TEEN LINE is a telephone helpline where a teenager can talk to another teen who will listen, understand, and not judge them. The helpline is staffed by teenagers and young adults who have been trained to help callers clarify their concerns, define available options, and help them make positive decisions.

TEEN LINE operates every evening from 6:00pm to 10:00pm and is confidential and free for California callers. The organization also provides resources and information via e-mail, online chat, message boards, and community outreach. Outreach workshops and activities focus on common themes discussed during calls such as suicide, violence, homosexuality, and drugs and alcohol.

TEEN LINE is funded by individual donations and grants from private and corporate foundations. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry provides the organization with office space and related expenses.

The organization’s goal is to provide a safe space where a teenager can talk to another teenager who will listen, understand and not judge them.

TEEN LINE has been helping teenagers since it’s inception in 1980s. Each year, the organization receives almost 10,000 calls, and over 140,000 website visits. In addition 35,000 individuals attend the organization’s outreach events held at various schools and organizations in Southern California.