Top FAQs About Our Hotline/Listening Line
Who calls the Samaritans? 
People from all walks of life and of all ages.
Do I have to be suicidal to call? No. Samaritan volunteers are there to provide friendship to people in need of someone to listen no matter their reason for calling.
What does "befriending" mean? Befriending means listening to what a person in crisis is feeling and thinking without expressing personal judgements. Befriending is being available to just listen.
What happens when you call? The Samaritan volunteer will say, "Samaritans, can I help you?" "Are you suicidal?" We ask the suicide question to determine if you would like us to call 911. If the answer is no, the volunteer is there to listen.
How long are the calls? That's up to the caller, the volunteer and the situation. Most callers understand that we receive hundreds of calls each month and that volunteers need to be attentive and available to as many people as possible.
How often can I call? You can call as often as needed. Again, however, most callers understand that we receive many calls throughout the day and that volunteers need to help as many people as possible.
Will The Samaritans trace my call? No. All calls are anonymous and confidential within the agency.
What if a call is an emergency? A caller must give his/her permission for us to call Emergency 911. At a minimum, we will need the name and telephone number of the caller. Emergency 911 will send local police, fire, or medical emergency assistance.
What is the hotline number? You can reach The Samaritans at (401) 272-4044 or
toll free at (800) 365-4044
People from all walks of life and of all ages.Do I have to be suicidal to call?No. Samaritan volunteers are there to provide friendship to people in need of someone to listen no matter their reason for calling.What does "befriending" mean?Befriending means listening to what a person in crisis is feeling and thinking without expressing personal judgements. Befriending is being available to just listen.What happens when you call? The Samaritan volunteer will say, "Samaritans, can I help you?" "Are you suicidal?" We ask the suicide question to determine if you would like us to call 911. If the answer is no, the volunteer is there to listen.How long are the calls? That's up to the caller, the volunteer and the situation. Most callers understand that we receive hundreds of calls each month and that volunteers need to be attentive and available to as many people as possible.How often can I call?You can call as often as needed. Again, however, most callers understand that we receive many calls throughout the day and that volunteers need to help as many people as possible.Will The Samaritans trace my call? No. All calls are anonymous and confidential within the agency.What if a call is an emergency? A caller must give his/her permission for us to call Emergency 911. At a minimum, we will need the name and telephone number of the caller. Emergency 911 will send local police, fire, or medical emergency assistance.What is the hotline number? You can reach The Samaritans at (401) 272-4044 or toll free at (800) 365-4044
