988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
« ReturnStop the stigma. Start the Conversation.
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
How does it work?
Call 988, Text 988 or Chat Online with 988 (fill out the chat form to start).
All chat and text centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by either the American Association of Suicidology or the International Council for Helplines. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support and connect them to resources if necessary.
Lifeline Call, Chat and Text are available 24/7 across the U.S. and certain territories. Conversations are free and confidential.
The previous Lifeline phone number 1.800.273.8255 will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
The Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005. The counselors at these local crisis centers answer calls and texts the Lifeline receives every day. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.
