Number 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code is available to everyone across the United States since July 16, 2022.
People who call or text the number will be connected to a trained counselor at a crisis center closest to them. If a local crisis center is too busy to respond right away, the call gets routed to one of 16 backup centers around the country.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will remain available.
Modeled after 911, the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional.
Similar to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a 988 crisis line that is effectively resourced and promoted will be able to:
Connect a person in a mental health crisis to a trained counselor who can address their immediate needs and help connect them to ongoing care
Reduce health care spending with more cost-effective early intervention
Reduce use of law enforcement, public health, and other safety resources
Meet the growing need for crisis intervention at scale
Help end stigma toward those seeking or accessing mental healthcare