9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Having Suicidal Thoughts or in Emotional Distress? Connect With Help Now.
Call or Text 988, or
What Is the 988 Lifeline?
The 988 Lifeline is a direct connection to trained counselors with immediate, free, and confidential support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, mental health crisis, or emotional distress. It is an easy-to-remember shorthand for the number previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).
The federal government established this national lifeline number under the National Suicide Designation Act of 2020. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is in charge of the Lifeline’s rollout in our state. Those in need can reach Lifeline counselors via call, text, or chat at any time.
Why Was Coleman Chosen to Take 988 Calls?
Coleman Health Services was chosen based on our reputation as a leading behavioral health center in Ohio with the staff and expertise to manage the program. Our Crisis centers serving Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, and Stark counties began answering calls to the 988 lifeline from 19 counties, and texts and chats for the entire state in July of 2022.
FAQs About the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
How has Coleman prepared to be a 988 Lifeline contact point?
Coleman cross-trained existing employees to focus on data entry and collection in order to prepare for the increased volume of calls. As awareness for the lifeline spreads, Coleman is boosting staffing to ensure counselors are standing by to help those in need.
When should someone call 988 instead of one of the Coleman locations?
Call 988 if you’re experiencing an immediate crisis, like suicidal thoughts, drug use, excessive drinking, emotional overwhelm, sexual orientation worries, loneliness, or trauma. You can also call 988 when someone you care about is experiencing any of these.
Call one of the Coleman locations near you to connect to non-crisis care, like scheduling an appointment with a counselor, finding recovery or employment services, and more.
When should I call 988 instead of 911?
Call 911 when you’re experiencing an immediate risk to life or limb that requires EMS, fire, or police intervention – like an active suicide attempt, a house fire, gunshots, or criminal activity.
Call 988 for mental and emotional crisis situations that do not pose an immediate threat but that require prompt support, a caring listener, and connection to more resources.
I’m not in one of Coleman's designated counties. Can I still call 988 for crisis help?
Yes. The 988 Lifeline is a national service and can connect you to appropriate local services in all 50 states and all 5 territories – so long as telephone, cellular, or internet services are available. If your local crisis center is unable to take your call, you will automatically be routed to a national backup crisis center.
What type of training do 988 Lifeline counselors receive?
All Lifeline network centers adhere to specific standards regarding Suicide Risk Assessment and Imminent Risk interventions. Each crisis center also develops its own specific training to meet organizational needs. The 988 Lifeline Core Clinical Training is self-paced online training that covers essential skills for crisis counselors who answer calls, chats, or texts within the 988 Lifeline network. Development of additional training is ongoing to address the specific needs of populations at higher risk of suicide.
If I call 988, will I be hospitalized or referred to 911 emergency services?
Probably not. Fewer than 2% of Lifeline calls require hospitalization or a connection to emergency services. Every 988 Lifeline crisis center adheres to the 988 Lifeline’s Suicide Safety Policy, which means that crisis center staff actively engage with people at risk and provide support and assistance in the least restrictive setting possible. The needs of most callers are resolved through interaction with the 988 Lifeline counselor and do not require additional immediate intervention.
Can the 988 network accommodate callers from marginalized communities, like people of color, deaf or hearing impaired people, pregnant people, LGBTQI+ youth, Native Americans, and veterans?
Yes. Lifeline counselors are trained in a variety of cultural competencies, and 988lifeline.org provides a wide range of specific resources for many communities that have traditionally faced barriers to mental and behavioral healthcare access.
How much does the 988 Lifeline cost?
There is no payment or insurance billing required to receive support when you call the 988 Lifeline. Standard data rates from your mobile carrier may apply for texting the Lifeline.
Can Lifeline counselors pinpoint the location of people who call, chat, or text?
Crisis counselors will know the phone number you’re calling from or the IP address of your chat. They will not necessarily know your precise geographic location.
Am I required to give the Lifeline counselor my personal info like address, birth date, or insurance policy number?
No. You are not required to provide personal information to receive support from the 988 Lifeline. If a 988 Lifeline crisis counselor makes an effort to gather information during a call, text, or chat, it will be for one of three specific reasons:
- To save lives
- To connect people to ongoing support
- To evaluate 988 Lifeline services
Learn more from SAMHSA about the network’s safeguards to protect personal privacy.
Where can I learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?
The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a wealth of information about this national program that is regularly updated as progress continues.
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