Need support now?
We are your local 988 lifeline.
Crisis Services
Anytime. Anywhere.
You are not alone.
Feeling overwhelmed? Life can be tough, and you don't have to face it alone. If you are in crisis, please reach out.
Our trained counselors are here to listen and support you without judgment. Anytime. Anywhere.
For ongoing support, we also provide therapy for individuals and for groups. Learn more >>
Your safety is our priority.
We are here to support you. We believe in working with you to find the least invasive options to ensure your well-being.
Involving law enforcement or hospitalization is a last resort, used only after all other options have been explored. We understand that these steps can be traumatic, and we will do everything we can to support you in other ways first. Emergency procedures calls make up 0.42% (less than 1%) of our total call volume.
All information you share remains confidential, with a few exceptions for safety, such as mandated reporting for child or elder abuse.
What to Expect When Calling 988
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Initial Greeting
When you call 988, you'll hear an automated message with options for English or Spanish.
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Routing to a Local Center
Your call is routed to the nearest crisis center based on your area code.
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Connect with a Counselor
A trained crisis counselor will listen to you and help get through the moment.
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Follow-Up and Resources
Your counselor may refer you to local resources or provide follow-up calls, if necessary.
FAQs
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The primary goal of the 988 Lifeline is to provide support in the least restrictive manner. Currently, fewer than 1% of 988 calls require connection to emergency services like 911. The vast majority of those seeking help do not require any additional interventions. An emergency response is only warranted when a suicide attempt is in progress or there is an imminent safety issue.
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Our counselors and volunteers all undergo 90 hours of training and receive continued supervision. The training explores our own assumptions and biases to better connect with callers from all our communities. Many of our counselors have their own lived experiences with mental health concerns or thoughts of suicide.
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The 988 Lifeline was established for mental health-related distress. 911 is for public safety emergencies (dispatching police, fire, or EMS). 988 will only refer to 911 in cases where emergency services are needed.
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You are not required to provide any personal data to receive services. Any information we do ask for is used to save lives, connect you to ongoing support, or help us evaluate our system to ensure we are addressing inequities.
Mobile Crisis Teams
Sometimes you need someone to come to you.
We provide information and referrals to Alameda County's Mobile Crisis Teams, who can provide in-person support for mental health crises.
Need ongoing support?
Browse our therapy services.
