New 988 Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Launched on July 16

Posted on July 21, 2022 by Lori Meyer

People facing a mental health crisis can now dial 988 to connect to support. The change is part of a nationwide effort to transition the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to a phone number people can more easily remember and access in times of crisis. The shift also includes an online chat feature and a new texting option.

The new 988 dialing code will serve as a universal entry point, available 24/7, so people can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help regardless of where they live. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

The Lifeline is a national network of over 200 call centers – four located in Minnesota – to connect callers to nearby or state-specific mental health resources and services. Interpretation services are available by calling the number. Currently, chat and text are only available in English. To reach the Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and press 1.