Phila.gov
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Need Help NOW?
If you or a loved one are experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress
CALL 988 or (215) 685-6440
Lifeline Options for Deaf + Hard of Hearing: For TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Learn more at HealthyMindsPhilly.com/988-Philly
Philadelphia County residents now have a new, easier way to connect to behavioral or mental health crisis services.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 access to compassionate, trained professionals. Callers experiencing suicidal feelings, substance use, and/or mental health crisis or any other kind of emotional distress will receive counseling, guidance, and direction for receiving prompt evaluation and treatment services.
988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) has been rebranded as 988.
Effective July 16, 2022, individuals who call 988 from anywhere in the United States are now directly connected to the same trained, compassionate crisis response counselors that were previously accessible through the long-standing 10-digit* National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK (8255).
Like 911, the new three- digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is designed to be an easy-to-remember number that connects people experiencing mental health crisis, emotional distress, are considering self-harm or suicide, or seeking help for their loved ones, to help.
When a person calls 988, they are automatically connected to a crisis call center. Trained crisis counselors can help immediately by talking through the situation over the phone, or if needed, sending help in the form of mobile teams that can provide in-person support. Counselors can also help by connecting the caller directly to local resources, such mental health, addiction or social services for ongoing care, and follow-up.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline services can be used by anyone, any time (24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year), at no cost to the caller. For more information, visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website.
Philadelphia County residents can find additional information on how to access mental health services and resources by going to the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services website or by visiting Community Behavioral Health.
- 988 Launch: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra comes to Philadelphia to launch the transition to 988, the new national mental health crisis number
- Additional 988 Resources and information:
- SAMHSA 988 Resources
- 988Philly.org
- The Philadelphia Crisis Response Center (CRC) Network
- The Philadelphia Crisis Response Center network comprises a series of psychiatric crisis centers. These centers accept walk-ins and are strategically located around the city. Click to view the Crisis Response Centers and Behavioral Assessment Centers.
- Get a checkup from the neck up with the free, anonymous self-screening tool at HealthyMindsPhilly.org
- The 988 Lifeline is available for everyone. Here are some ways to help you get through a crisis.
Make a safety plan
Build a support network
Read stories of hope and recovery
Learn more self-help resources here
