Every parent needs to know: teens in crisis can use texting to get immediate, confidential, compassionate crisis help for themselves or for their friends.
Tell your kids.
Be sure your kids all have 988 entered into their phone contacts.
(Read on to learn more.)
Is texting 988 safe and confidential for teens?
Yes. Texting 988 is safe, confidential, and free to people of any age 24/7.
988 cannot share what you say with anyone—including hospitals, parents, or the police—unless someone’s life is in immediate danger or a vulnerable person is being abused.
Will I be required to share my immigration status?
You will not be required to share your immigration status or any identifying information to get help. For more information about your rights, please visit the National Immigrant Law Center (NILC) or League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) resource pages. (Source: NAMI, 988 FAQs, updated 7/15/25)
If you’d like to see full details on what to expect when you text 988, get language support, or understand how your conversation is protected, see 988’s official FAQ: https://988lifeline.org/faq-topics
Here are highlights from the 988 FAQ page:
“Who should text the 988 Lifeline?
“Anyone who is struggling can use this service, whether it be someone who is depressed, needs to talk, or is contemplating suicide. Our caring counselors are here to listen and support you through whatever difficult times you may be facing.
How do I text the 988 Lifeline?
To start a text conversation with the 988 Lifeline, you can send any message to 988.
What happens when I text the 988 Lifeline?
For details on what happens when you text the 988 Lifeline, visit our What to Expect page. If demand is high, you can call the Lifeline at 988 or chat with us.
Once you answer the questions in our pre-text survey and accept our Terms of Service, you will be connected as soon as possible with a skilled, caring counselor. This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share resources that may be helpful.
Can I text with the 988 Lifeline in my preferred language?
The 988 Lifeline offers English and Spanish call, text, and chat services.
When texting 988 in Spanish, you will be asked to type “Ayuda” to connect with a Spanish-speaking counselor.
While text and chat services are available in English and Spanish only, voice calling is available in many other languages. For more information, please see our page here.
When are 988 Lifeline text services available?
988 Lifeline text services are offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are having trouble connecting, we encourage you to call the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat with us.
Are all 988 Lifeline text communications secure and confidential?
The confidentiality and security of transcripts and any data collected during chats and texts are ensured through the 988 Lifeline chat and text software provider, which uses the same encryption and data protection standards required by major financial institutions to transact business with each other. For more information, please read our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
What do I do if nobody answers?
If the service appears offline or busy, please call the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat with us. We are available 24/7. If you or someone you know is in danger or needs immediate medical attention, please call 911.”
Teens who have purpose and hope as a part of their lives tend to have fewer major crises.
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Jeannie is a full-time academic strategist, podcast host, and sought-after speaker for students ages 12–26, their parents, and the professionals who serve them. Her writing, speaking, and podcasting help parents set their kids up to graduate college debt-free, ready to jump directly into careers they excel at and love. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Huffington Post, USA Today, Parents Magazine, and US News & World Report, as well as on CBS News.
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This article was written by a caring human expert. AI tools may have assisted with research or editing.
This article was updated on July 13, 2026.