Are you in a crisis? Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741

¿Estás en una crisis? Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 988 o envía un mensaje de texto con AYUDA al 741741

Man holding phone ready to dial 988

The 988 dialing code is available nationwide for call (multiple languages), text or chat (English and Spanish). 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (although the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number for the Lifeline will continue to function indefinitely). AFSP has worked with Congressional partners, other non-profit coalition members, and mental health agencies to lead the charge for a 3-digit suicide prevention, mental health, and substance use crisis hotline. From advocating for the Lifeline itself to encouraging budget allocations for the Lifeline’s implementation and maintenance, AFSP has been at the forefront of this movement. AFSP supports increases in federal and state funding for the future 988 crisis response system, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and its network of independently operated state and local crisis centers. Download our issue brief to learn more about AFSP’s policy position and efforts to support the 988 Lifeline and crisis response services.

988 is now available nationwide

About 988 and Crisis Response Services

As of July 16, 2022, 988 is the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now called the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Anyone, anywhere in the U.S. can now call, chat, or text 988 and receive resources and supports during a suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis. Connecting a national network of over 180 independently operated state and local crisis call centers, 988 links callers throughout the U.S. to immediate crisis care. Ideally, callers are connected with a local counselor in their own state. However, if the local center is unable to answer, the Lifeline reroutes calls to backup centers in their network, both in- and out-of-state. Currently, the Lifeline provides live crisis center call, text, and chat services in English and Spanish and uses Language Line Solutions to provide caller translation services in over 240 additional languages.

The recent transition from the Lifeline’s 1-800-273-8255 number to the easily memorable 3-digit 988 dialing code represents a monumental opportunity to transform the way we as a country respond to suicide, mental health, and substance use crises. However, insufficient funding and limited capacity to respond to an increasing call volume could hinder the positive impact 988 can have. As the Lifeline’s national and local call centers have geared up for the transition to 988, AFSP has been advocating for increased funding to expand the Lifeline’s capacity, infrastructure, and workforce.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) predicted that, in the first year of 988 operations, contacts to the Lifeline would increase more than twofold. This massive increase in demand must be met with adequate resources and supports so that anyone in crisis, regardless of where they are or what time it is, has someone to talk to, someone to respond, and somewhere to go. It is vital that 988 serves as a bridge across the entire crisis care continuum, from call centers to mobile crisis response teams to crisis stabilization facilities, and critical investments will make this possible. While the transition to 988 is just the beginning, and fully realizing a broad, comprehensive crisis response system will likely take years, AFSP has been working hard to urge Congress and state legislatures to take the necessary steps now to sufficiently meet the rising demand for suicide, mental health, and substance use crisis services.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 and 911

The ultimate goal of 988 is to provide an effective alternative to 911 and law enforcement response to a suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis, so that individuals experiencing a crisis can receive appropriate and supportive assistance during their time of need. Far too often, a mental health call to 911 has resulted in tragedy for those who require a mental health response to their emergency. The 988 and 911 systems will need to be closely coordinated to seamlessly allow referral of callers for appropriate care or response that addresses the unique circumstances present with each crisis encounter. SAMHSA is actively engaged with 911 counterparts at the federal, state, and local levels to plan for smooth coordination between the two services.

Currently, 988 does not have geolocation services, which means that if a person reaches out to the Lifeline by phone, chat, or text, their exact location cannot be tracked or automatically shared with law enforcement. Most calls to the Lifeline result in de-escalation and the dissemination of resources and follow-up services without requiring an in-person response. The Lifeline’s counselors do not need a caller’s location to connect them with relevant mental health resources, unless the caller specifically wants information on local programs and supports. Callers also do not need to disclose any personal information to receive assistance from Lifeline counselors.

988 is intended to provide support and services, with an eye towards person-centered treatment and stabilization through the least invasive intervention possible. While occasionally crisis centers must work with emergency services to ensure the safety of a person who is in immediate danger, the reality is that these instances are rare and only occur when the caller is at the highest level of risk – resulting in fewer than 2% of Lifeline calls requiring in-person emergency response. The Lifeline’s Imminent Risk Policy outlines when call information should be shared with emergency services. In these cases, the connections only occur when rigorous criteria for an active rescue is met – such as an ongoing suicide attempt when the caller’s imminent safety is at risk. When a caller is determined to be at imminent risk, crisis counselors are responsible for connecting with public safety answering points (PSAPs) to provide any available information to assist the PSAP in locating the individual and ensuring their safety. Click here to learn more from Vibrant, the current administrator of the Lifeline.

Going forward, SAMHSA and Vibrant will work with emergency services at the federal, state, and local levels to strengthen the protections for those contacting 988 and to preserve their privacy and ensure their safety. 

Supporting 988 Post-Launch Through Federal & State Advocacy

AFSP Resources

Funding for 988 and Crisis Response issue brief

Funding for 988 and Crisis Response issue brief

Learn more about AFSP’s work to support the Lifeline and advocate for federal and state funding for crisis services.

The State of 988

The State of 988

A quick snapshot of the history of 988 and related implementation efforts.

Man holding phone ready to dial 988

New 988 Crisis Lifeline Number is Historic, Underscores Continued Advocacy to Reimagine Crisis

Thanks to AFSP advocates, organizational partners, elected officials and thousands more, the new 9-8-8 three digit dialing code to call, text or chat for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is now available nationwide. A new era in suicide prevention has arrived in the United States with an easy to remember number.

Frequently Asked Questions: 988 & Crisis Response Services

Frequently Asked Questions: 988 & Crisis Response Services

This FAQ from AFSP and Vibrant helps answer questions from legislators and other decision-makers about 988 legislation and state budget funding.

Washington Post full-page partner ad

Washington Post full-page partner ad

Ad placed in the Washington Post and signed by AFSP and ten other mental health and suicide prevention partners.

Office telephone

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Response Services: What They Are and How We Can Support Them

Learn simple steps anyone can take to support crisis services in your community.

U.S. Congress

AFSP Action Center

View related federal and state legislation and take action to support 988 and other top AFSP policy priorities.

Other Helpful Resources

988 Partner Toolkit from SAMHSA

988 Partner Toolkit

Find SAMHSA’s 988 resources and information for states, territories, tribes, and mental health and substance use disorder professionals, including toolkits, messaging content, and FAQs.

Reimagine Crisis Response

#ReimagineCrisis Response

AFSP is proud to be part of this NAMI-led initiative that brings together diverse organizations to reimagine how we respond to those experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis.

We Can #ReimagineCrisis

#ReimagineCrisis 988 State Advocacy toolkit

Includes a 988 State Advocacy Question & Answer, a collaborative effort by AFSP, NAMI, and Vibrant to guide advocates and address other commonly asked questions.

988 Formative Research

988 Formative Research

The 988 Formative Research Project fills a critical research gap and supports more informed 988 messaging and implementation efforts.

Overview of Crisis Funding Sources Available to States and Localities

Crisis Now: Overview of Crisis Funding Sources Available to State and Localities

A reference tool for states and counties seeking to understand the primary sources of crisis services funding available to them. It summarizes the funding sources, amounts, and allowable uses.

Consensus Approach and Recommendations for the Creation of a Comprehensive Crisis Response System

A Consensus Approach and Recommendations for the Creation of a Comprehensive Crisis Response System

A roadmap to guide mental health crisis response created by 15 of the nation’s leading mental health professional organizations, advocacy groups, and funders, including AFSP.

National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care toolkit

National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care

Read SAMHSA’s framework for efficient and successful services across the entire crisis care continuum.

States' options and choices in financing 988 and crisis services systems

988 - Transforming Crisis Systems Resources

NASMHPD provides resources to support state and territorial mental and behavioral health authorities with expanding and implementing 988 services.

988 state model legislation

988 State Model Legislation

NASMHPD provides a model bill for core state behavioral health crisis services systems (endorsed by AFSP) to provide a template for states when developing their 988 legislation.

988

Vibrant and 988

Learn more from Vibrant, the current administrator of the Lifeline, about the 988 transition, including usage projections and crisis center cost estimates.

Vibrant & NASMHPD's State-by-State Legislative Analysis of Funding for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Vibrant & NASMHPD's State-by-State Legislative Analysis of Funding for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Summarizes and links to legislative approaches taken by states to finance 988 during their 2022 sessions.

SAMHSA's National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care

SAMHSA's National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care

Provides a framework for states and localities to consider as they develop or expand their crisis safety net for youth and families.

Two women talking in a counseling session

County Funding Opportunities to Support Community Members Experiencing a Behavioral Health Crisis

A funding chart from the National Association of Counties to help county leaders identify possible funding streams to build and strengthen local behavioral health crisis response continuums.

Lifeline: the 988 podcast

Lifeline: The 988 Podcast

Learn all about 988 in this nine-part limited series podcast, hosted by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute and NAMI.

Available Hotlines

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Phone, text, and chat support available 24/7
Dial 988 (English & Spanish, plus translation services in 240+ more languages)
Text 988 (English & Spanish)
For Veterans (Veterans Crisis Line) – 988 (press 1) or text 838255
En Español – 988 (oprima 2)
For LGBTQ youth and young adults (up to age 25) – 988 (press 3)
Deaf + Hard of Hearing - For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
Lifeline Chat — English and Spanish

Crisis Text Line – Text support available 24/7 
Text TALK to 741-741

Trevor Lifeline – Phone, chat, and text support for LGBTQ youth
1-866-488-7386 (available 24/7)
Text START to 678-678 (available M-F 3-10pm Eastern/ 12-7pm Pacific)

Trans Lifeline – Phone support for transgender people, by transgender people available 10am-4am Eastern
1-877-565-8860

SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline – Peer support and resources for older LGBTQ adults available 24/7
877-360-LGBT (5428)