What to Expect

Step 1 of 5

First, you’ll hear a message that gives you service selection options.

Listen to the pre-recorded message (mp3).

Step 2 of 5

We’ll play some hold music while you are connected to a counselor with our Spanish-language, LGBTQI+ services, or your local 988 Lifeline contact center. For veterans, the phone will ring until a counselor can answer your call.

Step 3 of 5

A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves.

Step 4 of 5

Your skilled counselor will ask you if you are safe.

Step 5 of 5

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

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

Step 2 of 6

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

Step 3 of 6

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

Step 4 of 6

A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves.

Step 5 of 6

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 7

When you send a text to 988, you will be given options to connect with a counselor from the Veterans, Spanish-language, LGBTQI+ service, or the main 988 Lifeline.

Step 2 of 7

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

Step 3 of 7

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

Step 4 of 7

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

Step 5 of 7

Your counselor will say hello and introduce themselves.

Step 6 of 7