Finding support in a mental health crisis is now easier with a national network of more than 200 crisis centers which can be accessed by dialing 988.
The three-digit, nationwide phone number will direct callers and texters to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline where healthcare professionals will be available to help.
Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline, Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. For texts, Veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.
According to the 988 fact sheet, “The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is an important step toward strengthening and transforming crisis care in this country. It serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.”
In a report to Congress in August 2019, Federal Communications Commission staff first proposed 988 as the nationwide, easy-to-remember, 3-digit dialing code for individuals in crisis to connect to suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
On July 16, 2020, the FCC adopted rules to establish 988 as the nationwide, easy-to-remember 3-digit dialing code for people in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. On October 17, 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 was signed into law, incorporating 988 into statute as the new Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line phone number. Recognizing the need to better support at-risk communities in crisis, including youth and individuals with disabilities, the FCC adopted additional rules in November 2021 to expand access to this critical service by establishing the ability to also text 988.
The hope is that by providing a line that goes directly to a mental health professional, those in crisis will get the help they need when they need it. Currently, the majority of people experiencing a mental health crisis call 911, and may end up in the emergency room or jail.
According to NPR, “2 million people with serious mental illness were booked in jail” and “nearly a quarter of fatal shootings by the police in recent years have involved people with mental illness.”
In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes. For people aged 10-34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death.
People who are interested in learning more can visit the SAMHSA website.
