Call 988: New Suicide Hotline Number to Launch in July

On July 16, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is updating its number to 988. You will be able to call, text, or start an online chat through 988.

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.

The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.

Service Members, Veterans, and their families may reach the Veterans Crisis Line now and continue to after July 16, 2022 by text by either texting 838255, or through an online chat portal on the Veterans Crisis Line’s website, www.veteranscrisisline.net.

988 is not yet active across all communications access points in the United States. If you or someone you know is in crisis now, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.