Overview
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is for people experiencing any type of behavioral health crisis.
Trained counselors are available 24/7 to talk, text or chat. There are also several specialized service options you can choose from:
- Veterans Crisis Line
- Spanish Language Line
- ASL Videophone Line
988 menu options are administered nationally and are subject to change. Learn more about
current services.
For many people who call 988, just having to someone to talk with can provide relief.
You can learn more about what to expect from text, chat, and other specialized services from the
national 988 network.
What to Expect When You Call
When you dial 988, you will hear a brief menu with some options:
- Veterans can press 1
- Spanish speakers can press 2
- All others can press 0 or remain on the line
Once your call connects, a skilled crisis counselor will introduce themselves, listen to why you’re calling and ask if you are safe. After they ask about your safety, your counselor will listen to your concerns, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support and share any resources that may be helpful.
Depending on what you want and need, 988 may also be able to help you find in-person support in your community or offer a follow up call to check in later.
If you would like to speak with 988 in Spanish, you have two options:
- Connect with the national 988 Spanish Language Line. You can speak with a skilled crisis counselor directly in Spanish via phone, text, or chat. Learn more on the 988 national web page.
- Connect with your local Oregon 988 contact center via interpreter. If you would prefer to speak to someone in your local service area, dial 988 by phone, and then ask for an interpreter.
If you speak another language, 988 can help you via interpreter. Dial 988 by phone and tell your crisis counselor the name of the language you would like to speak. They will ask you to hold for a moment while they add an interpreter to your call.
All interpreters are fully trained and your call is confidential. In some cases, your local Oregon 988 contact center may also have bilingual staff who can assist you.
988 Oregon is answered by two community partners who specialize in community mental health, wellness and social support:
- Lines For Life is a statewide 988 contact center and answers calls, texts, and chats throughout Oregon.
- Northwest Human Services is a regional 988 contact center and specializes in supporting phone and text contacts in Marion and Polk counties.
988 Oregon crisis counselors receive over 200+ hours of training in active listening, crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment and other specialized skills to assist callers. Many crisis counselors have prior experience in mental health professions, and many are also peers with lived experience.
988 values your privacy. You do not need to provide your name, address, location, or any personal information in order to get help from 988.
You are welcome to share as much or as little about yourself as you want. Any information you chose to share will be kept confidential. \
988 collects information for three main reasons:
- Help you stay safe
- Help you find resources and support that are the best fit for you
- Help make 988 service better
If you have any questions about how 988 collects information, you are welcome to ask at any time.