988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Launches Spanish Chat and Text Services

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched last year is now offering Spanish text and chat services.

The new services were announced just days ahead of the one-year anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on July 16. Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services was selected as one of five crisis centers to provide the option for help-seekers across the country.

Rebecca Zeitlin, Crisis Line Director at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, which leads 988 implementation in California, said the organization decided to offer the services after realizing that people from the Latinx community need a different platform other than a phone to reach out and get the support they need. 

Through the new services, Spanish speaking communities needing help may chat and text 988 to speak to a Spanish trained crisis counselor.

Zeitlin expressed hopes that through this option, Spanish people will feel more connected to their counselor and that their concerns are understood.

“I think if people are able to speak to a crisis counselor in their native language, someone who understands their culture, the considerations, the challenges that are cultural, people can feel more connected with the crisis counselor that’s supporting them because they’ll feel like they really understand.”

According to Zeitlin, the organization has plans to expand services further to include text and chat services in other languages aside from English and Spanish.

“What we’re hoping to do is by having different modalities that people will feel that they’re less stigmatized for reaching out,” Zeitlin said. 

“And the goal of the work that we do each and every day is so that people know it’s okay to not be okay. And there’s resources and support services out there.” 

Those needing emotional support can call the 988 Lifeline network available 24/7 and speak with a trained crisis worker who will listen, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.

To text or chat with Lifeline, click: https://988lifeline.org/chat/