What to Expect
Using the 988 Lifeline is free. When you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides you judgment-free care. Talking with someone can help save your life.
Services
Veterans, Service Members, and their Loved Ones
Veterans, active service members, and their loved ones can reach the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) 24/7/365 by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255 or chatting. Learn more about the VCL.
Spanish-Speakers
988 Lifeline voice, text, and chat options are offered in Spanish. To call a Spanish-speaking counselor, dial 988 and then press 2. To text with a Spanish-speaking counselor, text AYUDA to 988. To chat with a Spanish-speaking counselor, please start a chat in Spanish.
Español (Spanish)
Los servicios de llamada, texto, y chat de 988 Lifeline se ofrecen en español. Para comunicarse con un consejero que habla español, marque 988 y luego presione 2. Para enviar un mensaje de texto a un consejero que habla español, envié la palabra AYUDA al 988. Para chatear con un consejero que habla español, por favor inicia un chat en español.
LGBTQI+ Youth and Young Adults
LGBTQI+ people under 25 can access 24/7/365 LGBTQI+ support via 988 chat or by text by typing PRIDE. You will be asked if you want to opt-in to this support before you are connected to a counselor. People can also call 988 and press 3 to be connected to LGBTQI+ services.
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People
Deaf and Hard of Hearing people have 24/7/365 access to 988 Videophone, which can be accessed by clicking on ASL Now.
Directory
24/7 free, confidential mental health hotline that connects individuals in need of support with counselors across the United States and its territories. People do not have to be suicidal to call. Reasons to call include: substance use disorder, economic worries, relationships, culture and identity, illness, intimate partner violence, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness.
- Call: 988
- Text: 988
- Chat
988 Lifeline ofrece servicios gratuitos en español 24/7, y no es necesario hablar inglés si necesita ayuda.
- Llame 988
- Text Envía “AYUDA” al 988
- Chatea Con 988 Lifeline
For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
988 Videophone for Deaf/HoH American Sign Language Users: ASL Now
Veterans in crisis and their families and friends can be connected with qualified Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text by calling 988 and pressing 1.
- Call 988
- Text 838255
- Chat With VCL
National, U.S.-based crisis counseling and support crisis line for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Some who may benefit include people affected by disaster, friends and family of those affected by disaster, and disaster recovery workers. For Deaf or Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to a DDH crisis worker fluent in American Sign Language, click the “ASL Now” button above or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL support is available 24/7.
- Call or Text 1-800-985-5990
- DDH Videophone for Deaf/HoH American Sign Language Users: ASL Now
