National suicide and crisis hotline changes to 988

People experiencing mental health distress now have easier access to services. By texting or calling 988, anyone in the U.S. can receive support from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL).

The previous NSPL number, 800/273-TALK (8255), can still be used alongside the new 988 number, according to a July 15 Washington State Department of Health press release. People can dial or text 988 if they are worried about someone else needing support. 

While the text services are only provided in English, over 250 languages including Spanish are available through calling the hotline. Veterans and service members can access a veteran crisis line by pressing “1” after dialing 988. A Native and Strong Lifeline will soon serve Indigenous people in Washington. Those deaf, hard of hearing and TTY users can dial 711 then 800/273-8255.

“Providing an easy-to-remember, three-digit number is an important step to accessing potentially life-saving support,” said Dr. Umair Shah, state secretary of health, in a statement.