Friendship Line

Are you feeling lonely, isolated or depressed? Give the Friendship Line a call – because sometimes we all need a friend.

888.670.1360

The Friendship Line is California’s largest warm line, and has never gone unanswered since it was founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore. Dr. Arbore’s observation that “connection to others binds us to life” led him to establish the Friendship Line, which provides phone calls that offer emotional support and friendly conversation.

Institute on Aging’s staff and volunteers respond to more than 11,000 inbound and outbound calls per month. The nationally-known Friendship Line is a signature program of Institute on Aging’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief-Related Services, and is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology.

Call us Toll-Free in California: 888.670.1360

For Volunteer or Intern Opportunities, contact Aleks Bartlett at abartlett@ioaging.org

This program serving the community is funded by the following:

  • The California Department of Aging

  • City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services

Program Services

Friendship Line

  • Emotional support in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Korean
  • Specialized support for adults ages 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers

Center for Elder Suicide Prevention and Grief Services

  • Virtual grief and bereavement support groups

Related Resources

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As part of Older Americans Month, IOA reaffirms our commitment to elder abuse prevention and intervention—ensuring no older adult suffers in silence.

If you suspect abuse or need help, learn more about our prevention program by clicking the link in our bio! 

#ElderJustice #OlderAmericansMonth #PreventionMatters #IOACares
Supporting Independence. Providing Peace of Mind.

Corio Home Care offers personalized in-home support to help seniors live comfortably and safely at home. 💙

Learn more—link in bio.

#AgingInPlace #HomeCare #CorioHomeCare #AgingWithDignity #IOACares
💚 May is Mental Health Awareness Month—and a powerful reminder that no one should face emotional challenges alone.

At IOA, we recognize the toll loneliness and isolation can take on older adults. That’s why our Friendship Line offers 24/7 support, connection, and care to those who need it most.

📞 Need someone to talk to? Call 888.670.1360

#MentalHealthAwareness #FriendshipLine #IOACares #YouAreNotAlone