988 vs. 911: Who to call?

Call, text, or chat 988 if:

  • You are experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis
  • You need support helping a loved one in crisis

988 connects you to trained crisis counselors who provide compassionate support over the phone, by text, or through chat. Counselors focus on de-escalating the situation, offering immediate care, and connecting you to local mental health resources.

Learn more at 988lifeline.org

Call 911 if:

  • You need to report a crime
  • There is a fire
  • You or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency

911 connects you to local emergency dispatchers who send police, firefighters, or paramedics to your location.

Key Difference

988 focuses on emotional and mental health crises, offering conversation, counseling, and connections to care.
911 focuses on physical emergencies and dispatches first responders.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and is supported in Los Angeles by Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

911 Diversion

Didi Hirsch partners with the Los Angeles Police and Sheriff’s Departments to redirect 911 mental health calls to 988, ensuring help-seekers get appropriate support and avoid law enforcement intervention. We are now partnering with three 911 call centers and expect to expand to additional sites soon.