988 is new suicide prevention lifeline
MENTAL HEALTH
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, can be more easily reached by calling or texting 988, or chatting on 988lifeline.org.
988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where people live in the U.S., they can easily access 24/7 emotional support. They do not have to be suicidal to reach out. Trained crisis counselors will help callers through whatever mental health challenges they are experiencing.
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
The Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005 and has been proven to be effective. It’s the counselors at these local crisis centers who answer the contacts the Lifeline receives every day.
Those who call 988 will hear a greeting message while their call is being routed to a local crisis center within the Lifeline network, based on the caller’s area code.
Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.
