988 is the three-digit phone number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US. It launched in July 2022 and replaces the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call or text 988 from any US phone to reach a trained crisis counselor 24/7. It's free and confidential.

What happens when I call 988?

A trained counselor answers, listens without judgment, and helps you work through what you're feeling. They may share local resources, connect you to a mobile crisis team, or stay with you while you find support. They will not send police unless there's an imminent danger to life and no other option.

What's a mobile crisis team?

A mobile crisis team is a small group of trained mental health professionals who come to you (home, work, or anywhere safe) to help during a mental health crisis — instead of you going to a hospital ER or interacting with police. Most US counties have one. Search this directory for 'Crisis Services' in your state.

A warm line is a peer-run support line for people who need to talk but aren't in immediate danger. Warm lines are free, confidential, and staffed by peers with their own lived experience of mental health challenges.

Should I go to the ER for a mental health crisis?

If there's immediate danger to life, yes — call 911 or go to the nearest ER. For non-life-threatening crises, calling 988 or your local mobile crisis team is usually faster, less expensive, and more effective than an ER visit.

Mental Health Crisis Help & 988 Suicide Lifeline

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis right now, call or text 988 — the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It's free, 24/7, confidential, and available in English, Spanish, and 200+ other languages. Veterans can press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. LGBTQ+ youth can press 3 for the Trevor Project line.

A crisis doesn't have to mean suicidal thoughts — it can be overwhelming anxiety, a panic attack, a substance use emergency, or feeling unsafe. Mobile crisis teams, crisis stabilization units, and walk-in crisis centers can help in person without an emergency room visit. This directory lists local crisis resources by state and county.

Related directories

Mental Health Crisis Help & 988 Suicide Lifeline by state

Frequently asked questions

What is 988?: 988 is the three-digit phone number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US. It launched in July 2022 and replaces the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call or text 988 from any US phone to reach a trained crisis counselor 24/7. It's free and confidential.
What happens when I call 988?: A trained counselor answers, listens without judgment, and helps you work through what you're feeling. They may share local resources, connect you to a mobile crisis team, or stay with you while you find support. They will not send police unless there's an imminent danger to life and no other option.
What's a mobile crisis team?: A mobile crisis team is a small group of trained mental health professionals who come to you (home, work, or anywhere safe) to help during a mental health crisis — instead of you going to a hospital ER or interacting with police. Most US counties have one. Search this directory for 'Crisis Services' in your state.
What's a warm line?: A warm line is a peer-run support line for people who need to talk but aren't in immediate danger. Warm lines are free, confidential, and staffed by peers with their own lived experience of mental health challenges.
Should I go to the ER for a mental health crisis?: If there's immediate danger to life, yes — call 911 or go to the nearest ER. For non-life-threatening crises, calling 988 or your local mobile crisis team is usually faster, less expensive, and more effective than an ER visit.