In moments of crisis, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Across the nation, support is now as close as dialing three numbers: 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects people to help when they need it most. It is an important resource for anyone experiencing mental health or substance use crises, offering immediate support 24/7. Recent updates to this vital service now make it even easier to obtain local assistance when it is most critical.

What is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?

988 is a national service introduced to make accessing mental health crisis support easier and faster. Replacing longer and more difficult-to-remember phone numbers, 988 provide immediate, free and confidential support to anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide, emotional distress or a mental health-related crisis. Individuals are encouraged to call for themselves or others they may be worried about. 

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be accessed by phone, text, or chat. The goal of 988 is simple: to connect people in need with trained crisis counselors who can offer compassionate, real-time support. 

What Happens When You Call 988?

When you dial 988, there will first be a greeting message and choices of who to connect with. 988 is for everyone, but there are specially trained counselors for veterans, Spanish speakers and LGBTQI+ youth. Calls are routed to one of the national networks or a local 988 Lifeline network crisis center based on your selection.

A trained crisis counselor answers the phone, listens, works to understand your problem, provides support, and shares resources, if needed. Counselors are available in English and Spanish, and there is translation for callers in more than 240 additional languages. While 988 offers immediate assistance, it can also serve as a gateway to ongoing support by connecting you with services like therapy, substance use treatment and peer support. 

988 is a confidential service. Callers do not have to give their name or any personal information unless they feel comfortable doing so. 

Georouting of 988 Calls: Ensuring Localized Help

A key development with 988 is the recent and ongoing implementation of “georouting” for calls made from cell phones. This ensures that when you call 988 from your cell phone, you are connected to a crisis center in your local physical area rather than one related to your phone number’s area code. This more localized response can lead to better outcomes, as it allows for a more personalized approach to crisis intervention and follow-up care.

Georouting is a major step forward in ensuring that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can effectively serve callers through offering timely assistance. In Fairfax County, it means callers will be more likely to connect with crisis counselors who are familiar with the resources and services available in the county, including mobile crisis teams that may be deployed for additional in-person assistance.

Help is Always Available

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a vital resource. Whether you're dealing with a mental health crisis, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or struggling with substance use, help is just a phone call, text, or chat away. With the recent implementation of georouting for wireless carriers, Fairfax County residents now have an even better chance of connecting directly with local crisis counselors who understand the unique resources and services available in the area. Whether it’s a referral to the Fairfax-Falls Church CSB, connection to a local therapist, or assistance in managing a crisis, the 988 Lifeline is designed to meet your needs quickly and effectively.