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Google Adds Crisis Hotline Button to Gemini, Pledges $30 Million for Mental Health Support

The move reflects mounting legal and policy pressure over chatbot safety.

Overview

  • Google updated Gemini on Tuesday with a redesigned help module and a one-touch crisis interface that keeps hotline options visible for the entire chat.
  • Through Google.org, the company will fund crisis lines with $30 million over three years, expand work with ReflexAI with $4 million, and provide pro bono tech support for the Prepare training platform.
  • The new interface offers direct links to call, text, chat, or visit a hotline website so users can reach support like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline more quickly.
  • For under-18 users, Google details persona guardrails that block companion-like behavior, discourage emotional dependence, and reduce bullying or harassment.
  • The rollout follows a March wrongful-death lawsuit and reporting that some chatbots enable harmful behaviors, and Google says Gemini is trained to avoid validating self-harm and to steer people to real-world care.