If you or someone you know is currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis, please call 988 to reach Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained crisis specialist 24/7.
988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline
988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it offers a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health crisis, substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
988 is now live as the national three-digit dialing code for reaching The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The current long-form phone number of 800-273-TALK continues to be an option.
Indiana’s 988 Implementation
Indiana is using the arrival of 988 to invest in a broader crisis response system to help all Hoosiers. This will ultimately include more than just someone to contact at a 988 contact center, but also someone to respond and a safe place for help, if needed.
July 16, 2022, was the start of a transition, not the end, and there is still a lot of work to be done. The work to develop this complete system is well underway and will continue over the next several years.
Indiana's Crisis Response System:
- Someone to Contact: A simple, short number for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
- Someone to Respond: The establishment of mobile crisis teams who are trained and skilled in responding to anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, and are comprised of peers and behavioral health professionals skilled in providing specialized crisis care to people on site in their community.
- A Safe Place for Help: A greater ability to refer Hoosiers in crisis to a network of local crisis specialists, crisis receiving and stabilization services, who are familiar with the community and better equipped to provide culturally competent support and referrals to local resources and other lifesaving follow-up care.
988 Mobile Crisis Response - Designation
Providers interested in pursuing designation as a 988 mobile crisis unit and in receiving Indiana Health Coverage Program reimbursement for rendered services, must complete the designation application and checklist linked below. Any provider seeking designation as a 988 mobile crisis unit are required to follow specific set of guidelines set forth by DMHA.
As part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline initiative implemented by House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1222 (2022), effective July 1, 2023, IHCP will be adding Medicaid coverage for crisis intervention services rendered by mobile crisis teams designated by DMHA.
Only mobile crisis units that are designated by the DMHA and follow Indiana Code IC 12-21-8-3 and 12-21-8-10 will receive IHCP reimbursement. No Medicaid reimbursement is available for services rendered prior to the mobile crisis unit receiving that DMHA designation. please
988 Mobile Crisis Designation Application
988 Mobile Crisis Designation Agreement and Checklist
Contact mobilecrisisdesignation@fssa.in.gov for questions about the 988 Mobile Crisis Designation.
- What is 988?
- If I contact 988 in Indiana, what can I expect?
- Is 988 available for substance use crises?
- Is there a cost for contacting 988?
- Can I contact 988 from anywhere in the state?
- Who will answer my call/text/chat when I contact 988?
- Someone to Respond: What is a mobile crisis team?
- A Safe Place for Help: What are crisis receiving and stabilization services?
- How can I help spread awareness about 988 Indiana?
- What information is collected from me when I contact 988?
- Can I contact 988 about someone else I am worried about? Not just myself?
- Am I speaking to a volunteer or paid person?
- What types of trainings do the crisis specialists receive?
- How is 988 different than 911?
- How is 988 Indiana funded?
- Will I be sent to the hospital if I call?
- Will you provide me with transportation?
Communication resources
- Click here to for the 988 Indiana outreach and awareness toolkit.
If you or someone you know needs support now, call 988. Questions about 988 Indiana? Email us at IN988Questions@fssa.IN.gov.