Launching this week: New 988 national crisis and suicide hotline

A new resource is available to people struggling with mental health crises.

Instead of calling or texting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 800 number, you can now simply dial 988. The shortened dialing code operates through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network, which connects people to crisis centers and counselors across the country.

This new hotline went into effect nationally on July 16.

“This is an incredibly important resource for all families to be aware of,” says Ashley Mangum, program manager of Kids’ Mental Health Pierce County. “This shorter number is easy to remember and is one that we strongly encourage everyone to have programmed into their phones.”

As many as one in four youth report mental health challenges, and as many as 33 percent of children have reported symptoms of depression and/or anxiety since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The youth mental health crisis existed long before the pandemic, but the stressors that our children face today — including increased isolation, traumatic national events and social justice issues — only compound the effects of the crisis,” Mangum says.

The new 988 dialing code provides a universal connection point to anyone facing mental health distress, including:

• Thoughts of suicide or suicide ideation
• Mental health crisis
• Substance use crisis
• Other emotional distress

“Mental health is just one component of our overall health,” says Chris Ladish, PhD, chief clinical officer of pediatric behavioral health at Mary Bridge Children’s and MultiCare Behavioral Health Network. “I encourage parents and caregivers to talk openly about mental health with their children — and to take them seriously when they raise concerns. It’s also helpful to save crisis numbers, like this hotline, in your phones and make sure your children know there is help available for them.”

The 988 hotline is available for both those struggling with mental health issues, as well as those who might be concerned for the safety and emotional well-being of someone in their lives. In addition to 988, the existing 800-273-8255 number will still connect to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

For more information about mental and behavioral health services at Mary Bridge Children’s, visit the Mary Bridge Children’s website.

For more information about webinars and upcoming events happening in partnership with Kids’ Mental Health Pierce County, visit their news and events page.