What is 988?

988 is a direct, three-digit lifeline that connects you with trained behavioral health professionals that can get all Oklahomans the help they need.

Getting help can be hard.
So we made it easier.

The mental health professionals on the other end of the line are here to help guide you.

Call the Lifeline

It all starts when you call 988. You'll be connected to a mental health professional to talk you through what's going on. 80% of the time, things can get sorted out with just a phone call. But if you need more help, we got you.
1
If Needed

Connect with a Mobile Crisis Team

When needed, the 988 call center will send a mobile crisis team to assess things and intervene if necessary. About 7 in 10 crises can be resolved at this touchpoint, which reduces the need for law enforcement to step in.
2
If Needed

Make a Follow-Up Appointment

At every step of the way, there will be the ability to make same-day or next-day appointments at every Community Mental Health, Community Behavioral Health, and Comprehensive Community Addiction Recover center in Oklahoma.
3
If Needed

Get Transportation

Each year, over 20,000 trips are made by law enforcement to assist Oklahomans in need of mental health crisis services. In metro areas, transportation can be handled by law enforcement. If you're going farther than 30 miles, we'll connect you to third parties to help get you there.
4
If Needed

If you want to know more about how 988 works in the state of Oklahoma, visit the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. 988 will provide easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).

The 988 dialing code will be available nationwide for call (multiple languages), text or chat (English only) on July 16, 2022. Until then, those experiencing a mental health-related or suicidal crisis, or those looking to help a loved one through a crisis, should continue to call the Lifeline at its current number, 1-800-273-8255.

Yes. The Lifeline accepts calls, texts, and chats from anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis.

The 988 and 911 systems will need to be closely coordinated to seamlessly allow the referral of callers for appropriate care or response that addresses the unique circumstances present with each crisis encounter. SAMHSA is actively engaged with 911 counterparts at the federal, state, and local levels to plan for smooth coordination between the two services.

The primary goal of the Lifeline is to provide support for people in crisis when they need it most.

Most people seeking help from the Lifeline don’t need the help of first responders. Fewer than 2% of Lifeline calls require connection to emergency services like 911. While some safety and health issues may warrant a response from law enforcement and/or Emergency Medical Services (namely when a suicide attempt is in progress), the 988 coordinated response is meant to promote stabilization and care in the least restrictive or invasive manner.

People contacting 988 are not required to provide any personal data to receive services. SAMHSA recognizes the importance and the expectation of privacy when a person contacts 988. The network system has several safeguards to address concerns about privacy.

Any effort to obtain demographic information from those who use 988 will serve three primary purposes: 1) to save lives; 2) to connect people to ongoing supports; and 3) to evaluate system needs and performance, particularly ensuring that gaps and inequities are being addressed.

For bigger questions visit The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.