Contrary to some information circulating on social media, 988 cannot geolocate callers, Draper said. When emergency services are called, 988 call centers share with 911 operators information they have about the location of the person who contacted the hotline — typically a caller’s phone number, with area code, or a chat user’s IP address — to help first responders find the individual.
Starting this fall, Draper said, 988 will update its policies to require supervisors to review all calls that result in the use of emergency services. Counselors for 988 nationwide will also receive additional training on the alternatives to involving law enforcement and the consequences callers can face when police respond.The 988 hotline is the nation’s most comprehensive mental health crisis service and can provide crucial help to those in emotional distress.
"There are going to be issues perhaps with 988, but it might be one of the safer options for us," Richardson said. With suicide ratesIf I don’t want to call 988, do I have other options? Although the U.S. doesn’t have a national, government-run mental health hotline that pledges not to call police without callers’ consent, several alternatives that are smaller than 988 aim to decrease law enforcement involvement.
"Warm" lines are one option. They’re typically staffed by "peers," people who have experienced mental health challenges. They focus less on crisis intervention and more on emotional support to prevent crises. You can find a directory of warm lines by stateBelow are other hotlines and resources. This is not a comprehensive list, and some resources may limit their services geographically.