Mental Health Crisis Lines | SASS CARES-Illinois Youth Mental Health Crisis Line
Eligibility
Those younger than 21
Hours
24/7
800-345-9049
Voice·
24/7 Line
Languages
English with accommodations for additional languages
Application process
You should call CARES when a child or adolescent is at risk to himself or others and any time you or others think a child or adolescent is having a mental health crisis. If the child or adolescent is in immediate danger, please 911 instead.
Fees
None
Service area
IL
CARES stands for Crisis and Referral Entry Services. The program handles mental health crisis calls for children and youth in Illinois. CARES links parents, caregivers, or callers to a special screening, assessment and support program known as SASS. CARES will ask questions about the child's behavior. Then CARES will either send the local SASS to see you and your child or refer you to mental health or other services.
If the child or adolescent is in immediate danger, please 911 instead.
Last Assured
04/27/2026
What's Here
Providing organization
SASS CARES Illinois Youth Mental Health Crisis Line
CARES stands for Crisis and Referral Entry Services. The program handles mental health crisis calls for children and youth in Illinois. CARES links parents, caregivers, or callers to a special screening, assessment and support program known as SASS. CARES will ask questions about the child's behavior. Then CARES will either send the local SASS to see you and your child or refer you to mental health or other services.
If the child or adolescent is in immediate danger, please 911 instead.