988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Compassion is Always On Call.

Free, Trained, Confidential Support Call 988 or Text 988 or Chat 988lifeline.org/chat

What is 988?

When you call or text 988, you connect with a real person who is there to provide compassionate, confidential, one-on-one support. Whether you're dealing with emotional distress, substance use issues, or even thoughts of suicide, Certified Crisis Workers are ready to guide you to the resources you need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in crisis, please call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org/chat.

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When Should I Call 988?

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. No matter the situation, a trained Crisis Worker will listen, offer support, and help you navigate what comes next.

What Happens When I Call 988?

When you call 988, you'll be greeted with options to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line or the Spanish-language Crisis Line. If you have an Illinois area code and don't choose one of these options, your call will be directed to a caring professional at an Illinois Lifeline Call Center. If a counselor isn't available right away, your call will be routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's backup network, ensuring that someone is always there to listen and support you, no matter where you are.

What Can I Expect From 988?

Callers who are connected with 988 receive real support from a real person trained in suicide prevention, de-escalation and stabilization, and resources. The Illinois Life Line will continue to work closely with the mobile crisis outreach teams across the state to support anybody who needs in-person intervention by a crisis-trained person.

Get the Facts:

Fact:

A call to 988 does not automatically facilitate a police response.

Fact:

988 Call specialists are trained in suicide prevention and crisis intervention.

Fact:

Dialing 988 reaches the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The former 800 number works, too!

Fact:

988 is not just for someone who is actively suicidal.

Download Fact Sheet pdf

Partner Toolkit

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) encourages organizations to use these communication outreach materials to meet the needs of your specific audiences.

Access Communication Outreach Resources

What's the difference between 988, 911, 211/311, other local hotlines and The Governor's Challenge?

988

  • Suicide prevention and mental health crisis lifeline
  • Access point to statewide community-based crisis resources such as mobile crisis outreach teams
  • Specialized intervention by certified crisis workers with advanced training in de-escalation and clinical suicide prevention
  • Confidential, free, and available 24/7/365

911

  • Emergency line for public safety emergencies, medical emergencies, and law enforcement
  • Provides limited de-escalation or emotional support; staffed with public safety answering point dispatch workers
  • Offers de-escalation under emergency situations rather than de-escalaction under a mental health crisis situation that 988 offers
  • If the public safety or medical emergency is pertaining to someone who has a mental health condition, or appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis, a crisis intervention team (CIT) trained officer with basic training in mental health crises may be available through 911 dispatch
  • Free, and available 24/7/365

211/311

  • Resource support line the links callers to resources
  • Ability to transfer callers to the Lifeline Line
  • Free, and available 24/7/365
  • 311 is specific to Chicago and Cook County, while 211 is available in some select Illinois counties

Local Mental Health/Substance Use Crisis Hotlines

  • Resource for people who need help getting into behavioral health services
  • Various hours of operation, according to the hotline's capacity
  • Provides screening, assessment and referrals to helpful services

Illlinois Warm Line: 1-866-359-7953

  • Free phone support for anyone living in Illinois to include emotional support, recovery education, self-advocacy support, and referrals
  • Staffed by Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS)
  • Not a crisis line, rather, works with callers to address aspects of their wellness by identifying triggers, developing action plans, and learning what is necessary to maintain wellness
  • Free, available Mon-Sat, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The Governor's Challenge

Read about Governor's Challenge