Hopefully you’ve already heard of 988, the national free and confidential lifeline for mental health or suicide crises. But even though the line launched in July 2022, many people still aren’t aware of it or its life-saving utility. Let’s review the basics of 988 and how to use it.
What is 988?
Call the 988 Lifeline toll-free number (988) from anywhere in the United States when you or someone you are concerned about is experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis.
How was 988 developed?
The 988 Lifeline was previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which was launched in 2005 by SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). The previous crisis line number was converted to 988 in July 2022; anyone still calling the old number is automatically routed to 988.
When should I call 988?
988 can be helpful for anyone in emotional distress, experiencing a mental health crisis, or considering suicide. You can call for yourself or on behalf of another person. The call is free and confidential and the line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What does “confidential” mean when using 988?
This means that information about callers/chatters/texters will not be shared outside the 988 Lifeline without documented verbal or written consent from the person seeking help, except in cases where there is imminent risk of harm to self or someone else, or where otherwise required by law.
How does 988 work?
Anyone who calls 988 is answered by a trained crisis counselor from a national network of over 200 crisis centers. While calls are most likely routed to a center in the same state as the caller, there are nine national back up centers which also answer calls. The counselor will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.
What additional features does 988 have?
988 can be accessed via call, text, or chat in English and Spanish, but there is also access to an interpreter service for over 240 languages and dialects. Callers can also access a separate line dedicated to responding to crises for veterans (see section below). Connections are available to The Trevor Project, which helps LGBTQI+ youth and young adults up to age 24. Hearing impaired users can use their preferred relay service or call 711 and then 988.
What is the Veterans Crisis Line?
Accessed through the 988 line (then select option “1”), the Veterans Crisis Line serves Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. Callers do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call the crisis line. Like the main 988 line, trained counselors provide support and link callers to helpful resources. The Veterans Crisis Line does have its own dedicated website with veteran-specific information and resource links, including how to find care within the VA health care system.
Is 988 connected to 911?
988 can connect the caller to 911 emergency services (fire, police, ambulance) when there is an immediate risk to the 988 user’s life (a medical crisis or an active suicide attempt, for example). However, fewer than 2% of 988 calls require a transfer to 911.
How often is 988 used?
In its first full year of operation under the 988 number, around 5 million calls were received nationwide. This number is expected to increase as more people become aware of the crisis line.
How can I learn more about 988?
Check out the 988 website (988lifeline.org) for additional information and extensive resources, broken down into categories including:
- Individuals with neurodivergence
- Black mental health
- Maternal mental health
- Youth
- Disaster survivors
- Native American, Indian, Indigenous and Alaska Natives
- Veterans
- Loss survivors
- LGBTQI+
- Suicide attempt survivors
- Deaf, hard of hearing, hearing loss
We all know to call 911 for a life-threatening emergency. Learn to call 988 when you have emotional distress, or a mental health or suicide crisis.
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