Crisis Services: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people experiencing mental health and substance use concerns. People of all ages who need help for themselves or a loved one can call, text, or chat 24/7.
In Wisconsin, calls, texts, and chats to 988 are answered by the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline, a service of Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin under a contract with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. If the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline is unable to answer the call, text, or chat, the contact is routed automatically to a backup support center, which may be located in another state.
Here and ready to help
988 counselors understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. They are trained to help you through stressful times and connect you with local resources if you need them.
Many 988 counselors are bilingual. Third party interpreters for over 240 languages and dialects are available 24/7.
What to expect
There are three things to know about what to expect when you contact 988.
- You’ll be given some options to select the service that meets your needs.
- Your counselor will ask some questions to first make sure you are safe.
- You’ll get one-on-one, judgment-free support.
Watch the following video to learn more about how the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline works.
If you or someone you know is in imminent danger, call 911, not 988.
Feedback
This feedback is from people who have contacted 988.
“Last night I was not well. My support system was not available and this service brought me around and helped me get through what I thought was the end. This was the first time I had the courage to call and the counselor was kind, calm, and patient. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“In a moment of supreme vulnerability and when I felt like I had no one else, I called 988 and was proven so wrong. The man I spoke with was absolutely amazing, supportive, comforting, trustworthy and helped me so much. It means so much to have a stranger care and listen when you feel like there is no one around.”
Frequently asked questions
There are many questions about the 988 and how it works. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
No. In addition to thoughts or feelings of suicide, 988 responds 24/7 to calls, chats, or texts from anyone who needs support for mental health, suicide, and/or substance use concerns. Other reasons include emotional distress, anxiety, depression, mental illness, loneliness, trauma, bullying, stress, relationship troubles, and just needing someone to talk with.
Yes, numerous studies have shown that most people who contact 988 are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a 988 counselor
988 counselors work to keep you safe and provide support in the least restrictive manner possible. For most people, a counselor is able to work with you on the call, text, or chat to de-escalate your situation. If there is an immediate physical safety threat, the 988 counselor will contact police or emergency services to help.
For more 988 questions and answers, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 988 Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Promotional tools
Use these materials to ensure there is a clear understanding about 988 and how it works in Wisconsin.
Use the logos below to promote 988 in Wisconsin. Send an email to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov if you have questions or concerns about these logos.
Download the 988 Wisconsin logo. Also available to download in Spanish, or download in Hmong.
A variety of animated display ads for website advertising platforms are available in the following sizes: 160x600, 300x50, 300x250, 300x600, 320x50, and 728x90. These ads are available as zip files for HTML5 website ads and as MP4 video files. The design is the same for both formats with a "learn more" button on the ad. Send an email to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov to get the files for these ads.
Several billboard designs are available. Send an email to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov to get the files for the billboard designs.
Be strong card (3.5 inches by 2 inches)
Download the print-ready file to get cards professionally printed.
Send an email to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov if you questions about this card.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7 Call, Text, Chat, P-03307
A general information handout in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF) about 988 in Wisconsin
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Substance Use Support, P-03307A
Answers to common questions in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF) about the support 988 provides for substance use concerns
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Students, Parents, and School Staff: Frequently Asked Questions, P-03307B (PDF)
Answers to common questions from K-12 students, parents, and school staff about the support 988 provides for young people.
Why might the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline utilize any sort of intervention that may involve police? (PDF)
A handout from Vibrant Emotional Health, the national administrator of 988, that explains when and why a 988 counselor may contact emergency services, which may include a police response, for assistance
988 and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)/Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs), P-03584 (PDF)
A handout in English for first responders that details the collaboration and goals of 988 and PSAPs/ECCS
911-988 Interoperability in Wisconsin, P-03704 (PDF)
An overview in English of 911-988 interoperability standards set by NENA The 9-1-1 Association as they apply to Wisconsin
988 & 911: Strengthening Crisis Response While Managing Risk and Liability (PDF)
This publication from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is designed to help communities safely and effectively integrate behavioral health crisis response systems.
Youth posters
Three youth poster designs in English are available in vertical and horizontal orientations.
Send an email to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov to copies of the files for any of the posters with crop marks for professional printing.
:30 script
Sometimes, life’s challenges leave you feeling alone. We all need someone who understands and listens without judgement. That's what the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline is for. 988 is free and confidential. Trained counselors are ready to listen and provide support 24/7 for mental health and substance use concerns. You can contact 988 for yourself or for someone you know. Don’t wait, call or text 988 or chat online at 988wisconsin.org. 988, 24/7 call, text, chat. Here to support you. Brought to you by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
:30 produced ad
Send an email to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov to get the 30-second ad.
:15 script
We all need someone who listens without judgment. That’s what the 988 is for. 988 is free and confidential with trained counselors available 24/7 via call, text, or chat online at 988wisconsin.org. 988, 24/7 here to support you. Wisconsin DHS.
:15 produced ad
Send an email to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov to get the 15-second ad.
Instructions
- Download the image to your device.
- Upload the image to your social media page or feed.
- Use the text above the image to complete the post.
If you would like any of the social media images in Spanish, send an email to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Need someone to talk to? Call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Learn more about this service at 988Wisconsin.org. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the no judgment, just support image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
If you or someone you know needs support now for a mental health or substance use concern, call, text, or chat. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help. Go to 988Wisconsin.org to learn more about this service. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the healing starts now phone image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
You are not alone. Someone at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is always standing by to take your call, text, and chat. Go to 988Wisconsin.org to learn more about this service. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the no judgment, just support text image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of #suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 connection to confidential #support. There is hope. Just call, text, or chat. Learn more about this service at 988Wisconsin.org. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the 988 logo 24/7 call, text, chat image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides connection to confidential #support for mental health and substance use issues. There is hope. Just call, text, or chat. Learn more at 988Wisconsin.org. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the 988 Wisconsin image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a safe space to talk. Call, text, or chat 24/7. Learn more at 988Wisconsin.org. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the healing starts now young adult image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
Call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline when you need someone to talk to about any challenge or concern. Learn more at 988Wisconsin.org. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the trained counselors teen image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
No matter what you’re experiencing, if you need someone to lean on, call, text, or chat. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is here and ready to help all Wisconsin residents live their best lives. Learn more at 988Wisconsin.org. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the no judgment, just support outdoors image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
People call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline about lots of things. Learn more at 988Wisconsin.org. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the trained counselors image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
When you need someone to talk to, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Learn more at 988Wisconsin.org. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the someone who understands image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has your back. It is a trusted space to talk about whatever you're experiencing. Learn more at 988Wisconsin.org. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the healing starts now image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
You are not alone. Call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Learn more at 988Wisconsin.org. #988Lifeline #WisconsinLifeline #988WisconsinLifeline
(Download the no judgment, just hope indoors image. Also available to download in Spanish.)
A variety of static ads for websites are available in the following sizes: 160x600, 300x50, 300x250, 300x600, 320x50, and 728x90. Send an email to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov to get the files for these ads.
What happens when you contact 988? English video
What happens when you contact 988? Spanish video
What happens when you contact 988? Hmong video
:30 ad English only
:15 ad English only
Send an email to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov if you need a broadcast ready version of these ads or versions that can be played before films at a movie theater.
If the Wisconsin promotional tools do not meet your needs, check out the national promotional tools available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Difference between 211, 988, and 911
There are many three-digit calling codes for help in Wisconsin. The "In Wisconsin, Help is 3 Numbers Away" infographic can help you understand the difference between 211, 988, and 911. It is available in English, Spanish, and Hmong.
Customize with local resources
These fillable PDFs take the "In Wisconsin, Help is 3 Numbers Away" infographic and add a customizable back page for local resources. Tribal nations and counties can select their name in the title, add their logo, and enter program titles, contact information, hours, and descriptions. There are four different layouts to choose from for one, two, three, or four programs.
Work for the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline
Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin is hiring staff for the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline.
See the list of positions currently available.
Data
- Wisconsin data: Visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline data dashboard
- National data: Visit the 988 Lifeline Performance Metrics data dashboard
Join our email list
Sign up to receive updates on the implementation of 988 in Wisconsin.