988 Crisis Line
Local, statewide, and nationwide suicide prevention & crisis response
A National Portal for Local Services
9-8-8 is America’s first 3-digit number dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis support.
It is a national portal for connecting to local services 24/7/365 in English and Spanish.
The 988 lifeline provides an immediate connection to compassionate, supportive, and accessible care for anyone experiencing mental-related distress, or those who are trying to help a loved one who’s struggling.
If you are in crisis, please call, text, or chat 988.
How it Works
By calling, texting, or chatting 988, you’ll talk with a mental health professional with the Lifeline network.
Calls from Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito are answered by mental health professionals here at Family Service Agency who listen, understand how problems are affecting callers, provide support, and connect them to resources if and when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 988 offer text/chat?
Yes! 988 offers call, text, and chat.
You can reach a mental health professional by texting 988 from your cellphone, or you can go to chat.988lifeline.org to chat with a mental health professional from your mobile device or computer.
How is 988 different from 911?
988 provides easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).
988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs.
How do 988 and 911 complement each other?
The 988 and 911 systems are closely coordinated to seamlessly allow referral of callers for appropriate care or response that addresses the unique circumstances present with each crisis encounter. We are actively engaged with our 911 counterparts at the local level to plan for smooth coordination between the two services.
Both 988 and 911 also, as needed, collaborate with our Mobile Crisis, CareCore, and Suicide Loss Survivors programs.
Are 988 calls referred to 911?
Currently, a small percentage of 988 calls require activation of the 911 system when there is imminent risk to someone’s life that cannot be reduced during the call. In these cases, the crisis counselor shares information with 911 that is crucial to saving the caller’s life.
Are calls kept confidential?
Calls to 988 through our Suicide Crisis Lifeline are confidential, but we are required to report to outside agencies and/or get additional help in certain situations, including immediate risk of suicide or homicide and minor, elder or dependent adult abuse or neglect. Certain calls may be recorded or supervised for quality assurance. No call information will be shared unless the above criteria are met.
Are you accredited?
Family Service Agency of the Central Coast is an accredited member of the national network of more than 200 crisis centers that helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day. Crisis Centers across the nation seek accreditation as a validation of high-quality service delivery according to nationally recognized standards, a model of program excellence, and a commitment to systematic, ongoing self-evaluation and improvement of suicide prevention and crisis intervention services.
We are supported by local and state sources, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Callers from Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties may be referred to our CareCORE program.
CareCORE is an intensive outpatient counseling program that aims to help individuals who are feeling suicidal by providing them with the support, tools, and skills they need on their journey toward healing. Our program is designed to aid individuals with stabilization and management of their emotions and develop the necessary skills to maintain a healthy mental and physical state.
Your donation directly supports suicide crisis support!
Calls to the Suicide Crisis Line are confidential, but we are required to report to outside agencies and/or get additional help in certain situations, including immediate risk of suicide or homicide and minor, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.