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?
Northern Africa
Western Africa
Eastern Africa
Southern Africa
Central Africa
Other Countries](#other-african-countries)
Northern Africa
Algeria
SOS Psychologique
- Phone: 0800-00-10-18 (free)
- Psychological support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 14 (civil protection)
- Police: 17
- Medical: 115
Egypt
⚠️ Important: Egypt currently has no functioning suicide prevention hotline. Befrienders Cairo closed approximately 2005.
National Council for Childhood and Motherhood Hotline
- Phone: 16000
- Child protection and abuse reporting only
For mental health crisis:
- Contact emergency services: 122
- Go to nearest hospital emergency department
- Contact: Sourire de Reda +212 (5) 22 87 47 40 (Morocco-based, limited hours)
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 122
- Police: 122
- Ambulance: 123
Libya
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
SOS Help (English-speaking)
- Phone: (0537) 76-06-04
- Hours: 24/7
- Based in Rabat
Maroc Écoute (Domestic Violence)
Emergency Services
Tunisia
SOS Tunis
- Phone: (71) 783-888
- Mental health support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 190
- Police: 197
- Medical: 190
Western Africa
Ghana
Mental Health Authority Crisis Line
Lifeline Ghana
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
For complete crisis resources in Nigeria, see Crisis Help: Nigeria
Quick Numbers:
- Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI): 0806-210-6493 or 0809-210-0009 (8am-10pm daily)
- She Writes Woman (Women’s Mental Health): 0800 800 2000 (toll-free, 24/7, launched 2024)
- National Human Rights Commission: 0700-2255-6472
- Emergency: 112 or 767
Senegal
SOS Village d’Enfants Senegal
- Phone: 800-00-10-10
- Child protection
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 17 (police)
- Medical: 15
Eastern Africa
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
Kenya Red Cross Counseling
Befrienders Kenya
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
National Crisis Hotline
- Phone: 0800-110-555 (toll-free)
- Mental health support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 112 or 999
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 114
Uganda
Mental Health Uganda
Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET)
- Phone: 0800-20-00-01 (toll-free)
- Gender-based violence support
Samaritans Uganda
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 999 or 112
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 911
Southern Africa
Botswana
Lifeline Botswana
Gender-Based Violence Hotline
- Phone: 1499 (toll-free, 24/7)
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 999
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 997
Namibia
LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia
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
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
Lifeline Zimbabwe
Adult Rape Clinic (ARC)
- Phone: (024) 2-773-388
- Sexual violence support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 999 or 112
- Police: 995
- Ambulance: 994
Central Africa
Cameroon
Porte Ouverte (Open Door)
- Phone: (237) 233-472-046
- Mental health support
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 117 (police)
- Medical: 119
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
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
Africa Mental Health Foundation
WHO Regional Office for Africa
African Union Mental Health Commission
- Working to improve mental health services continent-wide
Befrienders Worldwide
Important Context for African Crisis Services
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
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
- 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
- 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
- Add country code (varies by nation)
- Toll-free numbers typically don’t work internationally
- Consider WhatsApp services where available
Alternative Support Options
When formal crisis services are limited:
Community Resources
- Religious organizations (churches, mosques, temples)
- Traditional community leaders
- Women’s groups and community organizations
- Youth centers
Healthcare Facilities
- Government hospitals often have psychiatric departments
- Health centers may offer counseling
- NGO-run clinics
- University teaching hospitals
International Organizations
- Red Cross/Red Crescent societies
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in some regions
- UNHCR for refugees
- International Rescue Committee
Disability Organizations
- Local disability rights organizations
- Deaf associations and organizations for the blind
- Organizations serving specific disabilities
- Search: “[country] disability organization”
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
In crisis right now? Call your country’s crisis line or emergency services. Everything else can wait.
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Last updated: January 2026