Suicide prevention hotline now offers Spanish-language texting and chatting
Photo: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 988 – now includes text and chat services in Spanish.
Created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the lifeline is available year-round, 24/7.
Spanish-speaking individuals can be connected to crisis counselors who speak Spanish by calling 988 and choosing option 2, texting “AYUDA” to 988, or visiting 988lineadevida.org or 988Lifeline.org.
SAMHSA cites Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing that, in 2021, suicide was the second-leading cause of death nationwide among people ages 10-14 and 25-34.
“988 is about delivering lifesaving resources to Americans facing mental health challenges,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a press release, “and now we can say that to you in Spanish.”
SAMHSA transitioned from an 800 telephone number in July 2022.
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