Student Support Helplines

When calling 988, callers will hear a greeting message while your call is routed to the local Lifeline network crisis center (based on your area code).  A trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, listen to the caller, works to understand how the problem is affecting them, provide support, and share resources if needed. 

If the local crisis center is unable to take the call, the caller is automatically routed back to the national backup crisis center. 

The Lifeline uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional languages.

Chat is available through the Lifeline's website at 988lifeline.org/chat in English only. 

People seeking chat services are provided a pre-chat survey before connecting with a counselor, who identifies the main area of concern. 

If demand is high, people can access the Lifeline's helpful resources while waiting. 

Once you are connected, a crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful.

When you text to 988, you will be responded to by a group of Lifeline crisis centers that answer both chats and texts.  The service will expand over the next few years to increase local and state level response.  Once you are connected, a crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful.  Currently texting is available in English only.

Yes, the Lifeline works.  Numerous studies have shown that most Lifeline callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a Lifeline crisis counselor.

Almost 98% people who call, chat, or text the 988 Lifeline get the crisis support they need and do not require additional services in that moment.  The counselors are trained to help reduce the intensity of a situation for the person seeking help, and connect them to additional local resources, as needed, to support their well-being.

988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country's growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs.  988 provides easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).

1.  First, you are in a crisis.  Crisis doesn't just mean thinking of ending your own life, it is any painful emotion and any time you need support.  So text us at 741741.  Your opening message can say anything, keywords like "REACH," "HOME" or "HELLO" just help us to identify how people hear about us.

2.  The first two responses are automated.  They tell you that you are being connected with a Crisis Counselor and invite you to share a bit more.  The Crisis Counselor is a trained volunteer, not a professional.  They can provide support, but not medical advice.

3.  It usually takes less than 5 minutes to connect you with a Crisis Counselor, who will introduce themselves, reflect on what you've said, and invite you to share at your own pace.

4.  You will then text back and forth with the Crisis Counselor.  You do not need to share anything you don't want to.  The Crisis Counselor will help you sort through your feelings by asking questions, empathizing, and actively listening.

5.  The conversation typically ends when you and the Crisis Counselor both feel comfortable deciding that you're in a "cool," safe place.  After the conversation, you will receive an optional survey about your experience.

6.  The goal of any conversation is to get you in a calm, safe place.  Sometimes that means providing you with a referral for further help, and sometimes that just means being there and listening.  A conversation usually lasts anywhere from 15-45 minutes.