Find alternatives to calling the Austin Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- HOST (Homeless Outreach Street Team)
- The Homeless Outreach Street Team or HOST is a new, innovative and collaborative initiative that operates in the Downtown and West Campus area, occasionally assisting other parts of the city to address the needs of people living on the streets. The initiative is made up of police officers, behavioral health specialists, and social workers.
- (512) 804-3720
- https://www.austintexas.gov/department/homeless-outreach-street-team
LGBTQ+
- OutYouth
- A safe place for youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities to be themselves.
- (512) 419-1233
- https://www.outyouth.org/
- Waterloo Counseling Center
- Services for LGBTQ members and families
- (512) 444-9922
- www.waterloocounseling.org
Mental Health
- Integral Care
- Operates a mental health crisis hotline and has mobile intervention teams available (Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams.) MCOT team is made up of behavioral health professionals, will only be accompanied by law enforcement in the case of immediate risk of violence or harm.
- (512) 472-4357 (24/7)
- https://integralcare.org/program/mobile-crisis-outreach-team-mcot/
- SAFEPLACE Hotline
- Domestic violence and sexual assault survival center in Austin
- 512-267-7233
- www.safeaustin.org/safeplace
- To Write Love On Her Arms
- A non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
- Crisis Hotline provides 24/7 access to mental health professionals. Hotline callers receive immediate assessments, crisis intervention services (if needed) and referral to additional community resources.
- (512) 472-4357 – 24/7 Crisis Hotline
- Text: TWLOHA to 741-741 (National crisis line)
- https://twloha.com/local-resources/texas/austin/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Asian Family Support Services of Austin
- Supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and sexual violence. AFSSA’s confidential helpline is available 24 hours a day, and all AFSSA services can be provided in the language that survivors are most comfortable with. Trained advocates can listen to the caller’s feelings, problems, and needs. The Advocate will provide peer counseling, support, and access to resources.
- (512) 651-3743 or 1 (877) 281-8371
- https://www.afssaustin.org/
- Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE)
- Offers legal support to survivors of domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking.
- (512) 267-SAFE (7233) or text (737) 888-7233 (24-Hours SAFELine)
- Chat online (please make sure to use a secure browser): https://secure.livechatinc.com/licence/8371161/v2/open_chat.cgi?groups=0
- https://www.safeaustin.org/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
Coming soon.
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
Coming soon.
Substances
- To Write Love On Her Arms
- A non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
- Crisis Hotline provides 24/7 access to mental health professionals. Hotline callers receive immediate assessments, crisis intervention services (if needed) and referral to additional community resources.
- (512) 472-4357 – 24/7 Crisis Hotline
- Text: TWLOHA to 741-741 (National crisis line)
- https://twloha.com/local-resources/texas/austin/
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Austin Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.