988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

About the 988 Lifeline | 988 Lifeline Subnetworks | 988 Lifeline Contact Hubs | Georouting for 988 Calls and Texts | Laws Supporting 988 | Frequently Asked Questions | Resources | Crisis Numbers | 988 Resources

To get help right now for yourself or a loved one, call or text 988 or chat online at 988Lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.

When you contact the 988 Lifeline, you’ll reach a trained, compassionate crisis counselor who can offer support with:

  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Mental health crises
  • Substance use concerns
  • Worries about a friend or loved one
  • Any other kind of emotional distress

The 988 Lifeline provides live services in English and Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 240 languages and dialects. If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, or use TTY, you can use your preferred relay service. You can also dial 711 and then 988.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline License Plate Emblem

The general public may purchase a suicide prevention license plate emblem that supports the Veteran and Military Member Suicide Prevention Account at the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Visit the Department of Licensing website to order an emblem. Learn more on the DVA Suicide Prevention Emblem webpage.

Example of Washington state license plate with 988 lifeline emblem

If you use American Sign Language (ASL), you can get crisis support in ASL by visiting 988lifeline.org and selecting the “Deaf/HoH” link at the top of the page.

988 does not replace any crisis call centers in Washington. It's an addition to the state’s network of crisis center providers. There are no changes to dispatch for Designated Crisis Responders and mobile crisis response teams or the functions of any other regional crisis service. The 988 Lifeline contact hubs continue to operate according to national standards and will connect with 911 services and regional crisis services as they have always done, when appropriate.

About the 988 Lifeline

  • Anyone can call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline from a cell phone, land line, or voice-over internet device.
  • When you contact the 988 Lifeline, you’ll be connected to a trained crisis counselor.
  • The 988 Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. It connects anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, substance use concerns, or any other kind of emotional distress with free, confidential, compassionate support. If you’re worried about a loved one who may need crisis support, you can also contact the 988 Lifeline.
  • You can get support in languages other than English or Spanish by calling the 988 Lifeline and saying the name of the language you need once you’re connected with a counselor. The 988 Lifeline offers interpretation services in more than 240 languages and dialects. These services are available 24/7/365.
  • If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, calling 988 from a videophone will connect you directly to the 988 Videophone, where you can get support in ASL. You can also chat online at 988Lifeline.org/chat or text 988. For TTY users, you can call 988 using your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
  • You don’t need to provide any personal data to receive services when you contact 988. Calls, texts, and chats may be monitored or recorded for quality assurance or training purposes. The network system has several safeguards to address concerns about privacy.

Please email us with questions about the 988 program at the Washington State Department of Health (988ProgramInfo@doh.wa.gov). Do not use this inbox if you or someone you know needs crisis support. Instead, call or text 988 or chat online with the 988 Lifeline.

988 Lifeline Subnetworks

Veterans

If you're a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, dial 988 and press 1 to be connected to the Veterans Crisis Line. You can also chat online or text 838255. The Veterans Crisis Line serves Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.

Spanish speakers

To get crisis support in Spanish:

  • Call 988 and press 2
  • Text "AYUDA" to 988
  • Chat online.

LGBTQIA2S+ people

The 988 LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork provided specialized crisis support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) teens and young adults ages 13–24 until July 17, 2025.

This subnetwork has stopped operating, but LGBTQIA2S+ youth and people of all ages can still get support from these resources:

American Indian and Alaska Native people

Native and Strong Lifeline logo

The Native & Strong Lifeline is the first program of its kind in the nation dedicated to serving American Indian and Alaska Native people. Operated by Volunteers of America Western Washington, this line is specifically for Washington’s American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Native & Strong Lifeline calls, chats, and texts are answered by Native crisis counselors who are Tribal members and descendants closely tied to their communities. Native & Strong Lifeline counselors are fully trained in crisis intervention and support, with special emphasis on cultural and traditional practices related to healing.

To reach the Native & Strong Lifeline:

  • Call 988 and press 4.
  • Text N8V to 988.
  • Check the "All Native American/Indigenous people in Washington state” box in the pre-chat survey when chatting online. 

People who use ASL

The 988 Lifeline offers ASL services for people in crisis. To get help now in ASL, visit 988Lifeline.org and select “Deaf/HoH” at the top of the page.

You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) from your videophone to get crisis support from the 988 Lifeline for yourself or a loved one.

988 Lifeline Contact Hubs

A map showing 988 crisis centers across Washington state.

Washington has 4 988 Lifeline contact hubs that answer calls, texts, and chats from around the state:

  • Volunteers of America Western Washington
  • Frontier Behavioral Health
  • Crisis Connections
  • Olympic Health & Recovery Services

Your call will be routed to one of these hubs based on the map below. Texts and chats are routed to a statewide queue, and the hubs that provide text and chat services will answer your text or chat.

Georouting for 988 Calls and Texts

On September 17, 2024, T-Mobile and Verizon enabled georouting for 988 Lifeline calls. AT&T enabled georouting on March 4, 2025. Georouting means all calls made from phones serviced by these 3 wireless carriers will be routed to a 988 Lifeline contact hub based on the caller’s geographic location. Georouting uses only general location information to protect privacy and confidentiality for all callers.

Smaller carriers may enable georouting in the future. Until a carrier enables georouting, calls from smaller carriers will still route by area code.

In September 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  finalized rules requiring text carriers to implement georouting, which means text messages will be routed by the help-seeker’s general geographic location.

  • National carriers must begin georouting text messages made to 988 by April 16, 2027.
  • Smaller carriers must begin georouting texts by October 16, 2028.

This doesn’t affect chat messages, which will still route by ZIP code.

Crisis centers are hiring caring people right now! If you are interested in a career helping people in crisis, apply for a job at a 988 Lifeline crisis center.

Laws Supporting 988

House Bill 1477 and the Creation of 988

In 2020, the FCC adopted the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act. This act made 988 the new, nationwide number for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, including thoughts of suicide. You can use this 3-digit dialing code to call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat online.  

The Washington Legislature passed House Bill 1477 (E2SHB 1477) (PDF) to support the 988 Lifeline plus enhance and expand behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention services for everyone in Washington state. E2SHB 1477 is also known as the Crisis Call Center Hubs and Crisis Services Act. E2SHB 1477 was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee on May 13, 2021.

E2SHB 1477 also established the Crisis Response Improvement Strategy (CRIS) Committee and Steering Committee. These committees will develop recommendations to the Governor and Legislature to help implement the national 988 number and parts of E2SHB 1477. If you would like to participate as a member of the public, you can register to attend a meeting and submit public comments.

For full details, please see the Crisis Response Improvement Strategy (CRIS) Committees webpage.

Read the 2025 CRIS Steering Committee Final Report.

House Bill 1134

In 2023, the Washington Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 1134 to help implement the 988 Lifeline.

This bill expands crisis services in Washington by creating an endorsement for rapid response crisis teams and funding these mobile units and training for responders.

According to the bill, the University of Washington will also make recommendations for crisis workforce and resilience training for behavioral health care workers in Washington. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) will create a social media campaign promoting the 988 Lifeline in addition to informational materials explaining 988, how it works, and how to use it. The aim is to help increase awareness and exposure of the 988 Lifeline.

Other key parts of the bill include working toward co-location to improve the transfer of mental health crisis calls made to 911. This means that 988 crisis counselors located at the same site as 911 dispatchers can answer these calls and provide support.

Mental Health Crisis Call Diversion Initiative

DOH and crisis system partners developed the Mental Health Crisis Call Diversion Initiative (MHCCDI) in 2024 to pilot warm transferring calls from 911 to 988. Since the 988 Lifeline is fairly new, having launched in July 2022, many people still contact 911 for mental health and substance use concerns that are more appropriate for 988. Diverting certain mental health and substance use crisis calls from 911 to 988 helps connect people to mental health support and allows 911 telecommunicators to focus on other emergency calls.

Considering this need, DOH collaborated with Washington’s 3 988 Lifeline crisis centers, the Washington State Emergency Management Division's 911 Coordination Office, and 3 of Washington’s 78 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) on a small-scale pilot throughout 2024. Each of the 988 Lifeline crisis centers partnered with a 911 PSAP. Participating PSAPs triaged incoming 911 calls and, when appropriate, offered to connect help-seekers to 988 services. For those who agreed to a transfer, the 911 telecommunicator called their partnering 988 center, with the help-seeker remaining on the line, and provided the 988 crisis counselor with details like the help-seeker’s name, the nature of their crisis, and any actions taken before transferring the help-seeker to the 988 crisis counselor. Warm transfers such as these create a “no wrong door” approach to care by connecting people with mental health services they may not have known about otherwise.

The MHCCDI pilot phase has concluded, but the 911-988 partnerships that started in the pilot continue. The pilot phase helped impacted partners gather data and lessons learned that will help improve existing and any future 911-988 partnerships.

You can read more about the findings from the pilot phase in the Mental Health Crisis Call Diversion Initiative Report.

Please reach out to the 988 program inbox with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) and does the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline replace it?

NSPL is a national network of local, independent, and state-funded crisis centers. They are equipped to respond and help people in emotional distress or experiencing thoughts of suicide.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline does not replace the 10-digit NSPL phone number but provides another, easier way for people to reach more crisis centers. You can contact either the 988 Lifeline or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to be connected.

What happens when I call 988?

When you call 988, you’ll hear an automated greeting that offers additional options (option 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, option 2 for the Spanish Line, and option 4 for the Native & Strong Lifeline).

If you remain on the line without choosing any of these options, your call will be routed to a local 988 Lifeline contact hub by your geographic location or area code, depending on whether your phone carrier has enabled georouting. If the local contact hub can't take the call, you’ll be automatically routed to another hub in Washington state or a national backup crisis center. This infographic has more information about how 988 Lifeline calls are routed.

A trained crisis counselor will answer your call, text, or chat. This person will listen to you, work to understand what you’re experiencing, provide support, and collaborate with you on ways to feel better. They can also connect you with additional help or resources.

Live 988 Lifeline services are available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). The Lifeline also offers interpretation services in over 240 additional languages and dialects for people who call 988. Interpretation services are provided by Language Line Solutions.

When did the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline go live nationally?

July 16, 2022. The 988 dialing code is now available nationwide.

How is 988 different than 911?
The 988 Lifeline was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. The 988 number provides easier access to crisis centers and crisis resources. These crisis centers and resources are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911. 911 focuses on dispatching Emergency Medical Services (EMS), fire, and police as needed.
If I contact 988, will first responders, like the police or EMS, be automatically dispatched?

The primary goal of the 988 Lifeline is to provide support for people experiencing thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, or emotional distress in the moments they most need it, and in a way that centers on the needs of the person in crisis.

Most people seeking help from the 988 Lifeline don't require any additional interventions at that moment. Nationally, fewer than 2% of 988 calls, texts, and chats require emergency services, like 911. Some safety and health issues may need a response from law enforcement or EMS, like when a suicide attempt is in progress or other situations where someone's life or safety is at risk. But in most cases, the 988 Lifeline coordinated response aims to promote stabilization and care in the least restrictive manner.

Will 988 Lifeline calls, texts, or chats be referred to 911?
A small percentage of 988 Lifeline contacts require activation of the 911 system when there is an immediate risk to someone’s life that can’t be reduced during the call, text, or chat. In these cases, the crisis counselor shares information with 911 to help save the life of the person in crisis.
Will my call to 988 be recorded?

The 988 Lifeline greeting states that calls may be monitored or recorded for quality assurance purposes. Additionally, crisis centers in the 988 Lifeline network may independently use call recordings for training purposes. This depends on the best practices of the center.

People contacting the 988 Lifeline do not need to provide any personal information to receive services. The network system has several safeguards to address concerns about privacy. Information you share with the 988 Lifeline will not be shared outside of the 988 contact hub, including with law enforcement or first responders like 911, unless this information is necessary to save someone’s life or you request an in-person mobile crisis team response. If you request a mobile crisis team response, the crisis counselor will share your information with the Regional Crisis Line (RCL) so they can send a mobile crisis response team.

988 Lifeline crisis counselors are mandated reporters, which means they must report to Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services if they have a reasonable belief that a minor or vulnerable adult is experiencing abuse or neglect.

Is the 988 Lifeline available for substance use concerns?
Yes, you can contact 988 for substance use concerns, however, in case of an overdose emergency, call 911 and administer naloxone.
How is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline funded?

The President’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget request provides additional funding for the 988 Lifeline and for other federal crisis funding sources.

At the state level, in addition to existing public/private sector funding streams, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 allows states to enact new state telecommunications fees to support 988 Lifeline operations.

E2SHBs 1477 and 1134 are further funded by a tax on Washington’s phone and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) lines.

Does the 988 Lifeline provide support in other languages?
Live 988 Lifeline services are available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). The 988 Lifeline uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 240 additional languages and dialects. Text and chat are currently available in English and Spanish only.
How does the 988 Lifeline serve help-seekers who are hard of hearing or blind?
The 988 Lifeline currently serves TTY users either through their preferred relay service or by dialing 711 then 988. The 988 Lifeline also offers services through chat and text. You can also get support in ASL by visiting the 988 Lifeline website and selecting the “Deaf/HoH” link.
How can I reach the LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork?

The federal government shut down the 988 LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork on July 17, 2025. This subnetwork no longer operates.

Other 988 Lifeline subnetworks and services are unchanged. You can still contact the 988 Lifeline 24/7/365 to get support with thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

In Washington, 988 Lifeline crisis counselors receive training to provide specialized support to LGBTQIA2S+ people of all ages.

Other helplines supporting LGBTQIA2S+ people include:

How do I give feedback or file a complaint about my experiences with 988 in Washington?

If you have a bad experience with a 988 call, text, and chat that you made from Washington, you can file a formal complaint using this form. Under "Area of Interest" select "Submit a Complaint." You’ll need to include your contact information (email, phone number, and state) and a message describing your experience. After you submit the form, Vibrant Emotional Health and the 988 Lifeline contact hub that responded to your call, text, or chat will review it. They will work to identify what went wrong and come up with solutions, like re-training staff or reaching out to you for further support or more information to support their investigation.

If you want to send more general feedback, including positive feedback, about your experience with 988 in Washington, email 988 staff (ProgramInfo@doh.wa.gov). This email may be subject to public disclosure (detailed in Chapter 42.56 RCW). Do not use this inbox if you or someone you know needs crisis support. Instead, call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline. 

Does 988 use artificial intelligence (AI) to respond to calls, texts, or chats?

No, 988 contact hubs do not use AI to respond to calls, texts, or chats. All calls, texts, and chats are answered by trained crisis counselors.

Do Washington 988 contact hubs answer multiple texts or chats at the same time?

988 crisis counselors may answer a second text or chat interaction if they determine that the first person is physically safe and has a low level of risk and they feel comfortable accepting a second interaction. Crisis counselors and their supervisors make this decision on an individual basis. Contact hubs do not have an expectation for crisis counselors to consistently take more than one text or chat at a time.

Resources

Graphic showing crisis support options for suicide prevention
911 logo

911

Trained telecommunicators answer calls and texts and send out police, fire, or ambulance services to people experiencing emergencies that threaten life or property. 911 is available 24/7, 365 days a year.  

Call or text 911 for:

  • Traffic accidents
  • Home invasions or burglaries
  • Physical violence or injuries
  • Fire
  • Drug overdose or serious self-injury
  • Unconsciousness
  • Suicide attempt in progress 
988 logo

988

Trained crisis counselors answer calls, texts, and chats and provide confidential support to people experiencing a mental health crisis, substance use concerns, or thoughts of suicide. 988 crisis counselors can also share community resources for ongoing support. 988 is available 24/7, 365 days a year.  

Contact 988 for: 

  • Thoughts of suicide 
  • Feelings of anxiety, depression, or panic 
  • Substance use concerns 
  • Any emotional distress or feelings of crisis 

Call or text: 988 

Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat 

TTY: Dial 711, then 988 

Videophone for ASL: https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/for-deaf-hard-of-hearing/ 

211 logo

211

Trained information and referral specialists provide support with health and social service needs by connecting people to local services and community resources. 211 hours vary depending on your location. Some call centers are open Monday through Friday, while others are open 7 days a week.  

Contact 211 for support with finding local services and resources for:  

  •  Food, shelter, or transportation needs 
  •  Help with rent, housing, and utility costs 
  •  Hygiene and health care needs for yourself or someone else 
  •  Unpaid caregiver support 
  •  Educational or employment assistance 
  •  Supporting older adults and people living with disabilities 

Call: 211 

Text: zip code to 898211 

Chat: 211kingcounty.org 

TTY: Dial 711, then 211 

Care Connect WA Logo

Community Care Hubs

Care coordinators help people and their families with complex or multiple needs for shelter, transportation, health care, and more. Regional community care hubs connect and coordinate with local organizations to provide ongoing community-based care and support people through the process of getting their needs met.  

Contact Community Care Hubs for support with housing, food, shelter, transportation, health care, financial assistance, and more.  

The call center that submits referrals to the Community Care Hubs is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Call: 1-833-453-0336 

Washington Poison Center logo

Washington Poison Center

The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) provides immediate, free treatment advice and assistance from trained nurses, pharmacists, and poison information providers.  

If you or a loved one has swallowed or been otherwise exposed to any toxic, poisonous, or potentially hazardous substance, you can get confidential support over the phone, 24/7/365. WAPC provides information and support in 140 languages. 

The expert who answers your call can give you more information about treatment and offer guidance on when to go to the emergency room or seek other medical treatment.  

Call: 1-800-222-1222 

TTY: Dial 711 for the Washington Relay service 

Crisis Numbers

988 Resources

Some of these resources are available in other languages. Use the orange language selector button at the top of this page to find resources in your language.