An article in JAMA Network on 8/23/22 reviewed the new Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The old National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has recently been replaced.
If you are having a mental health crisis of any kind, dial 988, and trained counselors are available to provide “free support for issues ranging from emotional distress and suicidal thoughts to substance use.”
You can call or text the 988 number to reach a counselor. If you are a veteran, you can call 988 and then press 1 to be transferred to the Veteran’s Crisis Line.
Care is treated confidentially. However, if a caller’s immediate safety is at risk, the counselor will contact first-responders in the caller’s area. This happens less than 2% of the time.
Counselors have information about resources in the caller’s area and will make referrals when appropriate. A goal is to increase the number of crisis services within communities. This will be similar to emergency medical services but specific for mental health issues.
Don’t forget: 988.
