Dial #988. 24/7/365. Call. Text. Chat at www.988lifeline.org

What is a Crisis Center?

A crisis center is a resource for individuals going through mental health crises. They provide mental health services and emotional support for their state or local communities.

Crisis centers answer calls for the 988 Lifeline, as well as local helplines, and offer other resources such as text, chat, or mobile services. Crisis centers also provide training and educational resources on suicide prevention and mental wellness. They are also a resource for mental health professionals seeking advice on best practices. All of the services a crisis center offers strengthen their local community and the state as a whole.

Veterans or family of veterans:
call 988 and press 1 to be connected to the VA Lifeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this really a crisis!? I’m not really sure what to call this.

A: The word “crisis” can mean a lot of things and is unique to each individual. If your usual coping skills are not working, you may be in a crisis. The 988 Lifeline provides support that encourages the decision-making process.

Q: What do people call the 988 Lifeline about?

A: All kinds of things. Any emotional issue or struggle including concerns around relationships, work or school, money, illnesses, sexuality, violence, addictions, loneliness, accidents, and thoughts of suicide.

Callers often begin by saying how they are feeling, such as: I’m confused. Why did he hurt me? I’m overwhelmed. I’m scared. The pain is unbearable. I’m so angry. I’m so ashamed. I miss her so much. I’m exhausted. I don’t know what to do.

Q: What is crisis?

A: An emotional crisis occurs when stressful events or experiences overwhelm our abilities and resources to cope. When we are dealing with an emotional crisis we feel out of control, off balance, anxious. We temporarily “can’t think straight.” When these feelings are especially difficult or large in scope, or they take place when our resources, energy or coping skills are weak, we may respond by entering a crisis state. Crisis can happen to anyone at anytime for any reason.

Q: Is the 988 Lifeline only for people thinking of dying by suicide?

A: No, you can call about anything that is causing you to feel distressed, emotionally uncomfortable, overwhelmed, sad or otherwise upset.

Q: What if I’m worried about someone else, can I call the 988 Lifeline?

A: Yes, people often call who are concerned about a friend, family member, co-worker, student, roommate or other associate. Perhaps their roommate has expressed thoughts of suicide or their mother cannot take the stress of care giving. It is smart to call, even if the call is not necessarily about you.

Q: I have a hard time talking about my emotions? How can the 988 Lifeline support me?

The Crisis Counselor will be patient if you are struggling for the right words. If you really can’t talk on the telephone, you can text 988 anytime.

Q: What will happen when I call the 988 Lifeline? 

A: A trained and caring Crisis Line Counselor will listen to you without judgment or distraction. The Crisis Line Counselor will then support you to sort out your problems and empower you to identify potential solutions. If necessary, the Crisis Line Counselor share with you community resources related to your crisis that can offer you more support.

Q: Will I get the same Crisis Line Counselor if I call again? 

A: You will always get a trained and caring Counselor, but it might not be the same one you spoke with previously.

Q: How can I be sure the call is confidential?

A. Your call is confidential. The Crisis Line Counselor who takes your call will never ask who you are: this allows for both sides to be open throughout the conversation.

If you have additional questions, please use our CONNECT WITH SPCS form to reach out.