What is the 988 number for?
Congress set up the 988-dialing code in 2020 to strengthen suicide prevention resources and increase mental health crisis services. This hotline was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 988 offers 24/7 communication through calls, texts, and chats with trained crisis counselors who can help with substance abuse, mental health, and suicide prevention crisis. You can also call for any other kind of emotional distress or if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Is 988 a nationwide number?
Yes, 988 is a nationwide number that was enacted by congress in 2020.
Does Illinois have a crisis response team?
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has a mobile crisis response team. A person under the age of 21 who is enrolled in a managed care plan can access this service. If you believe a child is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call 1-800-345-9049 for assistance.
Is the 988 number a suicide hotline? Yes, 988 is a number that you can call if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and believe you may harm yourself.
Do They Call The Police If You Call The Suicide Hotline?
When you call 988, you will be greeted by a recorded message while the call is routed to a local Lifeline network crisis center. This is determined based on the area code of the phone number you are calling from. 988 does not have geolocation services like 911 does, there for your location will only be based on the area code of your phone number.
Counselors do not automatically call the police or emergency services when you call 988. The goal is to promote stabilization and care in the least restrictive manner. If a suicide attempt is in progress, law enforcement or Emergency Medical Services may be called.
Mental Health Laws
There are Federal and State laws addressing mental health concerns in the United States. Federal law provides protections in the areas of employment, housing, education, and disability insurance to highlight some main areas that are addressed.
State laws will cover areas such as involuntary commitments, guardianships, and how issues such as an insanity defense are governed in criminal cases.
Overall, there are broad protections and services available for those with new or ongoing mental health concerns. For the most up to date information on mental health laws read our article, Recent Changes to Illinois Mental Health Laws.
Mental Health Emergency in Illinois
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency in Illinois, you have several options. You can call the National 988 number for assistance and be directed to a local Lifeline network crisis center.
You can also call 1-866-359-7953. This is a number set up by the Illinois Department of Human Services for calling or texting. For text support, you will need to text ‘TALK’ to 552020. For test assistance in Spanish, you can text ‘HABLAR’ to the same number. The line offers mental health crisis support and is available Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM, except for holidays. To read even more about mental health emergencies in Illinois check out, Emergency Involuntary Commitment to a Mental Health Facility in Illinois.
Veterans With Mental Health Concerns
Veterans with mental health concerns can call 988 for help. This is a nationwide Federally funded number that can help. There are trained professionals specializing in the needs of veterans that can assist. Other resources for Veterans can be found here: Mental Health Home (va.gov)
This website can direct you to additional mental health resources that Veterans have access to.
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