988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 and a trained crisis counselor answers, any hour, any day. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org. It is free and confidential. No insurance, no ID, no diagnosis needed. To text, just send any message to 988.

You do not have to be suicidal to reach out. Money stress, substance use, loneliness, a bad breakup, or just being unable to stop crying are all reasons enough. Counselors also talk with worried friends and family members all the time. Calling about someone you love is a normal use of the line.

Here is what actually happens. A counselor listens, asks a few safety questions, and talks through the moment with you, judgment-free. You set the pace and share only what you want. For most people, the situation is worked through right on the call, text, or chat. Nobody is dispatched to your door unless there is an immediate physical danger, and then the counselor loops in 911.

There are direct doors for specific needs. Spanish speakers: press 2 after calling, or text the word AYUDA to 988. Veterans and service members: press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Deaf and hard of hearing: use ASL videophone, dial 711 then 988, or use text and chat.

Know which number fits which moment. Immediate physical danger: 911. Emotional crisis: 988. Practical crisis, like no food or a shut-off notice: 211. In Kern County, CA, a local line also runs alongside 988 at (800) 991-5272 with mobile crisis teams.