FAQs
The goal of 988 Indiana is to provide quick, competent, and nation-leading crisis response services for every Indiana resident. To learn more about this crucial, life-saving support system for all Hoosiers, read through our frequently asked questions below.
Who
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline accepts contacts from anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis.
Yes! If you are worried about someone else who may be experiencing a crisis, please reach out to 988. Our crisis specialists can help you find appropriate resources in your area that could help you as well as the person you are concerned about.
What
No. The support and services received from the call centers are provided at no charge to you. However, standard data rates or call charges from telecommunications carriers could apply.
If you want to be anonymous, you can remain anonymous. Individuals contacting 988 are not required to provide any personal data to receive support. Your phone number will be displayed to the center for routing purposes, but callers can take steps to block their number on outbound call (e.g., *67 or using cell phone operating system settings to block one’s number).
Indiana 988 crisis specialists are trained in suicide and crisis prevention and are required to pass a crisis simulation test and receive ongoing training throughout the year.
Similar to 911, Indiana 988 includes a system of entities working lockstep to establish, support and grow the crisis system in a way that meets our nation’s growing suicide and mental health crisis care needs. The state is working to ensure Hoosiers understand that they can call 911 for police, fire and medical emergencies and 988 for thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress. If you are not sure, call 911.
911 isn’t going away, 988 is just another option specifically for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress. Call 911 for police, fire and medical emergencies.
In most cases, sending you to the hospital is not how 988 will respond to calls. Keeping your best interest and your safety in mind, we will work with you and attempt to avoid sending you to the hospital unless it is deemed necessary. If you feel like you can’t keep yourself safe, it might be suggested, but we will work together, talk with you and come up with other ways to cope and help keep you safe.
988 does not provide transportation directly, but we’d be more than happy to see if there’s a program in your area or try to come up with a solution for you.
Where
Yes! You can reach a trained crisis specialist 24/7 from anywhere in the state.
When calling 988, you can expect help in the form of an empathetic ear, a means for support, information and helpful resources and crisis intervention, if necessary. 988 Crisis specialists are here to listen, support, provide resources and help in any way they can. You will be asked to share your reasons for calling and, from there, the crisis specialist will assess your safety and provide the appropriate help you need.
Get help now.
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.