If you or someone you know is going through a mental health crisis, help is three digits away. Since July 2022, 988 has served as the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States, making it easier than ever to connect with trained crisis counselors by phone, text, or chat. But many people still do not know 988 exists, how it works, or when to use it. This guide covers everything you need to know.
988 is the national three-digit number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a network of over 200 local call centers across the country. It replaced the previous 10-digit hotline number and was designed to be as easy to remember as 911 is for emergencies. When you call or text 988, you are connected with a trained crisis counselor who can provide immediate support, help de-escalate the situation, and connect you with local resources. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
One of the most common misconceptions about 988 is that you have to be suicidal to use it. That is not true. 988 is for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress. That includes suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm, overwhelming anxiety or panic attacks, emotional distress after a traumatic event, substance use crises, concern about a loved one who may be in danger, and feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, or despair that feel unmanageable. You do not have to be at your lowest point to reach out.
You can reach 988 in three ways: call 988, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. When you call, your call is routed to the nearest local crisis center based on your area code. If that center is unable to answer, your call is picked up by a national backup center. For text and chat, you will be connected with a counselor through the national network. All three methods are free and confidential.
A trained crisis counselor will answer and listen. They will ask questions to understand your situation, help you feel safe, and work with you to figure out next steps. You will not be forced to do anything. The counselor will not call the police unless there is an immediate safety concern, and even then, the priority is always connecting you with the least restrictive level of care that keeps you safe.
Before 988, the national crisis hotline was a 10-digit number that was difficult to remember during the most stressful moments of a person's life. The switch to a three-digit number was a significant step toward making crisis support more accessible. Since its launch, 988 has handled millions of calls, texts, and chats. But awareness is still growing. Sharing this number, saving it in your phone, and talking about it openly can help ensure that the people who need it most know it is there.
In addition to 988, St. Louis residents have access to Behavioral Health Response (BHR), which has been providing crisis intervention and mental health support to the community for over 40 years. BHR's crisis services are free, confidential, and available around the clock. Whether you are in crisis yourself or worried about someone you care about, trained counselors are ready to help. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Learn more about BHR at behavioralhealthresponse.org.
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