If you or someone you know are experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis, help is always available. For immediate assistance, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. 

In July 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) transitioned to a nationwide three-digit number, 988. 988 provides free, confidential, 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people of all ages experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or who just need someone to talk to. 

People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 

When a caller dials 988, they have the option to press “1” to be routed to the Veteran Crisis Line (VCL), “2” to be routed to the Spanish subnetwork, or “3” to be routed to the LGBTQI+ Youth line. 

Calls originating in Rhode Island are typically connected to the dedicated team at the Rhode Island call center for local support and resources. Occasionally, during times of peak volume, calls are sent to a national backup center, where callers still have 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors in other states.