In light of the election results, I wanted to share some resources for folks, in particular because I’ve started seeing the 988 number thrown around. I won’t get too deeply into the inner workings of 988 but, at a high level, it’s a number you can call that connects you with local hotlines. In order to be on the list for referral for 988, the local hotline must have an imminent risk policy aka if they believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others, police will be called. I wish they would simply inform you of that when calling or texting as that’s a simple technical solution but they don’t. I’ve included alternatives to 988 below as a result, with relevant informed consent info, so folks can actually have a choice in what happens to them when seeking help.
988 Hotline [National] [Multilingual] [Phone call] [Text based] [24/7]
988 is most helpful for someone who isn’t actively in a suicidal crisis but who is distressed or upset. This is a resource that connects you with a local hotline with an imminent risk policy so if you are at risk of harming yourself or others, police will get called.
- URL: https://988lifeline.org/
- Informed consent info: This is a hotline with an imminent risk policy so if you are at risk of harming yourself or others, police will get called.
- Interpreters can be added to the call.
- Area code determines where the call is routed so folks might get routed incorrectly outside of WA.
- Any organization a part of the network has to agree to call the cops as part of being in the 988 network.
- There’s very inconsistent training across the board so you may end up with someone more likely to involve police.
24 Hour Crisis Line [Local] [Multilingual] [Phone call] [24/7] +1 (866) 427-4747
- URL: https://www.crisisconnections.org/24-hour-crisis-line/
- Informed consent info: This is a hotline with an imminent risk policy so if you are at risk of harming yourself or others, police will get called.
- Staffing: A community hotline, answered by trained volunteers and supervised by mental health professionals – not a group of crisis counselors who can see folks in person.
- Language interpretation in 155 languages
- Part of 988 network and likely spot where folks in WA will be routed if calling 988.
Trans Lifeline [National] [Trans] [Spanish] [English] [Phone call] +1 (877) 565-8860
- URL: https://translifeline.org/
- Informed consent info: No non-consensual active rescue (calling 911, emergency services, or law enforcement)
- Staffing: When you call, you’ll speak to a trans/nonbinary peer operator.
- Full anonymity and confidentiality.
- Hours are Monday through Friday: 10am to 6pm Pacific.
Call BlackLine [National] [BIPOC] [LGBTQ+] [English only] [Phone call] +1 (800) 604-5841
- URL: https://www.callblackline.com/
- Informed consent info: All calls remain private and will never be shared with law enforcement or state agencies of any kind.
- Both for folks in crisis and an anonymous line for folks to collect information on negative police or vigilante interactions.
THRIVE Lifeline [National] [BIPOC] [LGBTQ+] [Text based] [24/7] Text “THRIVE” +1 (313) 662-8209
- URL: https://thrivelifeline.org
- Informed consent info: No non-consensual active rescue (calling 911, emergency services, or law enforcement)
- Staffing: 24/7/365 hotline support by trained, non-judgmental Crisis Responders who all share underrepresented identities and backgrounds.
- Please text “THRIVE” to begin your conversation 24/7/365, from anywhere: +1 (313) 662-8209
Shout out to my pal, Emily Krebs, who has been so influential in educating me on these topics and telling me about organizations.
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