Mental health crisis lines operate 24/7 to serve people going through a mental health crisis, such as suicidal ideation. People in distress can call the line to speak with a trained counselor who can connect them to local services. These calls are confidential unless there’s an immediate risk of harm to the person or others. The hotlines were originally just for suicide prevention, but have been expanded to help people experiencing any kind of emotional or mental crisis. Researchers have found that hotlines are an effective prevention method and safety net.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was launched in 2005 with congressional funds. The number, originally 800-273-8255 (TALK), was abbreviated to 988 in 2022. The hotline, which takes calls and texts, is called the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Several other hotlines operate regionally across the U.S.