988 - CALL - TEXT - CHAT - DEAF/HOH - 988

First, you’ll hear a message that gives you service selection options including Veterans (Press 1), Spanish-language (Press 2), or your local 988 Lifeline contact center.

We’ll play some hold music while you are connected to a live counselor.

A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves. Your skilled counselor will ask you if you are safe.

After they ask about your safety, your counselor will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.

When you send a text to 988, you will be given options to connect with a live counselor from the main 988 Lifeline or our Spanish-language (text AYUDA) and information on how to text the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255.

When you text “Next” you will be accepting our Terms of Service.

You will then be asked to complete a brief survey to help your counselor understand how they can best support you.

You’ll receive a “Wait” message with a survey link to optional questions while we connect you to a counselor.

Your counselor will say hello and introduce themselves. Your skilled counselor will ask if you are safe.

After they ask about your safety, they will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.

After clicking “Chat” a new window with a brief survey will open. This survey helps our live counselors understand how to best support you and takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

When you click “Start a Chat”, you are accepting our terms of service.

You will then see a message that indicates we are connecting you to a live counselor.

When you are connected, a counselor will say hello and introduce themselves. Your skilled counselor will ask if you are safe.

After they ask about your safety, they will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.

You can reach out to 988 Videophone by calling 988 with a VP number. Learn more about how to get your own Videophone number with our information below. If you encounter any issues accessing support, please contact us.

To get a videophone, you typically need to sign up with a Video Relay Service (VRS) provider, which will provide you with a dedicated videophone device or app that allows you to connect with a sign language interpreter to communicate with hearing individuals over the phone; you can usually apply for a videophone through their website or by contacting their customer service directly.

Key points about getting a videophone:

Who qualifies:

• Primarily people who are deaf or Hard of Hearing and primarily use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate.

VRS provider:

• You need to choose a VRS provider that is Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certified.

Application process:

• Contact the VRS provider to discuss your needs and go through the application process.

Device options:

• Some providers offer dedicated videophone devices or apps that can be used on your computer or mobile phone

For additional information on VRS Providers, visit the FCC.