Overwhelmed with thoughts of self-harm and in distress? Call 988.
988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:
- Thoughts of suicide.
- Mental-health or substance-use crisis.
- Any other kind of emotional distress.
The 988 Lifeline is a national network of more than 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health-related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis, via call, chat or text. The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S.
The 988 dialing code operates through what was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Congress designated 988 in 2020 and the Lifeline transitioned to the three-digit number in July 2022. As part of the federal government’s commitment to addressing the mental-health crisis in America, unprecedented federal resources have been invested to scale up crisis centers in support of 988.
“988 is more than a number, it is a message: We’re there for you. Through this and other actions, we are treating mental health as a priority and putting crisis care in reach for more Americans,” U.S. Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra said.
For more information about 988 and its services, visit 988lifeline.org.