¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en Español!

Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss

Our network of contact centers offers many services for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, including veterans.

How To Take Care of Yourself

If you’re struggling, you can videophone, call, text, or chat online with the 988 Lifeline. We’re available 24/7 and confidential. There are caring counselors available to listen and support you without judgment. When contacting the 988 Lifeline, there is no need to reveal your condition unless you choose to. The counselor will be able to support you either way.

Make a safety plan.

Have a step-by-step plan ready for if/when you feel depressed, suicidal, or in crisis, so you can start at step one and continue through the steps until you feel safe. Having a template on hand with an established plan may be helpful, or you can get help and guidance at mysafetyplan.org/.

Resources for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have hearing loss:

If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, you can chat with a 988 Lifeline crisis counselor 24/7 by:

  • 988 ASL Videophone – Read the terms of service.
  • Online chat – Chat with 988.
  • 988 Text – Send any message to 988 to start a text conversation.
  • For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

If you’re having trouble accessing the 988 ASL Videophone, you can Contact Us to share the technical challenges you’re experiencing so we can get things fixed.

If you are a Veteran or service member with hearing loss or are concerned about someone who is, there are several ways to contact the Veterans Crisis Line:

  • Text with a Veterans Crisis Line responder – Send a text message to 838255
  • Online chat with a Veterans Crisis Line responder: Chat with the VCL