What to Expect

Step 1 of 4

First, you’ll hear a message that gives you service selection options including Veterans (Press 1), Spanish-language (Press 2), or your local 988 Lifeline contact center.

Step 2 of 4

We’ll play some hold music while you are connected to a live counselor.

Step 3 of 4

A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves. Your skilled counselor will ask you if you are safe.

Step 4 of 4

After they ask about your safety, your counselor will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.

Step 1 of 6

When you send a text to 988, you will be given options to connect with a live counselor from the main 988 Lifeline or our Spanish-language (text AYUDA) and information on how to text the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255.

Step 2 of 6

When you text “Next” you will be accepting our Terms of Service.

Step 3 of 6

You will then be asked to complete a brief survey to help your counselor understand how they can best support you.

Step 4 of 6

You’ll receive a “Wait” message with a survey link to optional questions while we connect you to a counselor.

Step 5 of 6

Your counselor will say hello and introduce themselves. Your skilled counselor will ask if you are safe.

Step 6 of 6

After they ask about your safety, they will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.

Step 1 of 5

After clicking “Chat” a new window with a brief survey will open. This survey helps our live counselors understand how to best support you and takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

Step 2 of 5

When you click “Start a Chat”, you are accepting our Terms of Service.

Step 3 of 5

You will then see a message that indicates we are connecting you to a live counselor.

Step 4 of 5

When you are connected, a counselor will say hello and introduce themselves. Your skilled counselor will ask if you are safe.

Step 5 of 5