988 Lifeline

988 is now the national three-digit phone number for all mental health, substance use, and suicide crisis, as of July 16, 2022. 988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it’s a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 calls are routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline centers in each state, transitioning from the current Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255. 988 offers rapid access to behavioral health support through connection with trained crisis specialists. Anyone in need of crisis support for themselves or someone else should call 988. Veterans can push 1 for direct access to specific assistance. In Alabama, calls are answered by centers right here in the state. The call centers are located in Mobile at AltaPointe Health in Mobile, in Birmingham at The Crisis Center Birmingham, and Huntsville at WellStone. Carastar Health in Montgomery will soon come online as a call center. 988 is interwoven into the Alabama Crisis System of Care, as the first step and response in a crisis.