Helplines in Portugal
In an emergency, call 112. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, the national suicide prevention line on 1411 is free and open 24/7, staffed by clinical psychologists and mental health nurses. High-risk calls are passed to the medical emergency service.
For support in English, call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24 and choose option 4 to speak to a clinical psychologist about stress, anxiety, distress or fear. It is open 24/7 and lists English as well as Portuguese. Most other services work in Portuguese, but don't let that stop you: emergency services usually find a way to help.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can call the government line free on 800 202 148, at any hour, or send a text to 3060. Shelter addresses are kept confidential, and the helpline can arrange a safe place. APAV's victim support line (116 006) helps victims of any crime or violence, and their family and friends, on weekdays from 8am to 11pm. Children and young people can call SOS Criança on 116 111. If you just need someone to listen, SOS Voz Amiga answers on 213 544 545 every day from 3:30pm to 12:30am. LGBTI people can call the ILGA Portugal line on 218 873 922 on Thursday and Friday evenings.
On a foreign SIM, dial the numbers as shown; 112 works on any phone in the EU. Every number below was checked at its official source, with the date of the check shown.
Emotional support
Suicide prevention
Domestic violence
Women
LGBTQ+
Children
Health advice
Questions about getting help in Portugal
What is the emergency number in Portugal?
In Portugal, call 112 in an emergency. If someone's life is at risk, don't wait: call straight away. Emergency calls are free.
Is there a free mental health helpline in Portugal?
Yes. Linha Nacional de Prevenção do Suicídio (1411) and SOS Voz Amiga (213 544 545). Details, opening hours and the official source for each number are listed on this page.
Can I get help in English in Portugal?
Yes. These services say they offer English: SNS 24 Psychological Counselling (option 4) (808 24 24 24).
Where can women experiencing violence get help in Portugal?
Contact Domestic Violence Information and Support Line (CIG) (800 202 148) and APAV Victim Support Line (116 006). Shelter addresses are kept confidential for safety, so the helpline is the way in. In immediate danger, call 112.
Is there a helpline for children and young people in Portugal?
Yes. SOS Criança (IAC) (116 111).
Numbers are checked against each service's own website on the date shown. Services change, so if a number doesn't work please tell me: hello@michellefernando.com.