How it Works

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national service that offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 

When calling 988, callers first hear a greeting message while their call is routed to the local Lifeline Network Crisis Center (based on the caller’s area code). A trained crisis counselor answers the phone, listens to the caller, attempts to understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support, and shares resources if needed. If the local crisis center is unable to take the call, the caller is automatically routed to a national backup crisis center. The Lifeline provides live crisis center phone services in English and Spanish as well as uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional languages for people who call 988.​​ 

• 24 hour Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-272-8255 

• 24 hour Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• 24 Hour SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746

• Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-366-8288  

• Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 

• 24 hour LGBTQ Trevor Project Lifeline: 866-488-7386, or text START to 678678

• Veteran Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 ext. 1 (24 Hours) 

• Domestic Violence Support: 1-815-729-1228 (24 Hours) ​