What to Expect
Using 988 is free. When you call, text, or chat 988, your conversation is confidential. 988 provides you judgment-free care. Talking with someone can help save your life.
Call
- First, you’ll hear this message that gives you service selection options.
- We’ll play some hold music while you are connected to a counselor with our Veterans, Spanish-language, LGBTQI+ services, or your local 988 Lifeline contact center.
- A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves.
- Your skilled counselor will ask you if you are safe.
- After they ask about your safety, your counselor will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, providing support, and share any resources that may be helpful.
- To read a more detailed explanation of what happens when you call the 988 Lifeline, and more, click here.
Chat
- After clicking “Chat With Us,” a new window with a brief survey will open. This survey helps our counselors understand how to best support you and take less than 5 minutes to complete.
- When you click “Start a Chat”, you are accepting our Terms of Service.
- You will then see a screen that indicates we are connecting you to a counselor.
- A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves.
- Your skilled counselor will ask if you are safe.
- After they ask about your safety, they will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.
Text
- When you send a text to 988, you will be given options to connect with a counselor from the Veterans, Spanish-language, LGBTQI+ service, or the main 988 Lifeline.
- When you text “next” you will be accepting our Terms of Service.
- You will then need to complete a brief survey to help your counselor understand how they can best support you.
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End of
Translation
You’ll receive a “wait” message with optional questions while we connect you to a counselor. - Your counselor will say hello and introduce themselves.
- Your skilled counselor will ask if you are safe.
- After they ask about your safety, they will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.
Services
Veterans, Service Members, and their Loved Ones
Veterans, active service members, and their loved ones can reach the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) 24/7/365 by texting 838255, chatting, or calling 988 and pressing 1. Learn more about the VCL.
Spanish-Speakers
988 Lifeline voice, text, and chat options are offered in Spanish. To call a Spanish-speaking counselor, dial 988 and then press 2. To text with a Spanish-speaking counselor, text AYUDA to 988. To chat with a Spanish-speaking counselor, please start a chat in Spanish.
Español (Spanish)
Los servicios de llamada, texto, y chat de 988 Lifeline se ofrecen en español. Para comunicarse con un consejero que habla español, marque 988 y luego presione 2. Para enviar un mensaje de texto a un consejero que habla español, envié la palabra AYUDA al 988. Para chatear con un consejero que habla español, por favor inicia un chat en español.
LGBTQI+ Youth and Young Adults
LGBTQI+ people under 25 can access 24/7/365 LGBTQI+ support via 988 Chat or by Text by typing PRIDE. You will be asked if you want to opt-in to this support before you are connected to a counselor. People can also call 988 and press 3 to be connected to LGBTQI+ services.
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People
Deaf and Hard of Hearing people have 24/7/365 access to 988 Videophone, which can be accessed by clicking on ASL Now.
Remember, your call is confidential and free.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24/7 free, confidential crisis line that connects individuals in crisis with trained counselors across the United States. People do not have to be suicidal to call – reasons to call include: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, illness, getting over abuse, depression mental and physical illness, and loneliness.
Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis
988 Lifeline ofrece servicios gratuitos en español 24/7, y no es necesario hablar inglés si necesita ayuda.
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans in crisis and their families and friends can be connected with qualified Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text by calling 988 and pressing 1.
National, U.S.-based crisis counseling and support crisis line for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Some who may benefit include people affected by disaster, friends and family of those affected by disaster, and disaster recovery workers. For Deaf or Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to a DDH crisis worker fluent in American Sign Language, click the "ASL Now" button above or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL support is available 24/7.
