WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT 988, THE NEW MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS HOTLINE The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Lifeline) launched nationwide on July 16, 2022. Similar to calling 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can dial the three-digit code 988.
ABOUT 988
The Lifeline was launched in 2005 and has received more than 20 million calls from people in distress. There are several ways to reach a trained counselor:
Chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat
Call 988
Text 988
WHY IS THERE A NEW PHONE NUMBER?
Counselors can offer guidance on helping a friend or loved one navigate a mental health emergency. Experts worried that the former 1-800-273-8255 Lifeline number was difficult to remember during a crisis, so a three-digit dialing code was launched nationwide. It’s a new number, but not a new service.
WHO SHOULD CALL?
Anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can call 988. Counselors are trained in handling various mental health issues, including self-harm, addiction and suicidal ideation
You can also call on behalf of someone else. Counselors can offer guidance on helping a friend or loved one navigate a mental health emergency.
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online