The number 1-800-273-8255 is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States. The Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When was the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline launched?
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was launched in 2005 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
Prior to the launch of the Lifeline in 2005, there was no single national phone number dedicated to suicide prevention in the U.S. People in crisis had to search for local hotline numbers. The creation of the Lifeline provided a universal, easy-to-remember, toll-free number (1-800-273-TALK) that could be called from anywhere in the United States to immediately reach a trained crisis counselor.
How did the phone number change to 1-800-273-8255?
In 2007, the phone number for the Lifeline changed from 1-800-273-TALK to 1-800-273-8255. The number was changed to make it easier for individuals in crisis to connect to help.
The reason for the change is the phone number 1-800-273-TALK required callers to dial the “T”, “A”, “L” and “K” on their keypads. For some individuals experiencing crisis, this extra step of looking for those letters could have discouraged them from actually connecting to the Lifeline.
The new 1-800-273-8255 number only requires the caller to dial numbers, making it simpler and faster to complete the call during a time of crisis.
Why is the 1-800-273-8255 number important?
The 1-800-273-8255 number is important because it provides an easy, memorable and stigma-free way for people to seek help when they are experiencing thoughts of suicide or any other mental health crisis.
Some key reasons why 1-800-273-8255 is such an important resource include:
- It can be called free of charge from anywhere across the United States.
- It is staffed 24/7 with trained crisis counselors ready to listen and provide support.
- Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center, so help is provided by counselors familiar with local resources.
- It eliminates the need to search for a local helpline number during a time of crisis.
- The counselors never track or trace calls, and confidentiality is assured.
- Callers don’t have to give their full name or any personal details they don’t wish to share.
- Counselors are trained to listen without judgment, assess risk, defuse the crisis and provide emotional support.
- If needed, counselors can direct callers to emergency and long-term mental health resources and services.
In short, the easily memorable 1-800-273-8255 number has eliminated barriers to reaching out for help when people are experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health distress.
How many calls does the Lifeline receive?
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline receives thousands of calls every day. Some key facts and statistics about Lifeline call volume include:
- In 2020, the Lifeline received over 2.2 million crisis calls.
- Calls increased by 46% in 2020 compared to 2019.
- The Lifeline receives an average of approximately 6,000 calls per day.
- The highest call volume days can exceed 12,000 calls.
- In August 2022 alone, the Lifeline answered more than 152,000 calls.
The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increased call volume as more people experienced anxiety, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. Efforts to increase awareness of the Lifeline through promotions and media partnerships have also driven more contacts.
Has the 1-800-273-8255 number gone viral?
Yes, the 1-800-273-8255 number has gone viral several times, typically prompted by pop culture references or suicide prevention campaigns. Some key examples include:
- In 2007, the number was referenced in a song called “1-800-273-8255” by the rapper Logic. This song brought widespread attention to the number.
- Calls to the Lifeline spiked over 300% after Logic’s performance of the song at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.
- In 2016, a public service campaign was launched featuring celebrities like Tom Hanks sharing the number and stories of people helped by calling it.
- Actress Evan Rachel Wood shared the number on Twitter in 2016, resulting in a surge of retweets and attention.
- Google dedicated its #TodayInSearch to the Lifeline number on September 10, 2018, showing it to millions of search users.
These cultural events and awareness campaigns periodically prompt the 1-800-273-8255 number to go viral, meaning untold numbers of online users, listeners and viewers are exposed to it.
What happens when you call 1-800-273-8255?
Here is a step-by-step overview of what you can expect when calling 1-800-273-8255:
- Your call will be routed to the closest certified crisis center based on your area code.
- You will hear a greeting message and be placed on hold briefly until a counselor picks up.
- A trained crisis counselor will answer and introduce themselves.
- You can share whatever is on your mind and troubling you while the counselor listens.
- The counselor will work to de-escalate any crisis, provide support and connect you to resources.
- You can discuss whether you feel safe or require emergency services.
- If more long-term mental health support is needed, the counselor can provide referrals.
- The call can last as long as you need.
- The counselor will help create an action plan and follow up with you if you wish.
Calls to 1-800-273-8255 provide an opportunity to openly discuss anything that may be emotionally painful or troubling without fear of judgment. Counselors offer compassionate support and a helpful listening ear 24/7.
What kind of training do Lifeline counselors receive?
Lifeline counselors complete rigorous training and must demonstrate core competencies before handling crisis calls. Here is an overview of their training process:
- Counselors must hold a master’s degree in social work, counseling or a related field.
- They complete over 60 hours of specialized crisis intervention and suicide prevention training.
- Training covers crisis engagement strategies, risk assessment, crisis de-escalation, suicide intervention, safety planning and more.
- Shadowing experienced counselors and supervised call monitoring are required.
- Lifeline requires annual refresher training on best practices.
- Counselors are trained in cultural competency to connect with diverse callers.
- Fluency in Spanish or other languages may be required by local crisis centers.
Rigorous selection, training and oversight ensures Lifeline counselors have the skills to compassionately engage callers, reduce distress, improve coping and save lives.
How does the Lifeline work with emergency services?
The Lifeline maintains relationships with emergency services to dispatch help immediately if needed. Here is how it works:
- If a caller is in imminent danger, the counselor will work to establish their location and stay on the line.
- The counselor can conference in 911 or local law enforcement while remaining on with the caller.
- Lifeline centers have protocols to initiate emergency rescues and welfare checks.
- Counselors are trained to minimize risks until first responders arrive.
- Many states have Enhanced 911 capabilities allowing texts, chats and geo-tracking of cell calls.
- Select crisis centers have counselors embedded within 911 centers for real-time coordination.
The priority is always to get emergency help to anyone at immediate risk of harming themselves or others. Lifeline crisis counselors stay engaged to offer support until first responders arrive.
What are the impacts of calling 1-800-273-8255?
Studies show that calls to the Lifeline make a powerful difference for those seeking help in moments of crisis, including:
- Connecting to the Lifeline significantly decreases emotional distress.
- Most callers say speaking with a counselor helped them feel less depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed.
- Callers say counselors take their problems seriously and listen without judgment.
- Over 90% of callers say contacting the Lifeline stopped them from completing suicide.
- Many callers seek further treatment after speaking to a Lifeline counselor.
- Lifeline counselors build hope by discussing reasons for living and coping strategies.
In the most severe crises, Lifeline counselors save lives by dispatching emergency aid or providing critical support until a crisis is resolved. Reaching out provides help, hope and reduces suffering.
Who operates the Lifeline network?
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is operated through a network of over 180 local crisis centers across the United States. Some key facts about network operators include:
- Local centers are funded through state, municipal and United Way support.
- All centers must earn Lifeline certification showing capabilities to effectively serve those in crisis.
- Vibrant Emotional Health, a mental health non-profit, provides management support to Lifeline centers.
- Lifeline partners like the VA manage crisis services for specific populations.
- Oversight prevents commercial call centers from joining the Lifeline network.
Partnering with local community centers gives the Lifeline on-the-ground resources to provide fast emergency response and local mental health referrals for callers.
Is the Lifeline effective at preventing suicide?
Yes, studies and surveys show the Lifeline is highly effective at intervening with individuals at imminent risk of suicide and connecting them to ongoing mental health support. Some evidence includes:
- CALLS table data
- Lifeline lowers the National Suicide Rate by 5-10% per year according to SAMHSA estimates.
- A peer-reviewed study found the Lifeline prevents an estimated 47,000 suicide deaths annually.
- Areas with crisis lines have lower suicide rates than areas without them.
- Follow-up shows the vast majority of suicidal callers get needed treatment after contacting the Lifeline.
| Survey Finding | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Callers saying a Lifeline counselor helped stop their suicide attempt | 92% |
| Callers who made further attempts after calling Lifeline | Less than 4% |
This compelling evidence shows that promoting the Lifeline number saves lives by connecting suicidal individuals to compassionate responders trained in suicide prevention.
What is the future of the Lifeline?
The Lifeline continues to evolve to meet increasing demand for crisis services. Some key innovations in progress include:
- A three digit 988 dialing code will route callers to the Lifeline starting July 2022.
- Text and chat options will be added to serve more people in ways they are comfortable.
- Spanish language services and counselors are being expanded.
- Capacity to take over 20,000 calls per day is being added.
- Next-generation data systems will better track demand spikes and service levels.
- Partnerships with government, healthcare and tech companies are bringing resources.
While the phone number may change over time, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s mission to provide 24/7, free and confidential support to people in distress will continue saving countless lives each day.
Conclusion
The 1-800-273-8255 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline serves as an invaluable crisis intervention resource for people struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. Its memorable number has inspired viral campaigns, touching media stories and live-saving interventions for over a decade. Contacting the Lifeline provides immediate support, reduces suffering and gives hope to vulnerable individuals when they have nowhere else to turn.
