Everyone knows 911 as the number to call in an emergency, but there is now a special number people can call if they or a loved one are facing a mental health crisis: 988.
“A couple years ago, the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline was changed from an 800 number that no one could remember to 988,” Adam Nemer, founder of Simple Mental Health, said. “So now, anywhere across America, if you’re worried that you or someone else in your life could be struggling with a mental health crisis, you can call 988 and ask for help.”
People can contact 988 through phone calls, texts or chats. Since its launch in 2022, 988 has routed millions of people. When the call or message comes in, the person answers a series of prompts about what’s going on to be routed to a person who will provide resources. The conversation is free and confidential. The hotline does not define crisis.
According to Nemer, “If it’s a crisis to you, it’s a crisis to them.”
Nemer, who speaks publicly about his own mental health struggles, talked about why seeking care is worth it and what it’s like to get to a hopeful place.
“Going to therapy changed my life—saved my life,” he said. “I feel like I have superpowers because I overcame these illnesses.”