988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: How It Works

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential support line that anyone in the United States can reach around the clock. If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, or substance use concerns, you can call or text 988, or chat online, and connect with a trained crisis counselor. This guide explains what 988 is, how it works, who it is for, and what typically happens when you reach out, so the idea of contacting it feels less unfamiliar.

If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, call 911. For emotional or mental health support that does not involve an immediate medical emergency, 988 is designed to help.

What the 988 Lifeline is

988 is a three-digit number, similar in spirit to 911, that connects callers in the US to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a national network of local and regional crisis centers. It launched in July 2022 and is overseen by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It replaced the older 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-8255, or 1-800-273-TALK), which still routes to the same network for people who have it saved.

When you contact 988, your call, text, or chat is generally directed to a nearby crisis center staffed by trained counselors. If a local center is busy, the system routes you to a backup center so someone can still respond.

Ways to reach 988

You can connect in the way that feels most comfortable to you:

There are also specialized options. Military veterans and service members can press 1 (or text 838255) to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Spanish-language services are available by pressing 2 or through a dedicated Spanish text and chat. LGBTQI+ callers, including young people, can reach counselors with relevant training. Availability of specific options can change, so the details on 988lifeline.org are the most current.

Who 988 is for

A common misconception is that 988 is only for people who are actively attempting suicide. In reality, it is meant for a much wider range of situations. You can reach out if you are feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, anxious, or emotionally exhausted; if you are worried about a friend or family member; if you are coping with a substance use crisis; or if you simply need someone to talk to who is trained to listen. You do not have to be in immediate danger, and you do not need a diagnosis, to call. Reaching out early, before a situation escalates, is exactly what the line is there for.

What happens when you contact 988

When you call, you will typically hear a brief greeting and then be connected with a trained crisis counselor. The counselor’s role is to listen without judgment, help you feel calmer and safer, and talk with you about what you are going through. They may ask questions to understand your situation, discuss ways to cope in the moment, and, if it would help, share information about local resources or ongoing support. Text and chat conversations follow a similar approach in written form.

Conversations are confidential. Counselors focus on collaborating with you and respecting your autonomy. Involving emergency services is not the usual outcome of a call; it is reserved for situations where there appears to be an imminent risk to life that cannot be resolved another way. Many people find that simply talking things through provides meaningful relief.

Helping someone else reach out

If you are worried about another person, you can call or text 988 yourself to talk through how to support them, and you can share the number with them directly. Being present, listening, and encouraging professional support are powerful forms of help. For more on this, see our practical guides on supporting someone with depression and helping someone through anxiety. You can find more mental health resources across our evidence-based wellness guides.

Frequently asked questions

Is 988 really free? Yes. Calls, texts, and chats to 988 are free and confidential, and the service is available 24/7 across the US.

Do I have to be suicidal to call? No. 988 is for anyone in emotional distress or a mental health or substance use crisis, including people who just need to talk or who are worried about someone else.

Will calling send the police to my home? Usually not. Counselors work with you and focus on support; contacting emergency services is uncommon and reserved for situations involving imminent danger to life.

What if I prefer not to talk on the phone? You can text 988 or use the chat at 988lifeline.org and communicate entirely in writing.

Does the old 1-800 number still work? Yes. 1-800-273-8255 still connects to the same Lifeline network, but 988 is quicker to dial and remember.

Can I call about a family member’s substance use? Yes. 988 also supports people navigating substance use crises, whether for themselves or a loved one.

Sources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org) — how the service works, contact options, and specialized lines
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — 988 overview and crisis care
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — suicide prevention and getting help in a crisis
• MedlinePlus — suicide, crisis support, and mental health resources