This service started on July 16, and Americans now have a new universal number to call or text for urgent help with a mental health crisis: 988. The number is the new direct line to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Anyone who dials the number will be connected to a trained counselor who can help them with their situation, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and will help fund and implement 988.
