The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
July 15, 2022
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
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. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.
How to get help
There are multiple places to turn if you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts.
- Starting Saturday, July 16, if you dial 988, you’ll be directed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
- If you want to reach MHMR directly, you can contact them by calling or texting 800-866-2465.
- You can also text 741741 or reach the online chat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.
- Veterans can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, and then press “1” to be routed to the Veterans Crisis Line.
All services are available 24/7 and are free and confidential. Live translation is available for people who do not speak English.
For more information, please visit 988lifeline.org