Using 988 is free. When you call or text 988, your conversation is confidential. 988 provides you judgment-free care. Talking with someone can help save your life.

When you call:

• First, you’ll hear this message that gives you service selection options.
• We’ll play some hold music while you are connected to a counselor with our Veterans, Spanish-language, LGBTQI+ services, or your local 988 Lifeline contact center.
• A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves.
• Your skilled counselor will ask you if you are safe.
• After they ask about your safety, your counselor will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.

When you text:

• When you send a text to 988, you will be given options to connect with a counselor from the Veterans, Spanish-language, LGBTQI+ service, or the main 988 Lifeline.
• When you text “next” you will be accepting 988’s Terms of Service.
• You will then need to complete a brief survey to help your counselor understand how they can best support you.
• You’ll receive a “wait” message with optional questions while we connect you to a counselor.
• Your counselor will say hello and introduce themselves.
• Your skilled counselor will ask if you are safe.
• After they ask about your safety, they will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.