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Crisis Services: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7 Call, Text, Chat

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is here and ready to help.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis.

People of all ages who need help for themselves or a loved one can call, text, or chat 24/7.

 Call

Call 988.

 Text

Send a text message to 988.

 Chat

Use the chat feature at 988lifeline.org.

About 988 in Wisconsin

  • Wisconsinites who use 988 will connect with the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline, an in-state service with trained counselors who answer calls, texts, and chats. If the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline is unable to respond quickly, contacts are automatically routed to a backup support center, which may be located in another state.
  • 988 Wisconsin Lifeline counselors are trained to reduce stress, provide emotional support, and connect people with local resources.
  • Use of the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline is available at no cost to Wisconsin residents. Additional care or intervention that may result from contact with the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline may come with a cost.
  • The 988 Wisconsin Lifeline is not able to send an in-person response directly. An in-person response requires a transfer to another service and could involve law enforcement.
  • Calls, texts, and chats with the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline are kept confidential between the person and counselor, unless there is imminent danger for the person or others.

About the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline

  • The 988 Wisconsin Lifeline is Wisconsin’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline service, answering calls, texts, and chats that come from residents throughout the state.
  • It is operated by Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, an agency based in Green Bay with trained counselors serving throughout the state.
  • The counselors at the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline are trained to listen and support people through their distress with a focus on de-escalation and coping skills.
  • The 988 Wisconsin Lifeline has some bilingual counselors and staff. Third party interpreters for over 240 languages and dialects are available 24/7 for calls to 988.
  • The 988 Wisconsin Lifeline answers and responds to calls, texts, and chats as quickly as possible to minimize wait times between initial contact and counseling.
  • The 988 Wisconsin Lifeline is supported and funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

What happens when you contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?

A person

Person seeking support

A phone ringing, a phone with a text message, chat bubbles

Person calls or texts 988 or chats via 988lifeline.org.

Talk Bubbles

Person receives automated response with options for veterans, LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, and Spanish speakers.

Counselor

Person is connected to a counselor.

  • For 98% of calls, texts, and chats, person receives support, de-escalation assistance from a crisis, learns new coping skills, acquires local referrals, and may receive a follow-up call.
  • If there is a high concern of imminent risk to self or others, the person receives a required wellness check from law enforcement.
  • If there is imminent risk of serious harm to self or others, the person receives a required emergency law enforcement and medical response.

NOTE: If you or someone you know is in imminent danger, call 911, not 988.

Frequently asked questions

There are many questions about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and how it works. For a consistently updated list of questions and answers, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 988 Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Promotional tools

Please use these materials to ensure there is a clear understanding about what the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is and how it works in Wisconsin.

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

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Last revised March 4, 2025