Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
To get help, call, text, or chat 988
988 provides direct connection to free, confidential, and compassionate support. Calls are anonymous and confidential – information will not be shared unless in-person assistance is needed through one of the community mobile response teams.
What is 988?
988 is the phone number for the Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This lifeline gives you free emotional support when you need help. 988 is for everyone. Reaching out to 988 connects you to a trained counselor who is here for you, no matter what you are going through. If you are thinking about suicide or just feel overwhelmed, reach out to 988.
You can call, text, or chat.
• Call 988.
• Text 988. Texting is only in English and Spanish.
• Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
You can call, text, or chat 988 when you or someone you know is in
crisis or needs help. For example, when you or someone you know is:
• Thinking about suicide.
• Experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Feeling overwhelmed and in need of support.
Anytime. 988 runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Yes. 988 can support callers in more than 200 languages. For some languages, interpretation services may be used to help. Please note that 988 texting is only in English and Spanish.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss, you can connect to a counselor 24/7.
• Text 988.
• Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
• Use your preferred TTY relay service or dial 711, then 988.
Yes. If you are concerned about someone else, you can call 988 for them or to get help supporting them.
No. You do not need insurance. 988 is free regardless of what insurance you have.
988 is anonymous and confidential unless law enforcement or medical emergency response is needed. If law enforcement or medical services are needed, the counselor will ask for contact information so responders can help.
You will be connected to a trained counselor. They will work with you to understand what you need and support you. Support can be given on the phone or in person if needed. Here is more information about the County’s in-person response teams: https://bhsd.santaclaracounty.gov/get-help-now/get-mobile-response
No. Trained counselors answer 988 calls, texts, and chats. A goal of 988 is to provide an alternative to law enforcement response.
Yes. However, calls and texts from phones that do not have a 408, 669, or 650 area code will be answered by counselors from that area code. To reach a 988 counselor in Santa Clara County, you can call 800-704-0900 and press 1 from any phone.
Learn more about 988
Call, Text or Chat: Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline is ‘Here for Everyone’
Resources
All services are free and available 24/7 in more than 200 languages and include services for the hearing- and visually-impaired.