People experiencing mental health-related distress can now call 988, the new three-digit dialing code, to access the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
On July 16, the 988 dialing code began routing people in crisis to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline services. The shortened number may make the hotline more accessible for people experiencing mental health crises, compared to the previous longer number (1-800-273-8255), experts hope.
The move to implement a faster number came after advocates pushed to shorten the 1-800 number to help with the worsening mental health crisis. Then-President Donald Trump signed legislation into law in 2020 that created the new code, with advocates hoping the shortened number will be easier to remember. Experts also hope the new number will encourage more people who are experiencing a mental health crisis to seek help from the hotline instead of calling 911, which often results in police intervention rather than clinical care.
Every year, millions of 911 calls involve a person experiencing an emergency related to a mental health or substance use disorder, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts. Mental health advocates see this as an equity issue, especially when it comes to Black and Brown communities, who face greater risks of violence with police intervention.
An estimated 11.4 million adults have serious suicidal thoughts, according to a 2022 State of Mental Health Report from Mental Health America. That’s an increase of 664,000 people from last year.
“988 is easy to remember, making it simple for people facing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide to get the help they need,” said Sherri Terao, director of the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department. “When you call 988, trained crisis counselors will answer and give you compassionate support. The service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day. If you or a loved one is in crisis, please call 988. We are here to help.”
The new number will connect people to the existing local mental health centers that are staffed 24/7. The three-digit code is a direct line for people experiencing mental health distress to seek help from trained counselors.
Anyone who is experiencing mental health distress, or is in need of support, can call or text the number to seek help. They do not need to be in danger of suicide to reach out to the lifeline, and even concerned loved ones seeking professional support can use the hotline.
