What is 988?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) is the national three-digit hotline that provides confidential and free crisis support available 24/7/365. It connects people experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis with trained crisis counselors.
When Should I Contact 988?
You may call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for yourself or if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
There is no reason too big or too small to reach out to 988. There are many reasons for reaching out to 988 beyond thoughts of suicide. Some examples include:
- Mental health crisis
- Substance use challenges
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
- Relationship troubles
- Loneliness
Call services with interpreters are available in more than 240 languages.
What happens when I call 988?
When you call 988, you will hear a greeting and a menu. The menu gives you choices to connect with specially trained crisis counselors. If you pick an option, your call goes to that a crisis counselor with the special training you selected. If you don’t pick, you will be connected to a local crisis counselor who will introduce themselves, check on your safety, listen, provide support, and help you find resources.
What happens when I text 988?
When you text 988, you will get a few messages with options for veterans or Spanish-speaking support. If you don’t need those, reply “NEXT.” Then, you will answer a few quick questions so we know how to help. Keep following the prompts while we connect you with a crisis counselor.
What happens when I chat 988?
When you click the chat link, you will be directed to fill out a short survey. It The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and helps the crisis counselor understand how best to support you. After you click “Start a chat” you will see a message that you’re being connected to a crisis counselor. Once you’re connected, the crisis counselor will introduce themselves, check on your safety, listen, provide support, and help you find resources.
