988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or chat. Free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Free, confidential support. 24 hours a day.
Anyone in Ohio experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis — and anyone worried about someone who is — can reach a trained crisis specialist at any hour, at no cost.
What 988 is
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is an easy-to-remember three-digit number that connects Ohioans to confidential, cost-free support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can reach it by calling 988, texting 988, or chatting online at 988lifeline.org.
988 is a direct link to compassionate, accessible care for anyone facing emotional distress — thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or worry about a friend or family member. It is part of Ohio’s wider commitment to person-centered crisis care in every community in the state.
There is hope, and the Lifeline works. No one has to face a crisis alone.
What happens when you call
- You will hear a short message telling you that you have reached the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- You will hear hold music while you are connected to a trained crisis specialist at the crisis center nearest you.
- That person will ask you to describe what is happening, listen, offer support, and share any resources that may help.
When to call 988, and when to call 911
911 is for immediate, life-threatening emergencies. 988 is for a mental health or addiction crisis that is not life-threatening. The difference is worth knowing before you need it.
A mental health or addiction emergency — call 911
An emergency is life-threatening and needs an immediate response from law enforcement or paramedics. Someone may be actively trying to harm themselves or another person. They may be out of touch with reality, unable to function, or out of control. Examples include an active suicide threat, self-injury needing medical attention, severe intoxication, or an apparent drug overdose.
A mental health or addiction crisis — call or text 988
A crisis is not life-threatening, and help is possible without an immediate response from law enforcement or paramedics. Examples include talking about suicide or planning to cause self-harm, overuse of drugs or alcohol, or severe depression, anxiety, or other symptoms of mental illness.