It's been hit or miss the very few times I've called the us national hotline. Normal I just access their chats. On the chats, they talked to me about what was going on. We would come up with a plan on keeping safe for the evening or day. Some chats lasted over an hour, others were only a few minutes. The nice thing about the chats I'd the ability to simply close out the window.
I've called local hotlines before also. Several years ago, when I was really struggling, I had some pretty crappy experiences with them (Including the police and emt's showing up at my door without me asking for it), but I've also had some better experiences. I've found if I'm calling a local hotline, it's better to call one I have some history with. The t I just ended with works at an agency that also runs a crisis line. When calling them, they would talk to me about whatever I was calling about, and also leave t a message (or get in touch with her to talk if she was in the office at the time). They understood that I was able to ask for more direction and help when needed, but most of the time I just needed to talk to a safer person. They never once sent the police to check on me. It was a huge help in being able to reach out when I needed it...
I much prefer the chats though. I have a really difficult time speaking on the phone, more so if I'm stressing. Is easier for me to type...
I've heard good things about the Samaritans also, though have never reached out to them...