As of July 16, 2022, people in all states will be able to call 988 for confidential mental health assistance. This new shortened hotline will replace the 1-800-273-8255 number that is currently used. The upcoming launch has generated a lot of buzz amongst mental health advocacy groups on social media, but the rollout is much more complicated than these posts will have you believe.
The Reason:
The shift from the 1-800 number to the shortened number serves several purposes. First, the new number is easy to remember in times of crisis. When there is an emergency, individuals know to dial 911. Unfortunately, 911 centers aren’t often equipped to handle mental health crises and might be forced to redirect calls or respond inappropriately. An uninformed response to a mental health crisis can sometimes worsen the situation and traumatize the individual. Calling 988 ensures that you will be met with exactly the resources you need. Doing away with the 1-800 number in favor of the new hotline also serves to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by normalizing getting help. The very existence of the hotline recognizes the needs of the public and reminds us that it is okay to not be okay.
The Good:
The 988 number fills a long overdue gap in the mental health care system. In addition to destigmatizing mental health, a fully-functioning hotline will increase the accessibility and efficiency of care for those in crisis. Instead of overwhelming 911 centers and triggering unproductive responses, callers will have a direct line to crisis centers, cutting out the middleman and expediting the process.
The Not-So-Good:
Many states are struggling to fulfill the demands that a new hotline and response system will require. Though 988 calls will be routed to existing crisis centers, the expected influx of calls will put a strain on already-struggling call centers. As of today, less than half of states have implemented plans to fund the new hotline. Many centers are already understaffed and forced to rely on unpaid volunteers.
The Ugly:
Due to the lack of resources, time, and available funding, it will likely take years for the 988 hotline to be fully functional in every state. Many states are already unable to meet the bandwidth requirements to operate a successful crisis response center. In 2021, about 17% of calls to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline were abandoned due to long wait times. As 988 garners momentum, the number of calls is expected to surge. This will increase hold times, wasting precious seconds and delaying help when people need it most.
There is Still HOPE for Those in Crisis:
There are a number of amazing resources available to you. Some national hotlines that are teen focused include:
Teenline Online: 🖤 A helpline for teens by teens
📞 Call 800-852-8336 @ 6PM-10PM PST
💬 Text TEEN to 839863 @ 6PM-9PM PST
Safe space to talk, feel heard & less alone linktr.ee/teenlineonline
Youthline: Teen to teen crisis support & helpline. Open daily 4pm-10pm PST
Call 📞: 1(877)968-8491
Text📱: teen2teen to 839863
Chat 💻: theyouthline.org. linktr.ee/youthline
Trevor Project: The world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ youth ✨reach a trained counselor at 866-488-7386 ✨www.thetrevorproject.org/help
Teenlink: Confidential, peer-to-peer support for youth, via phone, text, or chat. Call 1-866-833-6546. Chat at TeenLink.org. Open 6-10 pm PST everyday!
The launch of the 988 line shows promise and should be celebrated. As a country, we are starting to remove the stigma from mental health and increase public access to mental health services. As you continue to educate yourselves about mental health, start to become aware of the evolving resources available to your community.
Sources: RAND Corp, New York Times
Article by Sophia Lisco, Robbie’s Hope Intern
