What to Expect

I am 988 - “If you’re struggling or feeling alone, 988 is your lifeline and here to support you.”

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Using 988

Here are the three ways you can use 988 when you need mental health support, and what to expect when you do.

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Calling 988

  1. Step 1

    First, you’ll hear a message that gives you options to connect with the Veterans line (Press 1), Spanish-language line (Press 2), or the local 988 Minnesota Lifeline center.

  2. Step 2

    You’ll briefly hear hold music while you are connected to a live 988 specialist.

  3. Step 3

    A 988 specialist will say hello, introduce themselves, and ask questions about your safety and why you have reached out for help. Your 988 specialist will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.

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Texting 988

  1. Step 1

    When you text 988, you will get options to connect with a live 988 Minnesota Lifeline specialist, our Spanish-language line (text AYUDA), or the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255.

  2. Step 2

    You will then be asked some questions about your safety and why you reached out for help so your 988 specialist can understand how they can best support you.

  3. Step 3

    You’ll receive a “Wait” message with a link to answer more optional questions while we connect you to a 988 specialist.

  4. Step 4

    Your 988 specialist will say hello, introduce themselves, ask about your safety, listen to you, work to understand how your problem is affecting you and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.

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Chatting Online with 988

  1. Step 1

    After clicking “Chat” a new window with questions will open. The questions help our live 988 specialists understand how to best support you and take less than 5 minutes to answer.

  2. Step 2

    You will then see a message that we are connecting you to a live 988 specialist.

  3. Step 3

    When you are connected, a 988 specialist will say hello, introduce themselves, ask about your safety, listen to you, work to understand how your problem is affecting you, and provide support. They may also share helpful resources.