Are you in a crisis and not sure where to turn?
Call 988
A 988 crisis specialist will answer the phone, introduce themselves and be ready to listen and work with you to address your immediate needs and connect you to resources.
Text 988
Texting 988 will start a real-time conversation with a local crisis specialist ready to assist you, offer support and share resources that may be helpful.
Chat 988
When you chat 988, you will be prompted to complete a survey to share what you are experiencing before being connected to a crisis specialist.
Videophone
988 videophone allows deaf, deafblind, deaf disabled, hard of hearing, late-deafened or American Sign Language users to connect to ASL-Fluent crisis specialists.
What to Expect When You Contact
the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Confidential Support
Free and confidential support is provided to individuals in crisis-for any reason, at any time. This includes day, night, weekends and holidays. Trained crisis specialists offer non-judgmental support and comfort to anyone struggling.
A Safe Place
988 is a safe space to talk about suicide and other struggles you may be experiencing. Your safety is important. A crisis specialist will listen to you to understand what you are going through and how it’s affecting you, collaborate with you on a plan to keep you safe and provide resources.
Highly Trained Staff
Crisis specialists and are trained to be sensitive to your individual and cultural needs. They can provide support to Veterans, Service members, and their families, the deaf and hard of hearing community, LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, and more. They are available to hear about life’s struggles, support your safety, discuss ways to help you cope, and connect you to resources. You can also reach out to 988 if you are worried about someone you know. Whether you’re in distress or just want to talk about something on your mind, 988 is here to help.
Some Reasons To Reach Out
- Thoughts of suicide
- Emotional distress
- Substance use
- Worried about someone else
- Trauma
- General anxiety or depression
- Feeling lonely or hopeless
- Relationship or family problems
- Distress around sexual orientation
- Financial or job stress
- Trouble thinking clearly
Global Organizations
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): Offers psychosocial support in disaster and crisis situations. Homepage | IFRC
- Befrienders Worldwide: A global network of helplines providing emotional support to those in crisis. Befrienders Worldwide – Global Suicide Prevention
If you are experiencing a medical emergency or safety emergency requiring law enforcement, EMS or fire, call 911.
If you are experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or any other emotional distress, reach out to 988 in whatever way is most comfortable for you. 988 is here to help.