The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) is a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline in the United States that provides immediate support for individuals in distress or experiencing a mental health crisis, including thoughts of suicide.
In July 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned to the 988 dialing code, which makes it easier for people to remember and access. When someone dials 988, they are connected to a trained counselor who can provide emotional support, resources, and, if necessary, help connect them to local services.
Key Features of the 988 Lifeline:
- 24/7 Availability: Available anytime, 365 days a year.
- Confidential: Your conversation with a counselor is confidential, unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.
- Free: No cost to call the lifeline.
- Crisis Support: The counselors are trained to handle a range of crises, from suicide prevention to emotional support and mental health concerns.
- Referrals and Resources: They can provide local referrals to mental health services or emergency responders if necessary.
- Text and Chat: If speaking on the phone is difficult, individuals can also reach out by texting 988 or using the online chat service available through the Lifeline’s website.
The 988 Lifeline is part of a broader effort to improve mental health crisis response in the United States, providing a more accessible and immediate way for individuals to get help during difficult times.
Crisis Text Line is a free, confidential text messaging service for people in crisis. It offers immediate support to individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or difficult situations.
To access help, individuals can text the word “HOME” to 741741. Once the text is sent, the person is connected with a trained crisis counselor who can provide support and help them navigate their feelings. The service is available 24/7 and is designed to offer a safe space for anyone who needs assistance, whether it’s for anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or any other mental health emergency.
Crisis Text Line aims to provide a quick, accessible, and effective way for people to seek help without the need to make a phone call, which may feel difficult or intimidating for some individuals.
The SAMHSA National Helpline is a confidential and free service provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It offers 24/7 support for individuals facing substance abuse or mental health challenges. The helpline can connect individuals with treatment services, resources, and information for recovery, as well as provide support for families and friends of those struggling with these issues.
To access help, individuals can call 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357). The helpline is available in English and Spanish and provides:
- Free and confidential assistance for individuals experiencing substance abuse and mental health disorders.
- Referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
- Information and resources for managing mental health or addiction issues.
This service is essential for those seeking help with mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, by connecting them to professional resources in their area. It’s open to anyone who needs assistance, regardless of whether they are seeking help for themselves or someone else.