Mental health crisis hotline 988 launched
SAN JOSE >> As mental health continues to be a top priority for political leaders across the country amid the aftereffects of the coronavirus pandemic, Santa Clara County launched a new 24-hour hotline on July 16 for those seeking mental health help or substance abuse resources.
The lifeline — just dial 988 — comes from a push to make similar crisis and suicide prevention services available across the country this month, when the national hotline transitioned to the threedigit number for ease of access.
Like those in the rest of the country, Santa Clara County's 988 hotline will offer an array of mental health services designed to deescalate crisis situations.
“This new lifeline is part of the county's ongoing efforts to provide compassionate mental health services in all aspects,” Board of Supervisors President Mike Wasserman said. “By calling 988, people will get connected with services as well as receive immediate help for those experiencing a crisis that could result in harm to themselves or others.”
For those seeking mental health help in multicultural Santa Clara County, language interpretation is available in more than 200 languages, and calls to 988 are routed by area code so it will go directly to the county's Behavioral Health Services.
The lifeline also will serve as a connection point for county health services and community-based organizations. Several onsite mobile response teams are made up of crisis clinicians and peer outreach specialists, services the county said in a news release could sometimes involve law enforcement.
The goal is clear: 988 is meant for “de-escalation, stabilization and referral to continued services,” the county said.
“988 is easy to remember, making it simple for people facing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide to get the help they need,” said Sherri Terao, Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department director. “When you call 988, trained crisis counselors will answer and give you compassionate support. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. If you or a loved one is in crisis, please call 988. We are here to help.”
Additional resource: If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free, around-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Reach the lifeline at 800273-8255 or see the SuicidePreventionLifeline. org website.