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988: The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

You can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for yourself or if you're worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:

  • Thoughts of suicide.
  • Mental health or substance use crisis.
  • Any other kind of emotion distress.
988 Suicide and Crisis Line image

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Getting Help from Outside the Continental U.S.

NORTHCOM:

  • Dial 988 then Press 1

EUCOM:

  • Call +1 844-702-5495 (off base)
  • DSN 988 (on base)

AFRICOM:

  • Call +1 888-482-6054 (off base)
  • DSN 988 (on base)

PACOM:

  • Call +1 844-702-5493 (off base)
  • DSN 988 (on base)

CENTCOM:

  • Call +1 855-422-7719 (off base)
  • DSN 988 (on base)

SOUTHCOM:

  • Call +1 866-989-9599 (off base)
  • DSN 988 (on base)

Frequently Asked Questions about 988

The Lifeline responds 24/7 to calls, chats or texts from anyone who needs support for suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis, and connects those in need with trained crisis counselors.

Chat is available in both English and Spanish through the 988 Lifeline’s website at 988lifeline.org/chat. People seeking chat services are provided with a pre-chat survey before connecting with a trained crisis counselor, who identifies the main area of concern. If there is a wait to chat with a crisis counselor, a wait-time message will appear. If demand is high, people can access the 988 Lifeline’s “helpful resources” while waiting. Once you are connected, a crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful.

When someone texts 988, they are responded to by a group of 988 Lifeline crisis centers that answer both chats and texts. This service is currently expanding to increase local and state-level response. Once you are connected, a trained crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful. Texting is available in both English and Spanish.

Yes, the Lifeline works. Numerous studies have shown that most Lifeline callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a Lifeline crisis counselor.

Almost 98% of people who call, chat or text the 988 Lifeline get the crisis support they need and do not require additional services in that moment. The 988 Lifeline crisis counselors are trained to help reduce the intensity of a situation for the person seeking help, and connect them to additional local resources, as needed, to support their wellbeing.

Learn More About the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Suicide can touch anyone, anywhere, and at any time. But it is preventable and there is hope. Find more suicide prevention resources from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

Military Health System Resources

The Military Health System also has many resources available to help service members, families, or veterans who are struggling with mental health challenges.

Find MHS Mental Health Resources

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Last Updated: May 13, 2025
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