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In this article:
- It’s been two years since 988, the three-digit dialing code that connects people with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, was launched.
- The service is free and available to all cellphone and land line users 24 hours a day, seven days a week via text, chat or phone call.
- Since its founding, 988 has expanded services for Spanish speakers, LGBTQI+ youth and young adults and people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and has answered 10 million contacts.
On July 16, 2022, 988, the three-digit dialing code launched, connecting people with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Since then, 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, has expanded services and answered more than 10 million calls, text and chats from people experiencing a mental health emergency.
Dialing 988 connects those in crisis or their loved ones with compassionate, accessible care. The service is available to anyone experiencing any kind of mental health crisis, whether that is suicidal thoughts, a mental health or substance-use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. 988 is also available to those who are worried about a friend or loved one experiencing a mental health crisis.
This 988 number is available to all landline and cellphone users and provides callers with access to a network of over 200 local and state funded crisis centers. 988 callers experiencing a mental health crisis or who are suicidal are connected with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and connected with a crisis counselor for resources and referrals, or where available, connection with a mobile crisis unit.
In addition to the millions of connections made through 988, the Lifeline has expanded services for Spanish speakers, LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults and people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing following a $1.5 billion investment by the Biden-Harris Administration.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), between 2011 and 2022, over half a million lives (539,810) were lost to suicide, with 2022 showing the highest number of deaths on record. Within this period, the adjusted suicide rate increased by 16%.
The KFF’s analysis of data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that in 2022, the highest number of gun-related suicides on record; increases in firearm suicides are driving the increases in overall suicide deaths in recent years. Suicide death rates in 2021 were highest among American Indian and Alaska Native people, males, and people who live in rural areas. Suicide deaths are increasing fastest among people of color, younger people, and those who live in rural areas with many groups seeing increases of 30% or more from 2011 to 2021.
What you need to know about 988
What happens when I call 988?
The 988 dialing code is available nationwide for calls, text and chats in English and Spanish. There are also specialty services available, including access to help in over 240 languages via 988’s Language Translation Line. Specialized services, including videophone for American Sign Language, are also available for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults and veterans. Those experiencing a mental health-related or suicidal crisis, or those seeking to help a loved one through a crisis, can also call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
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 will answer the phone, listen to the caller, understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support, and share resources if needed. If the local crisis center is unable to take the call, the caller will be automatically routed to a national backup crisis center. The Lifeline provides live crisis center phone services in English and Spanish and uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional languages for people who call 988.
Does 988 have chat and text features?
Yes. Both are available in English and Spanish on the hotline number. Chat is available through the Lifeline’s website, suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat People seeking chat services will be provided a pre-chat survey before connecting with a counselor that identifies the main area of concern. If there is a wait to chat with a crisis counselor, a wait-time message will appear. If demand is high, individuals can access the Lifeline’s helpful resources while waiting or call 1-800-273-8255.
Once connected, a crisis counselor will listen to you, work to understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share resources that may be helpful. When someone texts to 988, they will be responded to by a group of Lifeline crisis centers that respond to chat and text. This service will expand over the next few years to increase local and state level response. Once connected, a crisis counselor will listen to you, work to understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share resources that may be helpful.
Is calling 988 different than calling 911?
Yes. 988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. 988 will provide easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).
Is this service free?
Yes. The Lifeline responds in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as chats or texts from anyone who needs mental health-related or suicide crisis support and connects them with trained crisis counselors. The support and service received from the crisis counselors is provided at no charge to those who use the service; however, standard data rates from telecommunication mobile carriers may apply to those who text to the Lifeline. If monetary assistance is needed for communications needs, please see www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers for more information.
Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for more information.
How do I reach 988’s specialized services?
Military Veterans, service members, and their families can reach the VCL by dialing 988 then pressing option 1, texting 838255, or chatting online at veteranscrisisline.net.
Spanish speakers can connect directly to Spanish speaking crisis counselors by calling 988 and pressing option 2, texting “AYUDA” to 988, or chatting online at 988lineadevida.org or 988Lifeline.org.
Youth and young adults seeking specialized services for LGBTQI+ can call 988 and select option 3, text PRIDE to 988, or chat 988Lifeline.org.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced care practitioner (ACP)
If you have questions about behavioral health services, Swedish is here for you. Contact Swedish Behavioral Health and Well-Being. We can accommodate both in-person and virtual visits.
If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from PTSD, talk to a health care professional, whether it’s a trusted primary care provider or a recommended counselor. If it’s an emergency situation, call the 24/7 crisis line at 988 or go to the emergency room.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. You can also connect virtually with your provider to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
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Additional resources
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Coping with PTSD: symptoms, causes and treatments
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