On July 16, 2022, our country transitioned to 988 as the easy-to-remember number to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
To reach the Lifeline, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors are available 24/7 to listen, understand how a callers problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if needed. One of the benefits of the Lifeline is that you can confidentially ask questions and receive information to help you find the support you need. And numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.
Please share this three digit 988 number with peers, colleagues, friends, and family; it may save a life!
*The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
The links below are provided to assist you with learning more about 988 and accessing crisis line services.
- To call, text, or chat with the Lifeline.
- To learn more about the history of 988.
- If you’re a Veteran, Service Member or loved one and want to know more about how 988 will affect the Veterans Crisis Line.
