Geolocation services are not enabled for 988. Currently, calls to 988 are automatically routed to the closest 988 crisis center based on the area code of the phone being used. Since people commonly keep their same mobile phone numbers when they’ve moved (or perhaps they call 988 when they are traveling), a caller can be routed to a crisis center that is not in their same area. If the person wants to be connected to additional local services or requires emergency service, they may need to disclose their location to the 988-crisis worker on the phone. If you are trying to reach a 988 call center in Virginia using an out-of-state area code, you can call 703-752-5263. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is actively analyzing information to find routing improvements that could help 988 callers connect to their regional call center without sharing specific geolocation information.

The primary goal of 988 is to provide support for people with mental health-related distress or any other kind of emotional distress in the moments they most need it. The vast majority of those seeking help from 988 do not require any additional intervention at that moment. Currently, fewer than 1% of 988 calls require connection to emergency services like 911. While some safety and health issues may warrant a response from law enforcement and/or Emergency Medical Services (for example, when a suicide attempt is in progress), 988’s coordinated response is intended to promote crisis stabilization and care with minimal first responder intervention. Virginia’s Marcus Alert program is working to ensure that when law enforcement is involved in these types of situations, trained officers are sent.

All 988 crisis call center staff work with callers to provide support and assistance for people at risk in the least restrictive setting possible – via phone. In fact, most contacts with 988 are resolved by trained mental health professionals in a manner that does not require additional immediate intervention or hospitalization.

Anyone in Virginia who is struggling can use text or chat functions for help, whether it be someone who is depressed, needs to talk, or is contemplating suicide. Crisis workers are here to listen and support you through whatever difficult times you may be facing. To start a text conversation with the 988 service, you can send any message to 988 to be connected to a trained crisis worker. The 988 chat service is available 24/7 from our website. If you have trouble connecting to the chat service, we encourage you to call 988 instead.

Additional information on suicide and crisis services specific to Virginia’s ongoing rollout of 988 can be found at 988VA.org or on the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services website. There are also national resources available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).