988 is the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. When a person calls, texts, or chats 988, they will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how the person’s problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

Although 988 was launched nationally in 2022, the original Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) is always available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.