In July 2022, the United States introduced the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—a simple, three-digit number designed to provide immediate, free, and confidential support for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The initiative aims to make mental health assistance more accessible and to connect individuals with trained professionals who can offer immediate help and guide them to appropriate resources.

When you dial 988 in Virginia, you’re connected to a trained crisis worker available 24/7. These professionals are equipped to handle situations involving:

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Mental health-related distress
• Substance use concerns
• Emotional distress or trauma

The crisis worker will listen, provide support, and, if necessary, connect you to additional services such as local mental health professionals or community resources. If there’s an immediate threat to life, they can coordinate with emergency services to ensure safety.

Beyond the initial call, Virginia’s 988 system integrates with a broader Crisis Continuum of care which includes:

• Mobile Crisis Response: teams that can travel to individuals in crisis to provide on-site evaluation and intervention.
• Community Services Boards (CSBs): Local agencies offering a range of mental health, substance use and developmental services
• REACH Program: Specialized support for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities experiencing behavioral health crisis. 

This approach ensures that individuals receive not just immediate support but also ongoing care tailored to their specific needs.

Since its launch, the 988 Lifeline has seen a huge increase in usage. In 2024, Virginia’s crisis workers assisted an average of 10,185 individuals each month, with June peaking at 12,958 calls. This surge highlights the pressing need for accessible mental health resources and the public’s trust in the system.

When to Use 988 vs 911 or 211

988: For mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress

911: For emergencies requiring immediate police, fire, or medical response

211: For information on community services, including housing, food assistance, and healthcare.

Understanding the appropriate number to call ensures that individuals receive the right help promptly. 

The introduction of the 988 Lifeline represents a significant advancement in mental healthcare accessibility in Virginia. By providing a direct line to trained professionals and integrating with comprehensive support services, the state aims to address mental health challenges proactively and with compassion.

For more information or to seek assistance, visit 988va.org