New 988 Crisis number on July 16

Excerpts from the NYTimes:

What to Know About 988, the New Mental Health Crisis Hotline

The new national suicide hotline, which has expanded its focus to help callers experiencing a range of mental health emergencies, launches July 16.

The new 988 number is meant to provide a simpler way to get emergency care and to help callers access an expanded network of mental health professionals.

Employees and volunteers staffing the 24-hour hotline will be trained counselors. In some states, they will now also be able to connect callers with local crisis teams.

The line will be referred to as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to emphasize that the service is for people experiencing a mental health crisis of any kind, not just those involving suicidal ideation.

“It’s a new number, but it’s not a new service,” said John Draper, the executive director of the Lifeline and an executive with Vibrant Emotional Health, a New York-based nonprofit, which administers the Lifeline.

You can also call on behalf of someone else. Counselors can offer guidance on helping a friend or loved one navigating a mental health emergency, and experts advise that people reach out particularly if a loved one reveals a plan to hurt themselves.

While some people struggling with mental health issues may not think their problem is severe enough to merit using the hotline, experts said that anyone who thinks they might need help should reach out.

“If you’re unsure, call,”