When you or a loved one are in crisis, it can be hard to know what to do and how to navigate the situation. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has created a unique hotline for those experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis – to reach it, callers just need to dial “988.” They also offer the ability to text or chat with a support team specialist, which is a great alternative for those who prefer to text or physically cannot call. The 988 hotline works anywhere throughout the United States, offering the assistance of trained crisis counselors 24/7. 

988 is a Resource 

The goal of 988 is to make crisis assistance more accessible for everyone in the U.S. This expansion of the National Suicide Prevention Line is easier to remember than a full 10-digit phone number, and can be used anywhere in the country. Undoubtedly, 988 holds significance beyond being a simple number to remember. It serves as a direct link to empathetic and readily available assistance and care for individuals encountering mental health challenges. Whether someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, facing a mental health or substance use crisis, or undergoing any form of emotional distress, 988 offers a compassionate and accessible lifeline. 

In 2020, Congress officially designated 988, and in July 2022, the Lifeline made the transition to this new three-digit number. Recognizing the mental health crisis in America, the federal government has made unprecedented investments to expand crisis centers in support of 988. The transition to 988 marks a significant stride forward and presents an unparalleled opportunity to enhance and revolutionize crisis care across the nation. 

Expanding Crisis Care 

Although this is an exciting moment to reimagine crisis services in the United States, building a fully transformed crisis care system centered around 988 will not happen overnight. Such a comprehensive transformation will require time and relies heavily on the collaboration between the federal government and state and territorial authorities, as well as care management organizations such as Connected Families NH. 

Undertaking a transformation of this magnitude is never without challenges. The long-term success of 988 depends on the willingness of state, territorial, and local leaders to make additional investments in fortifying their crisis care systems. The federal government cannot accomplish this alone. 

You’re Never Alone 

It can be hard to stay on the right track when experiencing mental health challenges. It’s important to remember that you are not alone and do not have to navigate these challenges by yourself. Crises services and programs such as the 988 hotline and Connected Families NH exist to help your family and child get through challenging times, while remaining in your home and community. Individualized care can make a world of a difference when it comes to behavioral and mental health challenges in your child’s life. You want the best for your child, and CFNH can help you do just that.

About Connected Families NH 

Funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and contracted by the Bureau for Children’s Behavioral Health within New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services, Connected Families NH is a collaborative family-led program designed to improve the emotional health of children and young adults. We recognize the importance of emotional health and provide free, flexible services and support through our statewide and regional programs. Reach out or submit a referral to learn more about how Connected Families NH can help you. Connected Families NH is under the governance of Cheshire County. Connected Families NH is not an emergency service. If you or someone you care about is having a mental health or substance use crisis, you can call and speak to trained care staff at the NH Rapid Response Access Point at 833-710-6477 or 988 or NH988.com.