and nighttime hours, with a notable portion stemming from youth and adolescents. The service has been integrated into national health care guidelines, and its effectiveness has been documented in several studies evaluating reductions in emergency department visits for mental health crises. By providing immediate, non‑judgmental assistance, kriisiliiniga plays a vital role in Estonia’s strategy to promote mental health and well‑being.