A 988 RI Community Briefing (2:25)
What is 988?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for anyone experiencing a mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis. In Rhode Island, 988 connects individuals with trained crisis counselors who offer immediate support, resources, and connections to care—helping people navigate difficult moments and access the right support when they need it most.
How it all works
The 988 Process
STEP 1
A trained crisis counselor answers your call
STEP 2
Counselor introduces themselves and will ask if you’re safe
STEP 3
Counselor listens and provides you with personalized support
STEP 4
Resources, referrals and warm handoffs when appropriate
Hear it from others
Steve’s Story
Steve never expected to dial 988, but when his son needed help, he knew he couldn’t wait. In a moment of uncertainty and concern, Steve reached out and connected with a trained crisis counselor who provided support, guidance, and a path forward.
Partners in Policing
Through collaboration with law enforcement and community partners, we help connect people in crisis to behavioral health professionals and services that promote safety and recovery while preventing justice system involvement.
Care Beyond the Call
By providing timely access to crisis services, stabilization, and community-based supports, we're reducing unnecessary emergency department visits while ensuring people receive compassionate, effective care in the environment best suited to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about 988? Check out these FAQs and feel free to reach out anytime. You can also check out more resources and information on the national 988 website by clicking the button below.
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The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 is free and confidential for people of all ages.
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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 provides 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).
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The Lifeline currently provides live crisis center calling services in English and Spanish and uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional languages. Text and chat are currently available in English only.
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988 in Rhode Island is answered by trained crisis counselors at BH Link, the state’s 24/7 crisis center for mental health and substance use disorder issues as well as staffed by our partners at Community Care Alliance
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Yes, the Lifeline works! Almost 98% of people who call, chat or text the 988 Lifeline get the crisis support they need and do not require additional services in that moment. The 988 Lifeline crisis counselors are trained to help reduce the intensity of a situation for the person seeking help, and connect them to additional local resources, as needed, to support their wellbeing.
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No, 988 responds 24/7 to calls, chats or texts from anyone who needs support for suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis, and connects those in need with trained crisis counselors.
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The Lifeline currently serves TTY users either through their preferred relay service or by dialing ‘711’ then ‘988’. The Lifeline also offers services through chat and text. The Lifeline is in the process of expanding to video phone service to better serve deaf or hard of hearing individuals seeking help through the Lifeline/988.
Community-Specific 988 Resources
We all have different experiences and backgrounds. 988 has an amazing up-to-date and growing library of resources for folks from all communities. Use the buttons below to locate the right resources for you and those around you.
