How 988 Works

THE LIFELINE PHONE SYSTEM

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health.

The Lifeline is made up of a network of over 180 independently owned and operated local centers, and can be reached by simply calling or texting the number 988, or by chatting online.

The Lifeline network was designed to connect callers with local crisis centers, by using a phone system that routes calls based on the caller's phone number.

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Or Chat with us here online!

Call/Text 988

You’re routed to an agent right here in WV

If your local crisis center is unavailable, you’ll be routed to the national backup network.

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Connect with a trained crisis counselor

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE CALLS THE LIFELINE?

When someone CALLS 988, they will hear our automated greeting message that features additional options.

We'll play a little music While we connect the caller to a skilled, trained crisis counselor. Our phone system will route the call to the closest crisis center in the Lifeline network based on area code. Each crisis center picks their coverage area (which can be defined by zip code, area code, county, or even state), and their hours of operation.

A trained crisis counselor at a local center will answer the phone.

This person wIll listen to the caller, work to understand what the caller is experiencing, provide support, and collaborate with the caller on ways to feel better and connect with any needed help or resources.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE TEXTS THE LIFELINE?

When someone TEXTS 988, they will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little about their current situation.

They will then be connected with a trained crisis counselor, who will interact with them to understand what the texter is experiencing, provide support, and connect them with any needed help or resources.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE CHATS WITH THE LIFELINE?

When someone uses the Lifeline CHAT they'll first complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little about their current situation, and then see a wait-time message while they are connected to a crisis counselor.

A trained crisis counselor will answer the chat, converse with the chatter to understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support, and share resources that may be helpful.