988 Suicide & Crisis lifeline
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or overuse of alcohol or other drugs, please call 988 or text helpline to 898211 to speak with a trained crisis resource specialist. Your call will be answered 24/7, at no cost and is confidential.
What to expect when you call 988:
- First, you’ll hear a message telling you that you’ve reached the 988 Suicide & Crisis
Lifeline. You’ll then listen to hold music while you’re being connected with a trained
crisis worker. - The crisis counselor will join the line and listen to you, understand how your problem is impacting you, while providing necessary support and resources.
- Talking with the crisis counselor about your feelings can be the first step in saving your, a friend or family member’s life.
Determining When to Call 911 vs 988: Mental Health Emergency or
Crisis?
While 911 is for immediate, life-threatening emergencies, 988 serves as a resource for
those experiencing a mental health crisis.
A mental health emergency is a life-threatening situation and necessitates an immediate response from law enforcement or paramedics. A person may be actively trying to harm themselves or someone else. In other situations, a person may be out of touch with reality, be unable to function properly, or may be out of control. Examples include an active suicide threat, self-injury that needs medical attention, severe intoxication, or
apparent drug overdose.
A mental health crisis is not life-threatening. Intervention may be possible without an
immediate response from law enforcement or paramedics. Examples of a mental health
crisis includes talking about suicide or planning to harm oneself, overuse of drugs or
alcohol, or extreme depression, anxiety, or other mental illness symptoms.
NOTICE: LGBTQ+ Subnetwork Closure:
Effective July 17, 2025, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has deactivated the press 3 and type PRIDE options. We know that help seekers who rely on this service may have questions, but we assure you that anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help.
Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress.
For more information, contact the following resources:
- Read the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) official statement, click here.
- Click here to contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline submit a question, complaint or learn more.
