The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched in July 2022 as America’s first three-digit mental health emergency number. Similar to calling 911 for medical emergencies, 988 connects people experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, or emotional distress directly to trained crisis counselors. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, completely free and confidential across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Unlike traditional emergency services that often involve police or hospital visits, this code provides immediate support from mental health professionals trained specifically in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Why 988 Was Created
Before 988 existed, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline used the 10-digit number 1-800-273-8255. While helpful, mental health advocates recognized that during a crisis, remembering a 10-digit number becomes extremely difficult.
In 2019, the Federal Communications Commission reported to Congress that a three-digit number would make it easier for Americans in crisis to access life-saving resources. The FCC adopted rules establishing 988 on July 16, 2020, and President Trump signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act into law on October 17, 2020.
The timing proved essential. By 2022, nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide annually, with the mental health crisis intensifying during the pandemic.
How 988 Works: From Area Code Routing to Georouting
The Old Problem with Area Code Routing
When 988 first launched, the system routed calls based on your phone number’s area code. If you had a New York area code but lived in California, your call connected to a New York crisis center, even though you needed California resources.
The Georouting Solution
In September 2024, major wireless carriers launched georouting technology that routes 988 calls based on your physical location rather than your area code. This ensures you connect with crisis centers that understand your local community and resources.
On October 18, 2024, the FCC adopted rules requiring all U.S. wireless providers to implement georouting. Large carriers had until January 13, 2025, to comply, while smaller providers have until December 14, 2026. Importantly, georouting protects your privacy by only sharing your approximate location, not precise coordinates.
What Happens When You Contact 988
You can reach 988 by calling, texting, or using online chat at 988lifeline. Your connection goes directly to the 988 Lifeline network of more than 200 local crisis centers. Thanks to georouting, your call routes to a center near your physical location.
A trained crisis counselor answers, typically within minutes. They listen without judgment, provide emotional support, help you work through the crisis, and connect you with local resources if needed. The conversation remains completely confidential, and you don’t need to provide personal information.
Importantly, calling 988 does not automatically involve law enforcement. Less than 1 percent of 988 calls require emergency intervention or activation of the 911 system.
Special Services Within 988
Veterans Crisis Line: Press “1” after dialing 988 to reach counselors trained for military-related mental health issues. Since July 2022, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered almost 1.2 million calls.
Spanish Language Support: Press “2” after calling 988, text “AYUDA” to 988, or access online chat services in Spanish.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Use videophone services through the 988 website to communicate in American Sign Language.
IMPORTANT UPDATE – July 17, 2025: The specialized LGBTQ+ youth support line (formerly accessible by pressing “3”, texting “PRIDE”, or selecting the LGBTQ+ option in online chat) was discontinued due to funding constraints. LGBTQ+ individuals can still reach 988 for general crisis support. For LGBTQ+-specific crisis counseling, the Trevor Project remains available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678-678.
988 vs 911: When to Call Which
Call 988 for: Suicidal thoughts, mental health crisis, emotional distress, substance use concerns, or when you need mental health resources.
Call 911 for: Active self-harm or harm to others, medical emergencies requiring immediate physical intervention, or situations involving weapons.
The key difference is response type. 988 connects you with mental health professionals who specialize in crisis counseling. 911 dispatches emergency medical services and often law enforcement. You do not need to be actively suicidal to call 988.
Impact Since Launch
Since launching in July 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has received more than 16.5 million contacts. Answer rates have improved substantially, with 87 percent of calls, 96 percent of chats, and 99 percent of texts answered by December 2022. The Biden administration invested approximately $1.5 billion to support staffing, training, and infrastructure.
However, performance varies by state. Answer rates in early 2023 ranged from 55 percent in Alabama to 98 percent in Mississippi.
How Area Codes Connect to 988
The transition to 988 required exactly 82 area codes across 36 states to implement mandatory 10-digit dialing. Before 988 existed, some areas used seven-digit local dialing. If those areas had phone numbers beginning with 988, the new crisis line would create conflicts.
The georouting technology implemented in September 2024 solved the area code problem. Unlike traditional area code routing, georouting uses cellular tower triangulation to determine your approximate physical location. This benefits millions of Americans who have moved but kept their original phone numbers.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Your conversations with 988 crisis counselors are confidential. You do not need to provide your name, address, or identifying information. The georouting system protects privacy by never sharing your precise GPS coordinates with counselors.
Calls may be monitored for quality assurance and training purposes, but recordings are used only internally. In extremely rare situations where a counselor believes someone is in immediate life-threatening danger, they may contact emergency services. This happens in less than 1 percent of all contacts.
The Future of 988
The 988 system continues to evolve. Mental health advocates view the crisis line as part of a broader transformation in how America handles mental health emergencies, including mobile crisis response teams, crisis stabilization centers, and community-based mental health services.
Some states are working to integrate 988 with 911 systems so mental health calls can be quickly transferred to trained crisis counselors. The FCC began the rulemaking process in July 2025 to require georouting for text messages to 988.
How to Help Spread Awareness
Save the number: Add 988 to your phone contacts right now.
Share information: Talk about 988 with friends, family, and on social media.
Reduce stigma: Talk openly about mental health struggles.
Support funding: Contact your state representatives to advocate for dedicated 988 funding.
Additional Mental Health Resources
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
Veterans Crisis Line Direct: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255
SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 for treatment referrals
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990
We hope you find this article helpful. Don’t forget to visit our free area codes and times finder tool for states and cities.
Conclusion
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline represents a historic advancement in making mental health crisis support as accessible as emergency medical services. By creating a simple three-digit number and implementing advanced georouting technology that overcomes area code limitations, the United States has built a system designed to save lives through compassionate, professional support.
Whether you are experiencing a crisis yourself, worried about someone else, or simply need someone to talk to, 988 provides free, confidential help every hour of every day. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, substance use concerns, or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988. Help is available, and you are not alone.
Resources Referenced: 988lifeline.org | samhsa.gov | fcc.gov | vibrant.org
Emergency Note: If you are in immediate physical danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. The 988 Lifeline is specifically designed for mental health and emotional crises.
