Inside the 988 Lifeline: How Your Call for Help Is Answered

The 988 Lifeline is a critical resource for individuals experiencing mental health crises, offering immediate, compassionate support from trained counselors. But what happens when you dial those three numbers? This blog dives into the process, providing insight into what callers can expect and how this vital service operates behind the scenes.

Meet Adia Fadaei

Adia Fadaei, a 19-year-old crisis and suicide counselor at the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center in Los Angeles, has been involved in mental health support since her early teens. Her journey began with Teen Line, a youth crisis and suicide hotline, and has now evolved into her role with the 988 Lifeline. Adia's deep commitment to mental health is evident in her dedication to helping others through some of their darkest moments.

Comprehensive Training and Continuous Support

Adia explains that all 988 counselors undergo extensive training before answering calls. "We receive extremely comprehensive training, probably over the course of three months," she says. "But the training doesn't end there. We continue with supervision and additional training alongside experienced professionals." This ongoing education ensures that counselors are well-equipped to handle the diverse and challenging situations they encounter.

Adia also emphasizes the importance of support within the 988 Lifeline community. "Every time I start a shift, I'm met with overwhelming support from those I’m working with," she shares. "Supervisors constantly check in to ensure that we’re in the right mindset to help others."

What Happens When You Call 988?

When someone calls 988, the first step is to connect with a counselor like Adia, who will introduce themselves and ask for the caller’s name. The initial questions serve both to gather necessary information for funding and to better understand the caller’s situation. This helps tailor the support provided to the individual’s unique needs.

Adia explains that a crucial part of the process is assessing the level of risk. "Suicidality is a spectrum," she notes, "and our goal is to figure out where someone is at on that spectrum through asking important, research-informed questions."

Depending on the caller’s responses, the counselor might provide emotional support, offer resources, or engage in crisis de-escalation techniques to help the caller regain a sense of calm.

Addressing Misconceptions

One of the most common misconceptions about the 988 Lifeline is that it involves geo-tracking or immediate involvement of law enforcement. Adia clarifies, "The majority of calls we take, even those involving suicide, do not result in interventions or rescues. We only involve emergency services in situations where there is an imminent risk to the caller’s life."

Adia’s reassurance helps to alleviate fears that might prevent someone from reaching out for help. "We’re here to nurture, encourage, and validate you," she says. "Our focus is on community-centered mental health response, not punitive measures."

Why 988 Matters

The 988 Lifeline is more than just a phone number—it’s a lifeline in the truest sense. "988 is a lot bigger than three digits," Adia asserts. "It’s our symbol of hope in our communities." This service represents a significant step forward in making mental health support more accessible and responsive to the needs of those in crisis.

Conclusion

The 988 Lifeline is a vital resource that offers immediate, compassionate support to those in need. With counselors like Adia Fadaei on the front lines, callers can feel reassured that they will be met with understanding and care. As we enter September Suicide Prevention Month, it's crucial to highlight and support services like 988, which save lives and provide hope. Remember, every call matters, and help is always just three digits away.