988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Goes Live

July 16, 2022 the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) went live. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health crises. The overall vision of the Lifeline is to include additional crisis services across the country, similar to the way emergency medical services are provided through 911. 

It is important that not only clinicians have this information, but more importantly, that the people who may need to use the service know that 988 is available, how to use it, and what to expect. To reach the Lifeline, people can call or text 988 or chat with a counselor at 988lifeline.org. When you call 988, you will hear a greeting and will be routed to your local Lifeline network crisis center where a trained crisis counselor will answer the phone and provide support and resources. When texting 988 you will be sent a brief survey to complete which will be shared with a counselor to whom you will be connected who will provide support and resources via text. When chatting, visit 988lifeline.org and find the chat button at the top right-hand corner of the screen. You will complete a brief survey, then you’ll see a wait-time message while you’re connected to a trained crisis counselor who will answer the chat and provide support and resources. 

Volunteer and job opportunities are available at crisis centers across the country. To get involved and see the opportunities in your area, visit SAMHSA’s 988 jobs site: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/jobs