I really want to call the hotline, NOW, but I'm worried about it showing up on the phone bill. There is no way my parents would recognize the number or even question it, but I'm still worried. Every possible outcome is coming through my mind, and there is a 98% chance that even if that one number catches their eye, they won't ask anything. Does it say anything like "The Trevor Project" or does the number just show up? I have no idea how the phone bill looks and my parents' are not home so it is the perfect time to call. I would be calling from a verizon cell phone, if that helps.
Signed,
Alyssa, 16, ChicAgo IL

 Dear Alyssa,

 

If you call The Trevor Helpline from a land line phone (that old-fashioned hard-wire thing in your house) it will not show up on the telephone bill. Our organization pays for all of the calls that we get from young people all across the United States—from Hawaii to Maine and everywhere in between. “866” numbers are exactly like “800” numbers by way of the fact that they are toll-free and don’t show up on the caller’s telephone bill. If you call from a cell phone, though, you will be subjected to normal airtime charges and the number will also show up on your bill. Some payphone owners will let you call an 866 number for free, but others charge you. It all just depends on who controls the payphone.

If you are still unsure, then if this can wait, (only if this can wait) the Trevor Project has another service called TrevorChat http://www.thetrevorproject.org/chat

where you can chat with a representative on your computer. I do not know which one would be easier, however, I suggest that if you call the Trevor Helpline if you are in serious need of an emergency.

Hope this helps!

Take care!

AskTrevor Author