988
Mental Health Crisis · United States
988 is the United States Mental Health Crisis emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: SAMHSA. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 988 — Mental Health Crisis in United States
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in United States
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 988
- • Do not call 911 for non-urgent police matters - use local non-emergency number
- • Do not make prank or test calls to 911 - it is a criminal offence
- • Do not call 911 for minor injuries - visit an urgent care or your doctor
- • Do not make prank or test calls to 911 - it is a criminal offence in most states
- • Do not call 911 for power outages - contact your utility company
- • Do not call 911 for non-urgent police matters - use the local police non-emergency number
- • Do not use 911 for road conditions or weather - dial 511 for travel information
✈️ Travel Notes — United States
Emergency response is generally fast in urban and suburban areas. Response in rural and remote areas may be delayed. Ambulance services typically charge fees; travel insurance recommended. 911 service is well-established nationwide. Text-to-911 available in many jurisdictions.
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What is 988 in United States?
988 is the official 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline emergency number in United States. This number is operated by SAMHSA and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 988 is the national suicide and mental health crisis lifeline. Available 24/7 by call or text. English and Spanish.
When to Call 988
Call 988 immediately in situations involving mental health crisis-related emergencies in United States. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 988 in United States
Here are the key technical facts about calling 988 in United States:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: A SIM card is typically required. Try 112 if you have no SIM.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: SAMHSA
How to Call 988 from Abroad
If you are calling 988 from outside United States, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +1 followed by 988 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within United States, simply dialing 988 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The universal number 112 is also active across United States and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in United States
Besides 988 (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), United States has the following emergency services available: National Emergency Number: 911 · Police Emergency: 911 · Emergency Medical Service (EMS): 911 · Fire and Rescue Service: 911 · Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222 · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988. Save all these numbers before traveling to United States.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 988 is listed as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline emergency line for United States based on data from SAMHSA. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 988 (United States)
What is 988 in United States? ▼
988 is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline emergency number in United States. 988 is the national suicide and mental health crisis lifeline. Available 24/7 by call or text. English and Spanish.
Can I call 988 without a SIM card in United States? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 988 free in United States? ▼
Yes, calling 988 is completely free in United States. No airtime credit needed.
Does 988 work from mobile in United States? ▼
Yes, 988 works from all mobile phones in United States.
Who do I reach when I call 988 in United States? ▼
Calling 988 in United States connects you to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (SAMHSA), available 24/7.
What is the source for 988 being the Mental Health Crisis number in United States? ▼
Verified from SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/. Last verified: 2026-01.
What is Text-to-911 in the United States? ▼
Text-to-911 allows you to send a text message to 911 in an emergency. Available in many jurisdictions. Where not available, you'll receive a bounce-back message. Call if you can, text if you can't.
Can I call 911 from a mobile without a SIM card? ▼
Yes. All mobile phones can dial 911 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in the United States? ▼
Yes. All calls to 911 are free. Ambulance transport typically incurs charges.
What is 988 in the United States? ▼
988 is the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
What is the Poison Control number in the US? ▼
1-800-222-1222 is the national poison control hotline. Available 24/7. For life-threatening poisoning, call 911.
What is Text-to-911? ▼
Text-to-911 allows you to send a text message to 911. Available in many jurisdictions. Call if you can, text if you can't.
What is 988? ▼
988 is the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 for mental health crises. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.