988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a federally-funded, nationwide crisis hotline network providing free, confidential 24/7 mental health and suicide prevention support via voice, text, chat, and videophone to anyone in the United States and its territories.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2022
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline does
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a federally-mandated, nationwide mental health crisis hotline network that launched under the easy-to-remember three-digit number 988 on July 16, 2022, replacing the prior 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The service is administered by Vibrant Emotional Health, a New York-based 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered at 80 Pine Street, and is funded primarily by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Its underlying technology is an integrated routing infrastructure that connects callers, texters, and online chatters to a distributed network of more than 200 state- and locally-funded crisis contact centers staffed by over 11,000 counselors, with the routing logic enabling population-specific handoffs to the Veterans Crisis Line (press 1), Spanish-language services (press 2 / text AYUDA), and the Disaster Distress Helpline. Accessibility modalities include voice, SMS, online chat at chat.988lifeline.org, videophone for Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL users via FCC-certified Video Relay Service providers, and TTY relay dialing.
The service is offered completely free of charge to end users with no insurance, appointment, or identifying information required, and operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year across all U.S. states and territories. Revenue mechanics are non-commercial: the program relies on SAMHSA federal appropriations as its primary funding source, supplemented by separate state and local government contributions to individual crisis centers and individual donations processed through Vibrant Emotional Health's development office. The user base spans the general U.S. population with dedicated content and culturally-competent support tailored to veterans, youth (ages 10-24), Spanish speakers, LGBTQI+ individuals, Black communities, Indigenous peoples, Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander populations, neurodivergent individuals, attempt and loss survivors, and disaster survivors. Since launch, the network has handled over 16 million contacts, and ongoing product expansion has added full Spanish parity across all channels and videophone access for ASL users, reflecting a strategy of maximizing reach across every communications modality and demographic segment.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Legal name
- Vibrant Emotional Health
- Website
- https://988lifeline.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2022
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a federally-funded, nationwide crisis hotline network providing free, confidential 24/7 mental health and suicide prevention support via voice, text, chat, and videophone to anyone in the United States and its territories.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mental Health Crisis Hotline
- NAICS
- Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Individual and Family Services (6241)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Behavioral Health Crisis Services Management (988/Hotlines/Mobile Crisis Coordination) (HLAEAHAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGAEAH), Disaster Behavioral Health & Psychosocial Support (HLAJAGAM), Crisis Support, Suicide Prevention & Acute Behavioral Triage Platforms (HLALAEAI)
Keywords
Where 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Government Funding: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a federal government agency. This represents the primary funding source for the national crisis hotline infrastructure and operations.
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization accepts donations through its website and by check, payable to Vibrant Emotional Health. Donations support the 988 Lifeline's infrastructure, resources, and efforts to change the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention. The organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
- State and Local Funding: Crisis centers within the network receive funding from state and local contributors to sustain operations and growth of local services
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free crisis support service available to all |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national, free, confidential crisis support service accessible 24/7/365 via a three-digit number (988) through voice calls, text messaging, online chat, videophone for ASL users, and TTY relay. Calls are routed through an integrated network of over 200 local and state-funded crisis contact centers staffed by more than 11,000 counselors who provide safety planning, emotional support, and referrals to local mental health resources. Specialized routing options connect veterans (press 1) and Spanish speakers (press 2).
Product overview
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national mental health crisis hotline network administered by Vibrant Emotional Health and funded by SAMHSA. The core offering is the 988 three-digit phone number providing 24/7/365 free, confidential access to trained crisis counselors. The service offers multiple contact modalities: voice calls (dial 988), text messaging (text 988), and online chat. Specialized routing connects specific populations: Veterans Crisis Line for military personnel (press 1 or text 838255), Spanish-language services (press 2, text AYUDA), and Videophone services for Deaf/HoH ASL users. The network comprises over 200 local and state-funded crisis contact centers that answer calls, texts, and chats. The Disaster Distress Helpline operates as a subnetwork for disaster-related crisis support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline A national 24/7/365 mental health hotline providing free, confidential crisis support via voice (call 988), text (text 988), and online chat. Connects individuals in emotional distress with trained counselors who provide judgment-free support, safety planning, and referrals to local resources.
- 988 Lifeline Chat Real-time crisis counseling via instant messaging through the 988 Lifeline website. Connects individuals in distress with live counselors through a web-based chat interface, available 24/7.
- 988 Text Service Crisis support via SMS text messaging. Users can text 988 to connect with a counselor. Spanish-speaking counselors available by texting AYUDA to 988.
- Veterans Crisis Line Connection Specialized routing for veterans, service members, and their loved ones. Dialing 988 and pressing 1 connects callers directly to the Veterans Crisis Line. Text option available at 838255, with online chat also offered. Operated in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- 988 Spanish Language Services 988 Lifeline services available in Spanish. Callers can press 2 after dialing 988 to reach Spanish-speaking counselors. Spanish chat and text services also available (text AYUDA to 988). Interpretation services available for additional languages.
- 988 Videophone Service Videophone-based crisis support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL). Users can call 988 using a VP (Videophone) number through FCC-certified Video Relay Service providers. TTY users can dial 711 then 988.
- Disaster Distress Helpline A subnetwork of the 988 Lifeline providing national crisis counseling and support for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Accessible by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990. Operated in partnership with SAMHSA.
Companies that use 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Vibrant Emotional HealthcoreAdministers the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as the program administrator. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages the program's operations, development, and outreach activities. Located at 80 Pine Street, Floor 19, New York, NY 10005.
- 200+ Local Crisis Centers NetworkcoreNetwork of over 200 local and state-funded crisis contact centers located across the United States and its territories. These centers answer 988 Lifeline calls, texts, and chats, providing local care with national support. Most are non-profit organizations, many utilizing trained volunteers alongside mental health professionals.
- Veterans Crisis LinecoreSpecialized crisis line for veterans, connected through the 988 Lifeline (press 1) or accessed directly. A partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the 988 network providing confidential support to veterans in crisis and their families.
- Disaster Distress HelplineminorA subnetwork of the 988 Lifeline providing crisis counseling and support specifically for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Operated in partnership with SAMHSA.
- Video Relay Service (VRS) ProviderscoreFCC-certified Video Relay Service providers that enable Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to access 988 via videophone with American Sign Language interpretation. Users sign up with VRS providers to receive a dedicated videophone number.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Crisis Text Line: National 24/7 text-based crisis support service staffed by volunteer crisis counselors. Closely comparable to 988's text/chat modality and counselor-driven model, though Crisis Text Line operates independently without federal designation.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Federal crisis line for veterans, service members, and their families, now integrated into 988 via press 1. Operated by the VA with the same 24/7 crisis counseling mission for a specialized population — direct functional and operational overlap with 988's Veterans routing.
- The Trevor Project: National crisis intervention organization focused on LGBTQ+ youth, offering 24/7 call, text, and chat crisis support. Directly comparable to 988's LGBTQI+ segment offerings and operates as a peer crisis hotline network.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 national hotline providing crisis intervention and support for individuals affected by domestic violence. Similar operating model to 988 — free, confidential, multi-modal crisis support staffed by trained advocates.
- Trans Lifeline: Peer-support hotline run by and for trans people, providing crisis support and resources. Directly comparable to 988's specialized culturally-competent crisis routing model, though smaller scale.
- IMAlive: Online crisis chat network providing live chat-based emotional support. Directly overlaps with 988's online chat product and uses a similar volunteer/staffed counselor model for crisis intervention.
Broad incumbents
- SAMHSA National Helpline: Federally funded 24/7 treatment referral and information service for substance use and mental health. Operates under the same SAMHSA umbrella as 988 but focuses on referrals rather than crisis triage — a complementary federal resource.
- Mental Health America: Nation's oldest community-based mental health nonprofit, focused on advocacy, screening, and resource referral. Operates a broader mental health mission overlapping with 988's upstream education and downstream referral functions.
- BetterHelp: Largest direct-to-consumer online therapy platform. While not a crisis service, BetterHelp addresses the same mental health population that ultimately may reach 988, making it a broad incumbent in the same consumer mental health category.
Others
- Vibrant Emotional Health: The 501(c)(3) nonprofit that administers the 988 Lifeline. Not a peer in the competitive sense, but the operational and organizational entity behind the program — relevant for understanding program governance and structure.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline social profiles
Digital presence988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
What does 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline do?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national, free, confidential crisis support service accessible 24/7/365 via a three-digit number (988) through voice calls, text messaging, online chat, videophone for ASL users, and TTY relay. Calls are routed through an integrated network of over 200 local and state-funded crisis contact centers staffed by more than 11,000 counselors who provide safety planning, emotional support, and referrals to local mental health resources. Specialized routing options connect veterans (press 1) and Spanish speakers (press 2).
Is 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline a public or private company?
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline founded?
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was founded in 2022. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline based?
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are donations and Charitable Contributions and state and Local Funding.
Who are 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Crisis Text Line, Veterans Crisis Line, The Trevor Project, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Trans Lifeline and IMAlive. Broad incumbents are SAMHSA National Helpline, Mental Health America and BetterHelp. Vibrant Emotional Health is listed as an others.
Does 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline have an API?
No public API is recorded for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
What industry is 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in?
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's product category is Mental Health Crisis Hotline. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAEAHAK, Behavioral Health Crisis Services Management (988/Hotlines/Mobile Crisis Coordination), with a secondary code of BPAGAEAH, Mental Health & Crisis Support Services. Its NAICS code is 624230 and its SIC code is 8300.