A new three-digit crisis hotline, 9-8-8, has been put in place to provide quick access to trained crisis counselors.
People who are experiencing any kind of mental health-related distress can call the number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That includes any thoughts of suicide, mental health issues or a substance use crisis.
People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Calls to the 988 Lifeline are free and confidential.
The number replaces the 10-digit number required to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Details about the nationwide rollout of the number were included in a media statement released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA).
Numerous studies have shown that most callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a 988 Lifeline crisis counselor, the statement said.
The 988 Lifeline is a national network of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health-related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis via call, chat, or text.
“Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need,” SAMSA said. “And sadly, the pandemic only made a bad situation worse when it comes to mental health and wellness in America.”
SAMSA outlined the urgent realities driving the need for crisis service transformation across our country.
- 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.
- From April 2020 to 2021, over 100,000 individuals died from drug overdoses.
