988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Did you know that when you call 988, you’re connected to a trained specialist, most often right here in Ohio? 

Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support. The easy-to-remember, three-digit number provides 24/7, free and confidential support to Ohioans in a behavioral health crisis. 988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress. That could be:

• thoughts of suicide,
• mental health or substance use crisis, or
• any other kind of emotional distress.

Ohio's 988 plan is part of the state's larger commitment to providing quality, person-centered crisis supports in communities across the state.

There is HOPE. The Lifeline WORKS. You are not alone in crisis

• Call - Dial 988 on your mobile or home phone for immediate support
  • For the Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 then press 1. You do not have to be enrolled in Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits or health care to call.
  • Para acceder al apoyo en español, marque 988 y presione 2.
• Text - To text with a crisis counselor, send a text to 988 on you mobile phone. (English and Spanish)
  • Para iniciar una conversación de mensaje de texto en español con el 988 Lifeline, envía la palabra AYUDA a 988.
• Chat - To reach a crisis counselor through the 988 National website
  • Haga clic aqui para iniciar al chat en espanol
  • Click here for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing services.

What Happens When Someone Calls 988?

988 Lifeline Center calls are free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.

• First, you’ll hear a message telling you that you’ve reached the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline while your call is routed to your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center.
• We’ll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.
• A skilled, trained crisis worker who works at the 988 Lifeline network crisis center closest to you will answer the phone.
• This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need

What Happens When Someone Texts 988?

• When someone texts 988 on their mobile device, they will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little about their current situation.
• They will be then connected with a trained crisis counselor, who will interact with them to understand what they are experiencing, provide support, and connect them with any needed help or resources.

What Happens When Someone Chats with 988?

• When someone uses the Lifeline chat via 988Lifeline.org/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 individual to understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support, and share resources that may be helpful.