In 2022, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched to help people going through crises. It has become a vital resource for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or crises in the U.S. since then. With 1.4 million calls answered in 2021 alone, this service has continued to grow as a critical component of crisis care. …
In 2022, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched to help people going through crises. It has become a vital resource for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or crises in the U.S. since then. With 1.4 million calls answered in 2021 alone, this service has continued to grow as a critical component of crisis care.
Key Findings
The 988 suicide line has been overwhelmingly positive: nearly 98% of callers reported that their crisis call was helpful. Impressively, 88.1% believed it prevented them from taking their own lives.
Final Thoughts
The evidence provided by this study affirms that the 988 Lifeline is an effective support mechanism for those experiencing suicidal thoughts. With such a high percentage of callers feeling the service has meaningfully impacted their lives, it is evident that the Lifeline plays a crucial role in potentially saving lives.
The Lifeline stands as a symbol of hope, reassuring those in need that they are not alone in their struggles.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Now 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline): Evaluation of Crisis Call Outcomes for Suicidal Callers
Madelyn S. Gould, Alison M. Lake, Margaret S. Port, Marjorie Kleinman, Amanda M. Hoyte-Badu, Claudia L. Rodriguez, Saba J. Chowdhury, Hanga Galfalvy, Alena Goldstein
First published: 23 May 2025 https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.70020
Book a Consultation
Taking the first step can make all the difference.
