A free, confidential, nationwide 24/7 crisis and emotional-support service for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental-health concerns, substance-use concerns, loneliness, relationship problems, economic worries, illness, or other difficult situations. People may also contact 988 when they are concerned about a friend or loved one and do not have to be suicidal to use the service. The Lifeline connects people to trained counselors through a national network of local crisis centers and can provide referrals or other helpful resources.
Services & categories
Programs & services
Specific programs and services listed for this organization.
988 Lifeline Call Service
Active24/7 free and confidential telephone crisis intervention and emotional support. Trained counselors listen, assess immediate safety, provide support, and share helpful resources. Callers may seek help for themselves or someone else and do not need to be suicidal.
988 Lifeline Chat Service
ActiveFree and confidential online chat with a trained crisis counselor. Users complete a brief intake before being connected; counselors listen, assess safety, provide support, and may share relevant resources.
988 Lifeline Text Service
Active24/7 free and confidential text-based access to a trained crisis counselor. Users complete a brief intake/survey and are connected to a counselor who listens, checks safety, provides emotional support, and may share resources.
988 Options for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People
ActiveAccessible 988 pathways for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, including relay access and 988 Videophone/ASL options.
Disaster Distress Helpline
ActiveA national U.S.-based crisis-counseling and emotional-support line for people experiencing distress related to natural or human-caused disasters, including affected individuals, family and friends, and disaster recovery workers.
Spanish-Language 988 Services
ActiveSpanish-language call, text, and chat support available 24/7. Spanish-speaking callers can speak with a counselor, and Spanish text users can connect by using AYUDA.
Veterans Crisis Line
ActiveA specialized 24/7 crisis-support pathway for veterans, active service members, and their loved ones, connecting them with qualified Department of Veterans Affairs responders through call, text, or chat.
Resource information
Who this resource serves
Burn survivors, families, caregivers, and others seeking trauma, emotional-recovery, or mental-health support.
How to access services
Call or text 988, or start a chat through the official 988 Lifeline website. Spanish voice service is available by calling 988 and pressing 2; Spanish text access is available by texting AYUDA to 988; Spanish chat is available through the Spanish-language website. Deaf and hard-of-hearing users may use relay services by dialing 711 then 988 or access 988 Videophone/ASL options through the official Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing page. Veterans, active service members, and their loved ones may call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or use Veterans Crisis Line chat.