What happens when you call or text 988
988 is free, confidential and open 24/7. Here's what happens when you call, text or chat, who answers, and why you don't need to be sure it's "bad enough".
Under clinical review. Written from the sources listed below; updated October 18, 2026.
If you're thinking about ending your life, you can call or text 988 right now. In immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's free, confidential, and open 24 hours a day, every day. You can call, text, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
You don't have to be sure it's "bad enough"
988 isn't only for people about to act on thoughts of suicide. You can reach out if you're struggling, overwhelmed, or worried about someone else. Counselors talk with people about many kinds of distress, including emotional pain and alcohol or drug use.
When you call
- You hear a short message with options: press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, or press 2 for Spanish. Or stay on the line to reach a counselor near you.
- You may hear hold music while you're connected.
- A trained counselor says hello and asks if you're safe.
- Then they listen. They try to understand what's going on, offer support, and share resources that may help.
When you text
Text 988. You'll get a few short messages, including an option to text in Spanish (type AYUDA) and how to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Then a counselor joins the conversation. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org.
Will they send the police?
Very rarely. Counselors aim to help you stay safe together, on the call or text. The 988 Lifeline says fewer than 2 in 100 calls involve emergency services. They contact emergency services only when someone's life is in immediate danger and they can't agree on a plan to stay safe. Even then, more than half of those contacts happen with the caller's agreement.
Conversations are confidential. You don't have to give your name.
Other ways to get support
- Veterans and their families: dial 988, then press 1.
- Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741, any time.
- Your county crisis line and peer warmlines in Pennsylvania: see help in your county.
- Warmlines connect you with a peer who's been there. They're for when things are hard but it isn't an emergency.
Worried about someone else? See helping someone with depression.
Sources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988 Lifeline
- What to expect, 988 Lifeline
- Does Vibrant use police intervention for callers, texters and chatters to the 988 Lifeline?, 988 Lifeline
- Calling the 988 Lifeline: FAQ, 988 Lifeline
- Mental health and substance use disorder services (crisis resources), Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Something wrong or unclear? Tell us.
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