Starting July 16, people experiencing a mental health crisis will be able to call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The person calling will be able to connect with a trained counselor. According to the Lifeline website, the trained counselors will listen to callers, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support and connect them to resources. The hotline is free and provides 24/7 emotional support around the country.

The current lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always stay available for people to call, even after 988 is launched nationally. The 988 number is expected to be easier to remember in times of crisis. Lifeline says the number is meant to streamline mental health responses so people can get faster help rather than calling 911, which generally connects callers to law enforcement agencies rather than mental health professionals.

Lifeline has a network of over 200 crisis centers. Officials with Lifeline say numerous studies show that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.

If you would like to learn more about Lifeline click here.

If you would like to learn more about 988 click here.