Anyone in need of crisis support for themselves or someone else should call 988. You can also call 988 just to talk about any behavioral health related concerns. 988 is an opportunity to transform our country’s behavioral health system to respond to anyone in need. The Lifeline accepts calls from anyone who is suicidal or in emotional distress, as well as those experiencing substance misuse, relationship concerns, trauma or anxiety.

When a person calls the 988 Lifeline on a cell phone, their call will be sent automatically to a crisis call center near their approximate physical location. The lifeline will not receive detailed information about the exact "pinpoint" location of callers. When a person calls the 988 Lifeline on a landline, calls will be directed based off their area code. 

988 is designed to collaborate with 911 centers to assist with mental health calls when necessary. Most of the time, your call will stay with the 988 Helpline Center for behavioral health needs and resources, and for callers who may be suicidal but do not require dispatch. In fact, based on data provided by Lifeline call centers, approximately 98% of answered Lifeline calls do not require an emergency response.

988 will work with 911 for calls requiring an emergency medical response or law enforcement response. Of the 2% of callers that do require emergency response, over 60% of those calls are ones where the caller agrees that emergency services are needed and collaborates with the Lifeline counselor to receive those services.

Chat (English and Spanish) is available through the Lifeline’s website at 988lifeline.org/chat. People seeking chat services are provided a pre-chat survey before connecting with a counselor, who identifies the main area of concern. If there is a wait to chat with a crisis counselor, a wait-time message will appear. Once you are connected, a crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful.

When someone texts to 988, they are responded to by a group of Lifeline crisis centers that answer both chats and texts. Once you are connected, a crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful. Currently, texting is available in English and Spanish.

211 is a non-emergency number for finding community resources, such as food banks and shelters. 911 is currently used for all emergencies, including mental health emergencies. Despite their best efforts, 911 dispatchers usually have not received specific training on how to handle mental health and suicide related calls. That’s where 988 comes in. 988 is a behavioral health crisis number, and calls are handled by trained counselors to assist people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis

All 988 contacts are kept 100% confidential. You’re also not required to share any personal information to receive services through 988. Your privacy is our priority.

988 is a free service. If you contact the Lifeline, you aren’t required to share any payment or insurance information. Standard data rates for texts and calls may apply.