988

Image of a woman looking out the window, along with logos for 9-8-8 in English and Spanish

What is 988?

Starting July 16, 2022, you can dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 

When you dial 988:

  • Remain on the line to reach a trained counselor.
  • Press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
  • Press 2 to reach the Spanish sub-network. / Para Español, marque número dos.

How can 988 help?

988 helps people who are in emotional or suicidal distress by providing emotional support and connecting them to local resources. 

Who can call 988?

ANYONE who needs emotional or suicidal support, or who needs help connecting to resources can call.  Calls are FREE and confidential.

What are their hours?

988 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

What call center will my call go to?

Calls are directed to local call centers according to your phone number's area code.  

Who answers the phone when I call?

Calls to 988 are answered by trained counselors.

988 Counselors Can:

  • Listen to you and provide emotional support.
  • Help connect you to other resources.
  • During a mental health crisis, they can help connect you to your local crisis center. 

988 Counselors Cannot:

  • Provide emergency services like 911 can.
  • Provide licensed counseling or therapy.  They are trained to respond to a mental health crisis, but they are not licensed counselors or therapists.
  • Make direct referrals to other agencies for you.  However, they can provide you with information about other agencies and how to reach them.