New Suicide Crisis Hotline Number Up and Running in Missouri

Missourians experiencing a mental health crisis will only have to remember three numbers in order to get help: 988. The new national initiative improving the services of the previous National Suicide Prevention hotline went into effect over the weekend. Now Missourians experiencing a mental health crisis will only have to call 988, instead of the longer 1-800-273-8255. The 1-800 number will still operate and both numbers will connect callers to the same services. Those seeking mental health services can also text the 988 number.

Missouri 988 crisis specialists expect to field 253,000 contacts, which includes calls and texts, in the first year of operation. Crisis specialists work with individuals in need of help, provide support, and connect them to resources. Specialists can also dispatch mobile crisis response teams should the situation arise.