Suicide Rescue Line Gets a New Number
Starting July 16, the National Suicide Prevention Line number, which you can call at 1-800-273-8255, will be easier to remember. The old number will still work, but after the change you will also be able to connect to the service by calling 988. (That’s the whole number: it’s a special code like 911.)
The switch came about thanks to the National Suicide Hotline Act. The law also provides funds for specialized services for LGBT youth, who are at higher risk of mental health problems and suicide compared to their heterosexual peers. The Washington Post reports that details about who will receive the money and how it will be used are still up in the air, but at least the phone number change is expected to happen in time.
Depending on where you are, you may already be using 988. July 16 is the deadline for all telephone operators to enter a new number.
What happens when you call the National Suicide Prevention Service?
First, your call will be directed to one of the 200 crisis centers in the network. (They use the area code you are calling from to connect you to the nearest center to you.) If you want to hear a preview of the recording and menu items (1 if you are a veteran, 2 if you want to talk to someone who speaks Spanish), there is a guide here to guide you through it.
Lifeline is not just for suicide – you can call if you have a mental health crisis of any kind (although if you’re not in danger and just want to talk to someone, you may actually be looking for a hotline and you can find numbers warm line here ). You can also call if you are concerned that someone you know may be suicidal and need to find ways to help them.
After your phone call connects, you will speak with a trained crisis counselor. This is an open conversation, without a ready-made script. Their purpose is to help keep you safe and in control of the situation. They may help you develop a safety plan or encourage you to reach out to a friend or other resources available to you. They can arrange a follow-up call later. With your consent, they can send a consultant to your home.
They may also call the police, though they say this is rare (“less than 3%” of calls) and is done as a last resort when someone inevitably intends to harm themselves or others.