988: The New U.S. Suicide and Crisis Hotline

Patty Laushman
Jul 16, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Jan 14

As of July 16, 2022, there is one number to call, text, or chat if you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress. That number is 988.

Quick Summary

988 is the U.S. number to call, text, or chat when you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress.
The 988 Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7, connecting people to trained crisis counselors.
Contacts are routed through a national network of 200+ local crisis centers, so support is as local as possible.
The Lifeline includes a Lived Experience Committee to help ensure services effectively reach people at higher risk, including neurodivergent individuals and LGBTQ+ communities.

sign with text: 988 suicide and crisis lifeline

It's like making a 911 call, but for mental distress. Calls are routed to a network of more than 200 local crisis centers. The people on the other end are counselors trained in handling mental and behavioral health issues. They will listen, try to understand what’s going on, provide free 24/7 and confidential support, and connect callers to resources, if necessary.

One thing I love about this program is the Individual and Family Lived Experience Committee that ensures the Lifeline is effectively reaching critical and diverse populations at higher risk for suicide.

These populations specifically include Individuals with Neurodivergence and the LGBTQ+ community. This is important because a January 2021 study of more than 6.5 million people ages 10 and older living in Denmark from 1995 to 2016 found that individuals with a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder had three times the rate of suicide attempts and and suicide compared to people without an autism diagnosis. And according to The Trevor Project, suicide risk for LGBTQ+ youth has increased in the last few years.

Key Takeaways

Save 988 in your phone now (and encourage your household to do the same) so it’s available when you need it.
You can reach 988 in multiple ways: call, text, or online chat.
The people who respond are trained crisis counselors, and support is designed to be accessible and confidential.
Higher-risk communities deserve targeted outreach and better access to support, including neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ individuals.
If you’re a parent or supporter, having a clear plan for what to do in a crisis can reduce confusion during high-stress moments.

FAQs About The New U.S. Suicide and Crisis Hotline

What is 988, exactly?

988 is the U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Calling or texting 988 (or using chat) connects you to trained counselors for 24/7 support for suicidal thoughts, mental health distress, or substance use crises.

Is 988 free and confidential?

Yes. 988 is designed to provide free, confidential, 24/7 support, and counselors can also help connect you with local resources when needed.

What happens when someone contacts 988?

Your call/text/chat is routed through a network of local crisis centers. A counselor listens, helps you sort out what’s happening, supports you through the moment, and can offer next-step resources if appropriate.

Does 988 work outside the United States?

988 is the U.S. crisis line system. If you’re outside the U.S., look for your country’s local crisis line and save that number as well.

Why highlight neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities?

Because some groups experience higher suicide risk and more barriers to care. The 988 Lifeline includes a Lived Experience Committee to help improve access and effectiveness across diverse, higher-risk populations.

About the Author

Patty Laushman is the founder and head coach of Thrive Autism Coaching. An expert in the transition to adulthood for autistic emerging adults, she coaches parents in applying her SBN™ parenting framework to strengthen relationships and foster self-sufficiency through her Parenting for Independence program. Patty’s work is rooted in a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach that empowers both parents and autistic adults to thrive. She is also the author of the groundbreaking book, Parenting for Independence: Overcoming Failure to Launch in Autistic Emerging Adults.