New Mental Health Hotline Number Now Live – 988

People experiencing a mental health crisis now have a new way to reach out for help in the U.S. Live since Saturday, they can simply call or text the numbers 9-8-8. Modeled after 911, the new three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional. "988 won't be a busy signal, and 988 won't put you on hold. You will get help," said Xavier Becerra, the secretary of the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Lawmakers and mental health advocates also see this launch as an opportunity to transform the mental health care system and make care easily accessible everywhere in the U.S.