The 988 hotline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. It was designated as the new 988 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by Congress in 2020. The hotline offers call, text, and chat access to trained professionals who can support individuals considering suicide, self-harm, or any behavioral or mental health need for themselves or people looking for help for a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis. The existing Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) remains available. The 988 hotline is a critical mental health resource that can provide crucial help to those in emotional distress.