988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Free, 24/7 nationwide crisis call, text, and chat service funded by SAMHSA, covering both suicidal crisis and broader mental health emergencies. Caregivers can call or text for themselves — caregiver burnout, hopelessness, and suicidality are recognized uses — and can call for help navigating a care recipient's mental health crisis. Over 8 million contacts in 2025. Federally funded at $255 million for FY2026, administered by Vibrant Emotional Health.

Free, 24/7 crisis support accessible by: (1) Calling 988 — connects to a local or national crisis counselor; (2) Texting 988 — text-based crisis support; (3) Chat at 988lifeline.org. Special routes: Press 1 for Veterans Crisis Line, Press 2 for Spanish-language support. For caregivers: (1) Caregiver burnout, emotional exhaustion, feelings of hopelessness, and suicidal ideation related to caregiving are recognized reasons to call — you do not need to be in active crisis; (2) Call when the person you care for is in behavioral health crisis and you don't know what to do; (3) Counselors can help de-escalate and connect to local mental health resources. Over 8 million contacts in 2025. FY2026: $255M administration award to Vibrant Emotional Health (following $231M NOFO January 2026). The service is stable and funded — not at risk of elimination. SMS-based caregiver support services should refer to 988 as the 24/7 crisis backup.

Services

Free, 24/7 crisis support accessible by: (1) Calling 988 — connects to a local or national crisis counselor; (2) Texting 988 — text-based crisis support; (3) Chat at 988lifeline.org. Special routes: Press 1 for Veterans Crisis Line, Press 2 for Spanish-language support. For caregivers: (1) Caregiver burnout, emotional exhaustion, feelings of hopelessness, and suicidal ideation related to caregiving are recognized reasons to call — you do not need to be in active crisis; (2) Call when the person you care for is in behavioral health crisis and you don't know what to do; (3) Counselors can help de-escalate and connect to local mental health resources. Over 8 million contacts in 2025. FY2026: $255M administration award to Vibrant Emotional Health (following $231M NOFO January 2026). The service is stable and funded — not at risk of elimination. SMS-based caregiver support services should refer to 988 as the 24/7 crisis backup.

How to apply

Apply online or find more information at the official program page.