If you or someone near you is in a mental health emergency right now, call or text 988. This connects you to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free, 24/7 service staffed by trained crisis counselors. If there is immediate danger to life, such as an overdose, self-harm in progress, or violence, call 911. Below is a full breakdown of every resource available, when to use each one, and what to expect.
988: The First Number to Know
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is the national number for mental health emergencies. You can call it, text it, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and it covers far more than suicidal thoughts. Counselors handle substance use crises, severe anxiety, emotional distress, trauma, loneliness, depression, and situations where someone simply needs a person to talk to.
When you reach a counselor, they listen, help de-escalate the situation, and connect you with local resources if needed. Call services are available in more than 240 languages through interpreters. If you text 988, you’ll see prompts offering connections to the Veterans Crisis Line or Spanish-speaking counselors (text AYUDA for Spanish support).
One important distinction: 988 counselors are trained to resolve crises without dispatching law enforcement or emergency medical services unless someone’s life is in immediate physical danger. This makes 988 the better starting point for most mental health emergencies, where what’s needed is emotional support and de-escalation rather than a police response.
When 911 Is the Right Call
Call 911 when the situation involves an active medical emergency, such as an overdose requiring physical intervention, serious self-inflicted injuries, or someone who has become violent toward themselves or others. The core difference is physical safety: 911 dispatches paramedics, fire, or police for situations requiring immediate hands-on response. If the crisis is emotional rather than physical, 988 is designed to handle it without escalating to law enforcement.
If police do respond to a mental health call, some departments have Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officers with specialized training. These officers are taught to slow interactions down, give the person in crisis space, and de-escalate without using force. You can ask a 911 dispatcher whether a CIT-trained officer is available, though availability varies by location.
Crisis Text Line: 741741
If talking on the phone feels overwhelming, or you’re in a situation where you can’t speak aloud, text the word HELLO to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. A trained crisis counselor typically responds within five minutes. The conversation is confidential, anonymous, and secure.
An algorithm screens incoming texts for severity, so messages from people at the highest risk are prioritized. Counselors go through 34 hours of training before they handle conversations. This service works well for teens and young adults who are more comfortable texting than calling, or for anyone in a setting where a phone call isn’t possible.
Specialized Lines for Veterans and LGBTQ+ Youth
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans and active-duty service members can call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. This routes directly to counselors trained in military-specific issues, available 24/7.
The Trevor Project
LGBTQ+ young people can reach The Trevor Project through three channels, all available 24/7:
- TrevorLifeline: Call 1-866-488-7386
- TrevorText: Text START to 678-678
- TrevorChat: Instant messaging through a computer at TheTrevorProject.org
Mobile Crisis Teams: In-Person Help Without the ER
Many communities now have mobile crisis teams that come to you. These teams typically pair a licensed clinician (a social worker, nurse, or psychologist) with another trained responder, and they’re dispatched to where the crisis is happening. The goal is to provide psychiatric assessment and de-escalation on the spot, avoiding an unnecessary trip to the emergency room.
Mobile crisis teams are usually activated through 988 or 911. When you call either number, the dispatcher evaluates the severity of the situation and determines whether a mobile team, an ambulance, or law enforcement is the best fit. Availability depends on your area. You can ask your 988 counselor directly whether a mobile team can be sent to your location.
What Happens at the Emergency Room
If the crisis requires hospital-level care, you’ll go to an emergency department. Some hospitals have dedicated psychiatric emergency units, while others evaluate mental health patients within the general ER. The process usually starts with a medical screening to rule out physical causes (drug interactions, head injuries, metabolic problems), followed by a psychiatric assessment.
Be prepared for a wait. Psychiatric patients in the ER tend to be “boarded” longer than other patients, meaning they wait for an available bed or a transfer to a psychiatric facility. This is a well-documented problem across the country, and it can mean hours of waiting in an ER room. Bringing a phone charger, a book, or anything that provides comfort is practical advice for anyone accompanying a person in crisis to the hospital.
Warm Lines: Support Before a Crisis Hits
If you’re struggling but not in immediate danger, a warm line may be the right fit. Warm lines are free, confidential phone services staffed by peers, meaning people with their own lived experience of mental health challenges. They’re designed for the space between “I’m fine” and “I’m in crisis,” offering someone to talk with about loneliness, symptom management, stress, or difficult emotions.
Warm lines vary by state and region. Some operate 24/7, while others run during evening and overnight hours, filling the gap when therapists’ offices are closed. Research has found that warm lines running after 5 p.m. and through the night are particularly valuable because they cover hours when few other mental health services are accessible. To find one near you, search “warm line” along with your state name, or ask a 988 counselor for a referral.
SAMHSA Helpline for Ongoing Treatment
Once a crisis has passed, finding ongoing care is the next step. SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 is a free, confidential service available 24/7 in English and Spanish. It doesn’t provide counseling itself but refers callers to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations for mental health and substance use disorders. This is the number to call when you need help navigating the system and finding a provider.
Quick Reference
- Mental health crisis (any kind): Call or text 988
- Immediate physical danger: Call 911
- Prefer texting: Text HELLO to 741741
- Veterans/service members: Call 988, press 1, or text 838255
- LGBTQ+ youth: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
- Treatment referrals: Call 1-800-662-4357
- Struggling but not in crisis: Search for your state’s warm line