988 – The New Crisis Line for Mental Health
In 1938, the UK established the world’s first emergency telephone line, 999, which they still use today. In 1968, the US followed our neighbors across the pond by establishing 911, which is still used today. The goal of these emergency response numbers is to give people quick access to the resources they need. The numbers are designed to be easily remembered, so even young children know the number they need to call for help. This July, another easy to remember crisis line was established, 988. This emergency response number gives people quick access to mental health resources. Like 911, the 988 number is designed to be easily remembered. The hope is that even young people will be able to remember the number to call if mental health resources are needed. In this blog, we’ll talk a bit about the new mental health crisis line and what you can expect when you call.
Why Is a Separate Number Necessary? Can’t I Just Call 911?
911 is still a resource and maybe necessary if medical intervention is necessary. However, while emergency medical care and other services are available when calling 911 are essential, they are not always the best option for people experiencing mental health crisis. Many 911 dispatchers and emergency responders are trained and able to provide necessary care for people experiencing a mental health crisis, there are some situations where these responders have not been equipped to help those who turned to them during a crisis. There are several deaths each year that occur as 911 responds to someone in mental health crisis. Additionally, there are numerous situations where people in mental health crisis are arrested or otherwise experience negative legal action related to their call for help. Rather than talking to general emergency responders, 988 gives people access to professionals who better understand the specific needs of people in mental health crisis, which can significantly decrease these adverse events.
What Is 988? Is it Just the Suicide Hotline?
Like 911, 988 is an emergency resource hotline. The easy to remember number is new, but the resources have actually been available since 2005. Created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Suicide Hotline was established in an attempt to provide a direct link to resources for people experiencing mental health crisis. In 2020, the growing number of people experiencing stress, anxiety, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic paved the way for 988. In 2020, the Federal Communications Commission established the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, which designated 988 as the universal resource for mental health services and suicide prevention. It took nearly two years to put the hotline into place, but in partnership with SAMHSA, the new number and hotline are now available for use nationwide. Many of the resources are the same as those available from the National Suicide Hotline, but these resources are growing. By calling 988, a person is able to get access to local mental health services and support resources. Calling 988 and utilizing the resources they provide can help avoid sending people in crisis to often overcrowded emergency rooms where the available resources are already stretched thin. Instead, individuals are put in touch with local sources of support.
What Happens During 988 Calls?
Calls to 988 will be answered by trained volunteer counselors. While these individuals are knowledgeable about mental health resources and ready to provide empathy and support, they are not licensed mental health counselors. Calling 988 is just a first step toward living and feeling better. It shouldn’t be considered a long-term solution. If you are ready to start working toward a long-term solution, I hope you’ll give me a call. I’m Ashley Pichardo, a licensed mental health counselor in New York City. If you’re interested in working with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call (917) 522-1418, email contact@aphicardotherapy.com, or complete our inquiry form or request a free 15 minute phone consultation.
