988

988 is the three‑digit dialing code for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services in the United States and its territories. Designated by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, it connects callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and to local crisis centers, with nationwide rollout completed in 2022. The aim is to provide immediate, confidential support for people in emotional distress or at risk of harming themselves.

Access is available by dialing 988, texting 988, or using online chat. Calls are routed to a local crisis center in the caller’s area, where trained counselors offer crisis intervention, active listening, safety planning, and referrals to local resources. The service is free and confidential, available 24/7, and designed to be accessible in multiple languages, including Spanish, with options for TTY and other accessibility services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The 988 Lifeline serves individuals experiencing mental health crises, including thoughts of suicide, self-harm, depression, anxiety, or crises related to substance use, as well as those seeking support for someone else in crisis. It is operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in collaboration with a network of state and local crisis centers. In emergencies with immediate danger, callers are advised to contact local emergency services by dialing 911.

The 988 system also focuses on linking callers to appropriate local resources and integrating with existing emergency and behavioral health services to improve access and continuity of care. The number complements, rather than replaces, 911 for acute emergencies. The legacy Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, remains available as well.