While 911 is for immediate, life-threatening emergencies, 988 serves as a resource for those experiencing a mental health crisis.
A mental health emergency is a life-threatening situation and necessitates an immediate response from law enforcement or paramedics. A person may be actively trying to harm themselves or someone else. In other situations, a person may be out of touch with reality, be unable to function properly, or may be out of control. Examples include an active suicide threat, self-injury that needs medical attention, severe intoxication, or apparent drug overdose.
A mental health crisis is not life-threatening. Intervention may be possible without an immediate response from law enforcement or paramedics. Examples of a mental health crisis includes talking about suicide or planning to harm oneself, overuse of drugs or alcohol, or extreme depression, anxiety, or other mental illness symptoms.