What is 988, and how will it save lives?
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW NATIONAL NUMBER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE CRISES
Chances are, the first phone number you ever learned was 911. It gets drilled into our heads pretty early that those three digits will help us out during an emergency. But it turns out that not every emergency can (or should) be solved by calling 911, including mental health emergencies.
It shouldn’t be hard to get help during a crisis, but remembering the 10-digit phone number for a hotline certainly isn’t the easiest. That’s why the launch of 988 is such a huge step in bridging the gap between people and the care they need. Here’s everything you need to know about the new national number for mental health and substance use crises.
What is 988?
988 is a three-digit phone number that connects you to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Think of it like 911 for mental health and substance use emergencies.
Counselors on the other end of the line are there to listen, understand your problem, provide support, and share any local resources that may be helpful. If you’re worried about someone else, you can also call 988 on their behalf (or encourage them to call) to find them the help they need.
What can you call 988 for?
Suicide prevention is definitely one of the goals for 988, but you can also call if you’re in emotional distress, experiencing a mental health crisis, struggling with substance use, or just need some support.
Who answers 988?
Trained crisis counselors from the Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers answer 988 calls. You’re routed to the crisis center closest to you based on your area code. If your local center isn’t available for whatever reason, you’ll get connected to the national backup network.
Can you text 988?
Yes, you can text 988! You’ll get connected to the Lifeline, and be able to receive support and resources via text. This was ordered by the FCC to make 988 more accessible. It’s a more convenient option for young people, people with disabilities, or people living in a hostile environment who need to get help in a more confidential way.
Where is 988 available?
988 operates nationwide in the United States. You can use the number in any state or the five major U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
Does 988 use police intervention?
It’s a possibility (a small one, but a possibility nonetheless). According to the Lifeline, less than 2% of calls get emergency services (911, police, sheriffs) involved, and more than half of those had the caller’s consent to do so.
The Lifeline will only contact emergency services if you’re an immediate risk to your own safety or the safety of someone else, and a less invasive plan can’t be worked out on the call. If they can help it, crisis counselors want to work with you on a safety plan that doesn’t involve police intervention, relying instead on the support of loved ones and mental health professionals.
How was 988 established?
After a vote from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and bipartisan legislation from Congress in 2020, 988 was officially designated as the “universal telephone number for the purpose of the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system.” 988 launched nationwide on July 16, 2022.
As mandated by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, 988 will eventually also offer specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth. The timeline for that depends on which LGBTQ-focused organization is chosen to provide those services for 988. Conversations are ongoing, but it’ll be at least a few months before LGBTQ+ services are implemented.
How is 988 funded?
988 relies on the network of local crisis centers that operate the Lifeline, and they already struggle with funding, staffing, and other resources. There’s some funding coming in at the federal level to support the Lifeline, and states have also been given the authority to create new telecommunications fees to support 988. However, as of July 2022, most states still haven’t passed any legislation to fund or implement 988.
With the launch of 988, the volume of calls is going to increase dramatically in most places. That’s why it’s more important than ever to support your local crisis centers, including calling on your representatives to pass legislation to fund them.
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The launch of 988 is just the first step in a larger vision for crisis support and services in the U.S. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is on a mission to transform our current system so that everyone can access specialized, community-based care when they need it most.
To truly care for our nation’s mental health, we need mobile crisis units, stabilization centers, peer respite centers, and more. 988 will save lives. And it’s just the beginning.