Everyone in the U.S. has access to 988, a three-digit suicide prevention and mental health crisis lifeline.

988 is an important number for everyone to know. Here are some basics about 988.

What is 988?

988 is a quick way to get real-time crisis support near you. You can call 988 to get help for yourself or for someone you care about. The 988 system is supported by the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255).

When should I call 988? Do I have to be suicidal to call?

You can call 24/7 any time you or a loved one is having a mental health crisis. Crisis can be different for everyone, but if it feels like a mental health crisis to you, you should call.

Common reasons for people to call 988 include:

Having thoughts of suicide
Feeling depressed
Difficulties coping with stress
Needing advice on how to help a family member

Some callers need help with substance use, self-harm or feelings of wanting to hurt others.

How is calling 988 different from calling 911?

When you call 911, you speak to a 911 operator who sends help to you and then gets off the phone. When you call 988, you are connected right away with the crisis worker who will help you. Almost 90% of crisis calls to the lifeline are resolved over the phone. So calling 988 is a way to get help in-the-moment.

When should I call 911 instead?

If you or someone else is in immediate, life-threatening danger or has already hurt themselves, call 911 so help can be sent to you right away.

Where can I learn more?

There are many ways to get help during a mental health crisis:

You can access the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Opens in a new window by calling 988 or 1-800-273-8255 to connect via phone. Press 2 for Spanish.
If you do not wish to talk on the phone, you can connect to the Lifeline by texting 988 or by chat.*
If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have severe speech impairment, you can reach the Lifeline by dialing 711 and then 1-800-273-8255, by texting 988, or by chat.
If you or your loved one is a veteran or service member, you can reach the Veterans Crisis Line – a special line focused on supporting the unique needs of active-duty military and veterans – by dialing 988 and pressing 1. The Veterans Crisis Line can also be reached by texting 838255 or by chat.
You can reach out to the Trevor Project, which supports LGBTQ young people, by phone (1-866-488-7386), text (text START to 678-678) or chat.

For more information about starting the conversation on mental health, visit:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Reaching Out for Help: A #RealConvo Guide. Accessed June 18, 2024.
Optum. How to talk about mental health: Conversation starters. Accessed June 18, 2024.
Seize the Awkward. Starting the conversation. Accessed June 18, 2024.

988: The number for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support