Who is 988 For?
988 is for people experiencing any type of behavioral health crisis. It is not just for people considering suicide. Some common reasons people reach out to 988 include:
- Feeling depressed or anxious
- Needing help managing mental health symptoms or substance use
- Seeking information about mental health care
- Dealing with difficult relationships, family members, friends or others in their lives
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Distress about work, school or money
What Does 988 Do?
Trained counselors are available 24/7 to talk, text or chat. They can talk through issues with you. They can help you find the next steps that work best for you, such as:
- Building a plan that will keep you and others safe during a crisis
- Finding resources that meet your needs
- Connecting you to programs or support groups in your community
- Getting a Mobile Crisis Intervention Team to respond to your crisis
988 offers help in behavioral health emergencies. 911 offers help in physical health emergencies. Together, they make sure you get the right help at the right time.
I Don't Need Help, But I Know Someone Who Does. Can I Use 988?
Many people live with or know loved ones, friends and family members who are struggling. 988 is available to help you support loved ones or yourself. Consider reaching out if:
- Your friend or loved one is experiencing emotional distress, has talked about suicide or is struggling with substance use.
- You want to learn more about services that are available for your friend or loved one.
- You need a trained 988 crisis counselor or Mobile Crisis Intervention Team to reach out to your friend or loved one.
- You need Mobile Response and Crisis Stabilization Services for a family member 26 years or younger.
- You need support for yourself as you support your friend or loved one.
- You are concerned that someone is in crisis, and need help deciding what next steps to take.
Learn more about what you can do to support loved ones in your life on the national 988 web page.
988 can also assist professionals to help support the emotional well-being of the people they serve. Anyone working in their professional capacity can use 988 as a tool to help them support others. Therapists, medical professionals, religious leaders, school staff and case managers are just a few examples.
Professionals can:
- Reach out to 988 about an individual in crisis.
- Call together with the individual to explore what 988 can do for them.
- Include calling 988 in safety plans or discharge plans.
Learn more about 988 best practices from the 988 national website.
Learn more and find out about additional things you can do to support individuals you serve.
Is There a Cost to Use 988?
People using the 988 Lifeline are not required to provide any payment or insurance information to receive support. However, standard data rates from telecommunication mobile carriers may apply to those who text to the 988 Lifeline. If monetary assistance is needed for communications needs due to data rates, please see
www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers for more information.