988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and ask for a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Officer. They have special training.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, private support. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone who is depressed, going through a hard time, needs to talk or is thinking about hurting themself can get help. The Lifeline is available to everyone—you can call for yourself or a loved one who may need crisis support.
Connect with a counselor who will listen, offer support and provide resources nearby:
- Call 988 or (800) 273-8255
- For the Veterans Crisis Line, press 1.
- For support in Spanish, press 2. (Para español, oprima dos.)
- LGBTQI+ young people, press 3.
- Everyone else, stay on the line or press 0. You will be connected with a caring and qualified counselor ready to support you.
- Text 988 (for Spanish: text AYUDA to 988)
- Chat online
- Get help if you are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have hearing loss
What to Expect
988 is not the police. It is not the same as calling 911.
Your identity is private. 988 cannot share what you say with anyone—including hospitals, parents or the police—unless someone's life is in immediate danger or a vulnerable person is being abused.
You do not have to answer any questions you don’t feel comfortable answering. You will never be asked your immigration status.
Learn more about what to expect when you contact 988 and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Need help a different way?
- A mobile crisis team can come to you.
- Find a community crisis center near you.
- Call the NC Peer Warmline to talk to a peer support specialist.
More options: North Carolina Crisis Services