New 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Offers Pennsylvanians Easy Access to Mental Health Crisis Support 24/7

"Implemented on July 16, 2022, the new 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is the result of legislation that provides federal support, guidance, and funding to states to enact 988 and crisis services, giving those in mental health crises easy access to behavioral support.

All states are required to enable this number as a quick option that:

• Provides everyone with one simple pathway to reach out for help when thoughts of suicide or other increased mental health symptoms arise.
• Allows those with mental health crisis training and education and those knowledgeable about mental health resources within the caller’s community to respond appropriately.

988 is now active in Pennsylvania and like 911, it is simple to remember. Health care providers can advise patients to call 988 anytime they are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

How it works in PA
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 to access support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who need mental health crisis support can also use the chat feature on the 988 website. The chat feature is an important option for those who speak Spanish and for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

When someone calls the lifeline:

1. The 988 number connects them to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which answers calls via the new 988 number or through its existing 10-digit phone number, 1-800-273-8255.
   
   Note: Callers will also be given the option to reach the Veterans Crisis Line (Option 1) or a Spanish speaker (Option 2).
2. They are connected with a mental health crisis service provider in their area.
3. People can then receive telephonic crisis services or, when/where applicable, have mobile crisis services dispatched directly to them.

Learn more
Providers may reference the 988 SAMHSA Partner toolkit, which includes 988 fact sheets in English and Spanish, and other printable materials or learn more by visiting dhs.pa.gov/Services/Mental-Health-In-PA/Pages/988.aspx. "