If you are wondering what to expect when calling 988, this guide explains how a 988 call usually works, what the counselor may ask, whether 988 may involve police, and what parents should know if a child or teen reaches out.
Answer a few questions to see how 988 works for your situation, what may happen during a 988 call or text conversation, and what next steps may help your family feel more prepared.
When you call 988, you are typically connected with a trained crisis counselor who listens, asks a few focused questions, and helps assess immediate safety. The goal is to understand what is happening, reduce the intensity of the crisis, and identify the safest next step. For parents, that may mean learning how to support a child or teen in the moment, deciding whether more urgent care is needed, or making a plan for follow-up support after the call.
The counselor will usually ask what is happening right now, whether anyone is in immediate danger, and who needs support. This helps them understand urgency and respond appropriately.
You may be asked about suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic, substance use, access to weapons or medications, location, and whether the person is alone. These questions are meant to guide support, not judge you.
Depending on the situation, the counselor may help with calming strategies, a short-term safety plan, contacting a trusted adult, finding local resources, or discussing whether emergency services are needed.
988 conversations are generally private, but if there is an immediate risk of serious harm and urgent intervention is needed, the counselor may need to involve emergency responders to protect safety.
Not every call leads to police involvement. 988 aims to provide crisis support first. Emergency services are typically considered when there is imminent danger and a person cannot stay safe without immediate in-person help.
After the call, you may leave with a safety plan, coping steps for the next few hours, referrals for therapy or crisis services, and guidance on what warning signs mean you should seek more urgent care.
A parent can call to talk through a child or teen's crisis, ask what to do next, and get help deciding whether the situation can be managed with support at home or needs emergency care.
The counselor will focus on the young person's immediate safety, emotional state, and support system. They may encourage involving a trusted adult when appropriate, especially if the child cannot stay safe alone.
Texting 988 usually follows a similar process to calling: a crisis counselor responds, asks about safety and what is going on, and helps create a plan. Some young people find texting easier when speaking feels too hard.
988 counselors often ask what is happening, whether anyone is in immediate danger, whether there are suicidal thoughts or self-harm concerns, and what support is available nearby. They may also ask about location and access to means if safety is a concern.
Not in every situation. The goal is to provide crisis support and help stabilize the moment. Police or other emergency responders may be contacted if there is imminent danger and immediate in-person intervention appears necessary to keep someone safe.
A trained counselor talks with the child or teen about what they are feeling, checks for immediate safety concerns, and helps identify the safest next step. If the young person is at serious risk, the counselor may work to involve a trusted adult or emergency support.
You are connected with a crisis counselor by text. They will ask brief questions to understand the situation, assess safety, and help you make a plan. Texting can be a good option for teens or parents who feel more comfortable writing than speaking.
Parents can still call 988 when they are unsure. The counselor can help sort out what is happening, assess risk, and guide you toward the right level of support, whether that is calming steps at home, urgent mental health care, or emergency help.
Answer a few questions for personalized guidance on when to call or text 988, what may happen during the conversation, and how to prepare for the safest next step.
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