In July 2022, the U.S. entered a new era of crisis services with the launch of 988 — the new, easy to remember, three-digit dialing code for anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.
988 is the universal dialing code connecting to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — a network of local crisis centers throughout the U.S., including many National Council member organizations. 988 is increasing the accessibility and use of life-saving interventions and resources nationwide.
The National Council and its members continue to provide partnership and support in expanding and promoting 988. We have partnered with other thought leaders, including Vibrant Emotional Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) and more to provide education and training.
The National Council also advocates for further expansion, funding and implementation of a robust crisis system — including through CCBHC expansion — through state and federal policy efforts, such as supporting the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the 988 Implementation Act.
988 Fast Facts
Over 8 million
calls, texts and chats received
Specialized line
for veterans
Accessible
in over 200 languages
98%
of calls are resolved immediately
Specialized line
for LGBTQ+ youth
Videophone/ASL
services provided
CCBHCs and 988
The ideal crisis response system provides communities with a continuum of services to address increasing intensity of needs and connect individuals to care beyond the moment of crisis. CCBHCs’ required services span this continuum, making them an essential component of a crisis response system.
CCBHCs serve as a cornerstone in our nation’s crisis response system, decreasing the burden on 911 operators, law enforcement officials and emergency departments. The CCBHC model improves access to crisis care by funding activities that traditionally have been difficult to implement.
Learn more about CCBHCs and crisis response, as well as advocacy efforts to improve the program’s sustainability.
75%
of CCBHCs already operate a crisis call line, with 21% reporting they participate in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network (prior to the launch of 988).
100%
of CCBHCs serve as partners to 988 call centers for direct services the call centers don’t directly provide (mobile crisis response, crisis stabilization, etc.).
For post-crisis and/or nonurgent needs,
CCBHCs can serve as referral partners to 988 call centers and other crisis responders.
Member Spotlight: Family and Children’s Services
A provider of crisis services in Tulsa for the past 22 years, Family and Children’s Services (F&CS) is a Lifeline contact center and CCBHC. To best connect individuals contacting the Lifeline to in-person care, F&CS built strong linkages between crisis call counselors and in-person sites of care. For instance, training for all crisis counselors includes visits to all in-person sites of care so that they see firsthand how an individual in crisis would access those services.
Learn More About 988
National Council Resources
Partner Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (SAMHSA)
- 988 Partner Toolkit (SAMHSA)
- 988 Lifeline Performance Metrics (SAMHSA)
- 988 Model Bill (NASMHPD)
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What is 988 and How Does it Work? (SAMHSA)