The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has proven to be a landmark advancement in mental health support. Since its launch in 2022, 988 has answered over 10 million calls, chats, and texts. Nationally, the Lifeline received nearly 5 million contacts in its first year – compared to 46,000 calls in the first year of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in 2005.
Crisis Line Clinical Director, Rebecca Zeitlin, LMFT, who works at the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center (SPC), emphasized that 988 increasingly serves as a vital lifeline for those in need:
“What 988 did with this three-digit short code was bring awareness and reduce stigma. You don’t have to dig deep in an internet search to find 988 – it’s this very well known, easy three-digit number that anyone can reach anytime, anywhere.”
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free resource available 24/7, offering confidential support to individuals in emotional distress and suicidal crisis, as well as individuals reaching out on someone’s behalf. However, the persistent stigma surrounding mental health services continues to be a formidable barrier. Many people don’t know what to expect when calling 988 and fear their privacy or confidentiality may be compromised.
Zeitlin explained that people who call 988 can expect compassionate counselors who are committed to meeting people where they’re at, with non-judgmental support and resources.
“We start every contact by introducing ourselves, then ask the first name of the person we’re speaking with. We ask a few demographic questions that we request of all of our callers and then, we ask the open-ended question of, “what’s going on,” and we give the opportunity for folks to share what’s driving the reason for contacting [us].” Zeitlin said.
She shared that all counselors do a safety assessment with people seeking help, provide active listening, validation, and give them the space to talk about their pain. In addition to supporting those in suicidal crisis, 988 also supports people before they might get to a place of considering suicide.
“We focus on preventative care, ultimately that’s what suicide prevention is. We don’t want to only talk to people in a suicidal crisis, we also want to talk to the people before they begin to feel suicidal, providing support earlier,” Zeitlin explained.
Zeitlin said 988 is proof of a national understanding for the need to combat the mental health crisis we’re facing.
“The goal of 988 is not just to be the call center,” said Zeitlin. “The goal is to connect 988 with a well-resourced crisis care continuum that includes someone to contact, someone to respond, and a safe place to go for help. If someone needs a higher level of care like a mobile [crisis] response team or crisis stabilization – 988 can guide you through that process.”
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is making strides in transforming crisis intervention and symbolizes a growing national commitment to addressing mental health with urgency and compassion. As the demand for support continues to rise, 988 stands as a critical lifeline, connecting millions to the help they need, when they need it most.
