988 is a three-digit number that routes callers to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Read more below to learn about this vital service.
What is 988?
988 is an easy-to-remember number to call or text to connect to immediate emotional support. The support is provided by trained professionals who listen without judgement and offer local resources to assist you. 988 is free, confidential and available 24/7/365. It is active in Fairfax County and across the United States.
If you are more comfortable chatting online, 988 support is also available at www.988lifeline.org/chat.
What’s the difference between 988 and 911?
At 988, you speak to a trained crisis worker whose focus is to provide you with calming support and resources. The crisis worker is available to listen and talk with you for as long as needed.
At 911, you speak to a trained public safety telecommunicator whose focus is dispatching public safety assistance for life-threatening or medical emergencies or when there is a crime in progress or a fire.
When appropriate, 911 may direct callers to 988 for emotional support.
Who can use 988?
Anyone can use 988, whether you’re struggling yourself or worried about someone you love. 988 is standing by and ready to help you with:
- Addictions
- Anxiety
- Bullying
- Depression
- Discrimination
- Emotional Distress
- Family Issues
- Financial Issues
- Physical Health
- Physical, Sexual and/or Emotional Abuse
- Problems in School
- Relationship Issues
- Self-harm
- Stress
- Someone Else’s Safety
What should I expect when I contact 988?
When you call, text or chat 988, you will always be connected to a live professional whose focus is listening to you without judgement and seeking to understand how your concerns are affecting you and what resources could potentially help you. Learn more about what to expect when you call, text or chat 988.
Will I talk to a real person on 988?
When you contact 988, a real person, from HopeLink Behavioral Health will likely be on the other end of the line, not AI.
HopeLink is one of over 200 crisis call centers across the United States that form the 988 Lifeline network. HopeLink’s Crisis Call Center for 988 is headquartered in Fairfax County and funded by the state.
HopeLink and Fairfax County have partnered to ensure coordinated and quality 988 services for Fairfax County residents. The partnership also includes public safety agencies and the CSB. These agencies work together in a coordinated behavioral health crisis response system to get you connected to the right help at the right time.
NOTE: When you contact 988, the 988 Center that you are connected to is dependent on your phone carrier. If your phone carrier is one of the large national carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) or your phone number has a 703 or 571 area code, it is likely that you will be connected to HopeLink’s local 988 Crisis Call Center in Fairfax County, but it is not guaranteed. Every 988 Center across the country has trained professionals to help you, but to guarantee contact with HopeLink’s 988 Crisis Call Center in Fairfax County, contact them directly by calling 703-527-4077.
What is the impact of 988 in our community?
988 is making a real difference in Fairfax County. It’s an important part of our behavioral health crisis response system.
The partnership between Fairfax 911 and 988 has made a meaningful difference. Here is just one example of a call that began with Fairfax 911 and, through collaboration, received crucial support from 988: A caller to Fairfax 911 reported anxiety, likely a panic attack, and was seeking someone to talk to since their doctor was unavailable. After confirming there was no life-threatening emergency, 911 connected the caller to HopeLink’s 988 Crisis Call Center. A 988 crisis worker completed a risk assessment and provided emotional support through validation, coping strategies and breathing exercises. The caller expressed gratitude for having compassionate help available in the middle of the night.
Is there somewhere I can go instead of calling 988?
The CSB offers you a place to go when you need help. Assistance is available for concerns related to mental health, substance use or an intellectual or developmental disability.
Emergency and non-emergency services are available at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health, 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031.
For media inquiries, contact CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.