The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Changes Numbers!
For years the suicide hotline number has been 800-273-8255; as of Saturday, July 16th, 2022, the new number is 988. Persons experiencing mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises may now call or text 988. This number is also serving the Veteran’s Crisis Line. The 800-273-8255 number will continue to operate.
Persons contacting the 988 number will hear a brief recorded message while their call is routed to a local network crisis center or the national backup crisis center. The crisis line will use a language interpreter interpretation service to assist people in over 250 languages. For the time being, the text function is available in English only. Chat is available in English through suicidepreventionlifeline.org;. Before initiating the chat, the “user” can complete a brief survey to help clarify the main area of concern.
The new three-digit dialing code will connect a person or the family member or loved one of someone experiencing mental health-related distress – thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline provides compassionate, accessible care and support. A trained crisis counselor will respond to calls, texts, or chats, pay attention to what the individual is communicating and attempt to understand how their problem affects them, provide support, and share resources as appropriate.
A call to 911 usually results in police or emergency medical response to the crisis. The 988 calls may be a favorable alternative for offering support to a person, their family, and loved ones when there is a suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. The “in the moment” care focused on the needs of the person in crisis may diminish the need for additional services. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), fewer than two percent of those contacting the hotline in the past required 911 assistance. When a situation occurs where the imminent risk to someone’s life persists, the crisis counselor may share information with 911 to save a person’s life
If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one? Please call or text 988 and get the support and assistance you need!.