A year with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: What worked? What challenges lie ahead?

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline's 988 hotline marked its one-year milestone this month. Mental health experts say the three-digit number made help more accessible than before.

The hotline was designed with the idea that people experiencing emotional distress are more comfortable reaching out for help from trained counselors than from police and other first responders through 911.

Since the federally mandated crisis hotline's new number launched in July 2022, 988 has received 4 million calls, according to a KFF report — up 33% from the previous year. (The hotline previously used a 10-digit number, 800-273-8255, which remains active but is not promoted.)