About the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
How does it work?
When someone calls, chats, or texts 988, they can expect to be connected to a crisis specialist who is trained and prepared to deliver support to anyone experiencing a crisis. Crisis specialists are responsible for responding to individuals in crisis, resolving or stabilizing high-risk situations, connecting people to appropriate resources, and following up with those contacts. If a higher level of care is needed, the crisis specialist will work with the caller and other supports to connect them to a mobile crisis response team to respond to the person in the community.
Missouri’s crisis care system
- Missouri has 7 lifeline centers that handle all state contacts made to 988
- Behavioral Health Crisis Centers (BHCC) operate statewide to divert individuals who come to the attention of law enforcement away from jails or hospitals and into behavioral health treatment services. To learn more visit https://www.mobhc.org/behavioral-health-crisis-centers
