988 Crisis Hotline

First, you’ll hear a message telling you that you’ve reached the 988 Suicide & Crisis  Lifeline. You’ll then listen to hold music while you’re being connected with a trained crisis worker at the crisis center closest to you. This person will ask you to describe your crisis, listen to you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful. 

While 911 is for immediate, life-threatening emergencies, 988 serves as a resource for those experiencing a mental health crisis. A mental health emergency is a life-threatening situation and necessitates an immediate response from law enforcement or paramedics. A person may be actively trying to harm themselves or someone else. In other situations, a person may be out of touch with reality, be unable to function properly, or may be out of control. Examples include an active suicide threat, self-injury that needs medical attention, severe intoxication, or apparent drug overdose. A mental health crisis is not life-threatening. Intervention may be possible without an immediate response from law enforcement or paramedics. Examples of a mental health crisis includes talking about suicide or planning to harm oneself, overuse of drugs or alcohol, or extreme depression, anxiety, or other mental illness symptoms.