988 is the national, three-digit number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Calls, texts and chats connect people to trained crisis counselors 24/7.
Why it matters
- Specialized mental health response instead of a default 911 dispatch.
- Available between sessions, nights and weekends.
- Reduces unnecessary ER visits and law-enforcement involvement.
Put it into practice
- Include 988 in every safety plan.
- Add it to intake paperwork, voicemail and after-hours messages.
- Talk with clients about what to expect when they call.