The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has experienced a record 15 million contacts in its fourth year of operation, according to new data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The three-digit number, implemented nationwide in 2022, has transformed how America responds to mental health crises.
"The data shows that when we make help easy to access, people will use it," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "988 has saved thousands of lives, and we are committed to ensuring it has the resources to meet growing demand."
The lifeline answered 10.5 million calls, 3.2 million texts, and 1.3 million chats in 2025, compared to 7.3 million total contacts in 2022. Crisis counselors report that first-time contact has increased by 60 percent.
The increase has strained crisis centers, which rely on a combination of federal funding and state appropriations. Several states have passed legislation increasing support for local crisis centers, while the federal government has allocated an additional $200 million in funding.
"We are seeing the results of years of advocacy and investment," said Dr. First Lady Jill Biden, who has championed mental health initiatives. "But we must continue to build the infrastructure to ensure every American in crisis can access the support they need."