What to do in a crisis

Who to call, what happens when you do, and when to call 911.

If someone's life is in danger right now, call 911.

  1. Call, text, or chat 988. 988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's free, confidential, and open 24/7 anywhere in the U.S. You can call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org, for yourself or because you're worried about someone else.
  2. Get connected to local help. Calls from cell phones to 988 are routed to a crisis center near where you are. Local crisis workers can talk with you, and in many areas they can send a mobile crisis team to where you are.
  3. Veterans and service members. Dial 988, then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. You don't need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
  4. Make a plan for the next few days. After the immediate crisis, crisis staff can help you connect with follow-up care, such as a crisis stabilization program, a walk-in clinic, or an appointment with a therapist or psychiatric provider.

You don't have to be suicidal to reach out to 988. It's also for overwhelming stress, a substance use emergency, or when you don't know what else to do.

Sources

Find crisis services

In crisis? Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.