What is 988

A free confidential lifeline- providing judgement free care.  

Basic Stats:

As of July 2025 

Total Contracts to 988: 

17, 785,050 

Average time to answer: 33 seconds

Averal Call length:

13 minutes 47 seconds 

How does it work:

Explain difference between geo routing and geolocation:  

Geo routing: 988 does attempt to route callers to the nearest center to them in the network using their area code.  

Geolocation- which is receiving a pinpoint location for dispatch during an emergency is not in use for 988 and not being considered to ensure the anonymity of the lifeline. 

What to do: 

Call- call the number 24/7 - reach a live counselor

Text- text 24/7 - you will complete a brief survey to get to the best help available

Chat- available 24/7- similar to the text interaction

What you can expect: 

Calling:

• Step 1- You will hear a recording that allows you to select language and or veterans option
• Step 2- hold music while being connect to a live counselor
• Step 3- You will get introduced to counselor and be asked if you are safe
• Step 4- Once you confirm you are safe, your counselor will listen, provide support and resources. 

Texting or Chatting: 

• Step 1- You are connected to the line and chose your language
• Step 2 – You accept the terms of service
• Step 3- You will receive a brief survey to best be able to understand your level of needed support
• Step 4 you may be asked a few more questions
• Step 5 – you are connected to our counselor and asked if you are safe
• Step 6- your couselor listens provides support and resources 

Who can use it:
Anyone in crisis

With someone in crisis

Worried about someone who may be in crisis

Anyone needing extra support

Worried about a substance use disorder 

Success Rates:  

98% of all contacts are able to get a commitment to safety. 

However, when emergency services must be involved, over half of these emergency dispatches occur with the caller’s consent. Whenever possible the 988 counselors will recommend alternate options such as collaborating on a safety plan, utilizing mobile crisis teams, collaborating with the individual’s loved ones or professionals, or supporting the individual to get to a Crisis Stabilization Unit, emergency department, or urgent care.

988 operators must provide information to 911 operators to attempt to locate an individual, if they are unwilling to provide that information, if there is a belief that the person is in danger of seriously or fatally harming themselves or others.  

How is it funded?

Combination between state and federal funding

Sources: FAQ: Does Vibrant use police intervention for callers, texters, and chatters to the 988 Lifeline? - 988 Lifeline

Lifeline Performance Metrics | SAMHSA