We Can All Help Prevent Suicide
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers providing free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Talk to Someone Now
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and is confidential. See below for Suicide and Crisis Lifeline links:
Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
Chat with a 988 Lifeline Crisis Counselor:
Text with an 988 Lifeline Crisis Counselor: text 988
What Happens When I Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline?
- First, you’ll hear a message telling you you’ve reached the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- We’ll play you a little hold music while we connect you.
- A skilled, trained crisis worker at the Lifeline network crisis center closest to you will answer the phone.
- This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.
Remember, your call is confidential and free.
To read a more detailed explanation of what happens when you call the Lifeline, click here.
Should I Call the Lifeline?
No matter what problems you’re dealing with, whether or not you’re thinking about suicide, if you need someone to lean on for emotional support, call the Lifeline.
People call to talk about lots of things: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness, to name a few.
Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life.
More about the Vermont 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The Department of Mental Health secured funding to support the certification of two Lifeline centers to increase the in-state answer rate from 0% to >85%. Vermont is responding to calls, texts, and chats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are currently two Lifeline Call Centers located in Vermont. If a local counselor is engaged with another individual, the caller may be routed to a backup center in New Hampshire. All calls are confidential and free. While counselors are not required to be licensed clinicians, extensive training is required for all Lifeline Call Centers. People call to talk about lots of things: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness, to name a few. The system is designed to provide resources for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.