9-8-8 is a direct line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline counselors. It will open the door for millions of Americans to seek the help they need while sending the message to the country that healing, hope, and help are happening every day. With an easy-to-remember and dial number like 9-8-8, Lifeline hopes to reach many more people in emotional crisis. Some of 9-8-8’s key features include: 

• Connecting a person in a mental health crisis to a trained counselor, who can address their immediate needs and help connect them to ongoing care.

• Reducing healthcare spending with more cost-effective early intervention.

• Reducing the use of law enforcement, public health, and other safety resources.

• Meeting the growing need for crisis intervention.

• Helping end stigma toward those seeking or accessing mental healthcare.

The 9-8-8 line will be operational starting July 16, 2022.

9-8-8 will enable individuals experiencing a crisis to quickly access behavioral health support. Today, an estimated 8% of all calls to 9-1-1 are related to a mental health crisis, according to data from Vibrant Emotional Health. 9-8-8 will provide an easy-to-remember three-digit number individuals can call to receive the right mental health crisis support.

• 9-8-8 Press Release
• 9-8-8 One Pager