What is 988

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

Since the launch in July 2022, there has been a lot of false information about 988 being shared on the Internet. These are the important facts about 988 in New York that everyone should know.

• 988 and 911 are separate services with separate contact centers.
• 988 does not have the ability to track callers’ geographic location.
• 988 is for more than just suicidal crises. It is for any problem a person is having that causes them distress.
• 988 offers free and confidential emotional support. You will be connected to a trained counselor who will talk with you and offer you support if you choose to accept it.
• You do not need to provide personal information when you call 988. The counselor may ask for information, but you can decline to share if you don’t feel comfortable doing so.
• 988 is not the 911 for mental health. Rather than immediately sending services to you, 988 provides emotional support from trained crisis counselors.
• Currently, less than 2% of calls to 988 require police to be involved. This typically happens when there is imminent risk to someone’s life.
• 80% of calls to 988 are resolved over the phone. The other 20% usually require agreed-upon mobile crisis or other follow-up services.
• The people answering the 988 texts, chats, and calls are trained crisis counselors that receive extensive training and supervision, including how to respond to a crisis.