https://youtu.be/aZFqt4i91Lw

Who can call 988?

988 can be used by anyone, any time, at no cost. Trained crisis response professionals can support individuals considering suicide, self-harm, or any behavioral or mental health need for themselves or people looking for help for a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis. Lifeline services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost to the caller.

What happens when you call 988?

1. Callers will be directed to a local 988 call center based on a caller's area code where trained professionals are waiting to listen and assist.
   • Note: Callers will also be given the option to reach the Veterans Crisis Line (Option 1) or a Spanish speaker (Option 2). 
2. If a local call center does not answer the call within 60 seconds, the call will be routed to one of Pennsylvania's three regional 988 call centers.
3. If a regional call center is unavailable, the call will be routed to the national backup network able to assess the crisis and connect to local assistance.

• Graphic: What happens when someone calls/texts/chats with the LifelineOpens In A New Window

How will 988 help Pennsylvanians?

988 counselors located at 13 crisis call centers around Pennsylvania can immediately provide phone-based support and connections to local resources.

If needed, the counselor can:

• Activate a mobile mental health crisis team that will arrive on site;
• Provide therapeutic interventions; and/or
• Make referrals for outpatient services or transportation for further evaluation.

By directing cases to 988 when a behavioral health or mental crisis isn't life threatening, the response provided by public services, such as law enforcement and EMS, can be reserved for situations in which lives are endangered.