A national three-digit hotline will connect people to counselors for assistance
Mental health and wellness is important for everyone no matter age, economic background or profession. Feelings of anxiety, depression, changes in behavior, sleeping patterns and appetite are mental health conditions that are real and treatable. Now, help for you or someone you know who may be suffering from a mental health emergency is just a three-digit phone call away.
Help is closer than you think. Call or text 988. pic.twitter.com/GC3zhdQqtY
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) July 21, 2022
People seeking immediate help are able to call or text 988, 24/7 to be connected to a counselor with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Experts say the universal three-digit number is easy to remember and will enhance the overall response for those in crisis while also connecting people to local community resources, including following up with the person. The hope is 988 will reduce the role of law enforcement in crisis response to meet the goal of decriminalizing mental health. Changes are already underway at call centers across the state.
How will 988 improve crisis response?
- Immediate connection to a trained counselor while connecting to ongoing care
- Reduce use of law enforcement
- Meet growing need for mental health care and crisis intervention
A professional licensed by the Board of Psychology may be consulted for anyone struggling with their mental health. To learn more about the new hotline or the Board, visit www.psychology.ca.gov/forms_pubs/winter2022.pdf. The Board ensures consumers receive a high standard of care by establishing distinct licensing qualifications to provide psychological services. To verify a psychologist’s license, visit http://search.dca.ca.gov.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255). The number will remain available even after the launch of 988.
