Overview
988 is the national mental health crisis lifeline. A free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can call or text 988 from anywhere in the United States to reach a trained crisis counselor who will listen, provide support, and help connect you to local resources if needed.
988 launched nationally in July 2022, replacing the previous 10-digit crisis hotline number. It is operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and staffed by a network of local and national crisis centers. When you call or text, you are connected to a counselor as quickly as possible — and your call stays local whenever possible.
988 is for more than just suicide. It is the right number to call any time someone is experiencing a mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis, whether or not suicide is involved.
When to Call or Text 988
Call or text 988 any time you or someone you know is experiencing:
- Suicidal thoughts or feelings
- Thoughts of self-harm
- A mental health crisis or breakdown
- Severe anxiety, panic, or overwhelming distress
- A substance use crisis
- Emotional crisis related to a disability, trauma, or difficult life situation
- Concern about a loved one who may be in crisis
You do not need to be in immediate danger to call. If something feels wrong, if you’re scared for yourself or for someone you love, 988 is the right call.
How to Reach 988
- Call: Dial 988 from any phone
- Text: Text 988 from any mobile device
- Chat: Visit 988lifeline.org to chat online
- Spanish: Press 2 after dialing for Spanish-language support
- LGBTQ+: Press 3 after dialing for the LGBTQ+ specialized support line
- Veterans: Press 1 after dialing for the Veterans Crisis Line, staffed by VA staff
All contacts are free and confidential. No insurance is required. No personal information is required to receive support.
For Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families
Families navigating disability services carry significant stress, caregiving burnout, grief, uncertainty about the future, system frustration, and isolation are common experiences that rarely get acknowledged. 988 is not only for the person with a disability, it is equally for parents, siblings, caregivers, and anyone supporting a loved one who is struggling.
If your family member has a communication or cognitive difference that makes a phone call difficult, a trusted support person can call 988 on their behalf. Crisis counselors are trained to support callers who are reaching out for someone else, not just themselves.
For individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:
- Videophone: Call 1-800-446-9876 for ASL-based crisis support
- TTY: Dial 711 then 988
- Chat: 988lifeline.org — the chat option does not require voice communication
What Happens When You Call
- You will hear a brief message and be connected to a local crisis center counselor as quickly as possible
- The counselor will listen without judgment and help you work through the immediate crisis
- If needed, they can help connect you to local mental health services, follow-up support, or emergency services
- You stay in control of the conversation. You are not required to provide your name or location
988 counselors do not automatically dispatch emergency services. Their goal is to provide support and help de-escalate the crisis. Emergency services (911) are only contacted in situations where there is immediate, imminent danger and no other option is available.
Other Crisis Resources
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 — free, 24/7 text-based crisis support
- Washington Recovery Help Line: 1-866-789-1511 — substance use, problem gambling, and mental health crisis support for Washington residents
- Lourdes Counseling Center — Tri-Cities: (509) 943-9104 — local mental health services and crisis support
- Kadlec Behavioral Health: (509) 946-4600 — inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services in Richland
If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Crisis Text Line | Washington Recovery Help Line | SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
FAQ
Is 988 only for people thinking about suicide?
No. 988 is for any mental health, emotional, or substance use crisis. You don’t need to be suicidal to call — if you’re in distress or worried about someone, that’s enough reason.
Will calling 988 automatically send police to my house?
No. 988 counselors do not automatically contact emergency services. Their goal is to support you through the crisis. Emergency services are only involved as an absolute last resort when there is immediate, imminent risk to life and no other option is available.
Can I call on behalf of someone else?
Yes. You can call 988 if you are worried about a family member, friend, or loved one. Counselors are trained to support people calling for others and can help you figure out how to help.
Is there a cost?
No. 988 is completely free. No insurance, no personal information, and no payment required.
What if my family member has difficulty communicating by phone?
Use the online chat at 988lifeline.org, which requires no voice communication, or contact a trusted support person who can call on their behalf.
