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Safe Exit
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Safe Exit

FAQs

988 is the easy-to-remember number that connects you to a trained counselor. This counselor will listen to whatever you’re going through, without judgment. Contact 988 if you’re feeling overwhelmed or feeling sad. Reach out to us if you’re struggling with alcohol or drug use or just need someone to talk to.

988 is free, confidential and available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. Or access live chat at chat.988lifeline.org.

  • You will be connected to a trained counselor. This person will listen to you and work to understand what you’re experiencing. They will also provide support.
  • You will be asked a few questions, so we know how to help. This includes your name, so the counselor knows how to refer to you. It’s okay to not give your name if you don’t want to.
  • 988 counselors may also ask for your phone number, so they can call you back in case you get disconnected. They may ask for the name of your county, so they can provide local resources. It’s okay to stay anonymous if you prefer.
  • Early in your conversation, your 988 counselor will check if you are safe. They will also ask a few questions about suicide.
  • If needed, a counselor can also connect you with more resources in your community.

Yes, 988 Oregon is staffed with trained counselors who are available 24/7, every day of the year.

People using 988 Oregon don’t have to provide payment or insurance information. Standard data rates may apply when you text 988. If you need help paying for telephone or broadband service, visit www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers.

There is no limit to how often you can call, text or chat 988. Reach out when you feel like your head is spinning, when intrusive thoughts won’t stop or when you just need someone to listen. No matter what you’re going through, you can always turn to us.

We are here to listen, no matter what you are going through. If it’s on your mind, it matters. Here are some reasons people call us:

  • stress
  • feeling down or depressed
  • drug or alcohol use
  • grief and loss
  • dealing with thoughts of suicide
  • self-injury
  • bullying
  • parenting concerns
  • financial worries
  • painful memories
  • feeling nervous or afraid
  • domestic violence
  • concerns for a friend or family member
  • recovery support

If you can’t decide whether to contact us or not, we encourage you to reach out. We are here for you.

Yes. Studies have shown that most callers to 988 are significantly more likely to feel less overwhelmed, less depressed, less suicidal and more hopeful after speaking to a counselor.

At 988, we provide one-on-one support for people in distress, in the moments they need it most. In Oregon, 988 resolves or de-escalates nearly 98% of calls over the phone. This happens without the need for any type of in-person response.

988 call centers follow Vibrant Emotional Health’s national 988 Suicide Safety Policy. This policy calls for emergency services to be engaged only as a last resort to save lives. Most of the time, this contact happens with the caller’s consent and cooperation.

You do not need to share personal information to receive support or services. A 988 counselor might have the phone number or IP address you contacted them from. Apart from that, the counselor will not know who you are or where you’re located. Sometimes, a 988 counselor may ask for your phone number, so they can call you back if you get disconnected. They may ask for the name of your county, so they can recommend local resources. You do not need to share this information. You can stay anonymous.

In rare situations, a 988 counselor may need to reach out to a 911 dispatcher. This may happen because the counselor is concerned about an immediate risk to life. In that case, 911 may be asked to start a precise geolocation lookup with the Internet Service Provider or wireless carrier. This is necessary because 988 does not have access to your precise location when you reach out.

Our trained counselors are experienced, compassionate professionals. They undergo extensive training before answering a call, text or chat. They are trained to respond to a wide array of situations. They work to reduce the intensity of a situation for the person seeking help. Many 988 counselors also have personal experience with mental health issues and navigating complex challenges.

Training for 988 counselors includes many crisis counseling techniques. These include how to identify warning signs and find coping strategies and trusted resources during a crisis. Counselors are also trained in mental and emotional processes, cultural humility and community-specific approaches. 988 Oregon counselors get up to 200 hours of introductory training. They also receive ongoing education to build skills and help them support callers.

Yes, you can contact 988 for substance use concerns. In the case of an overdose emergency, call 911.

Yes! If a friend or family member is struggling, please reach out to discuss the situation. A counselor will listen to you and help you find support for your loved one and yourself, if you need it.

988 offers Spanish call, text and chat services. When calling 988, select option 2 to speak with a Spanish-speaking counselor. When texting 988, type “ayuda” to connect with a Spanish-speaking counselor.

988 calls also offer interpretation services in over 240 languages and dialects. To use this feature, call 988 and say the name of the language you need.

988 is available to all people of Oregon regardless of age.

Yes, you have several options to reach 988:

Veterans, service members and their families can call 988 and press 1 to be connected to a counselor focused on meeting your needs. Learn more about this service here.

988 and 911 are two separate emergency service systems. 988 provides access to immediate support for emotional, mental health or substance use concerns. 911 focuses on dispatching emergency medical services, fire and police as needed.

In Oregon, 988 counselors are based at two local organizations: Lines for Life and Northwest Human Services. Counselors answer calls, texts and chats from around the state.

If you select an option to speak with a specialized counselor, your call may be routed to a 988 counselor located in a different state. For a specialized counselor, press 1 for Veterans Crisis Line and 2 for Spanish speakers.

988 Oregon is affiliated with the national 988 Lifeline, which is partially funded by Congress. At the state level, 988 services are funded by telecommunications fees paid by cell phone users. Oregon Health Authority is the administrator of 988 and Oregon’s behavioral health crisis system.

Mount Hood at sunset with wheat in the foreground