September 988 Awareness Month: What to Know

September is 988 Awareness Month, a time to highlight the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and its vital services. Whether you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, struggling with substance use, or need help supporting someone else, Gold Counseling is here to help guide you through the process. The 988 Lifeline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support from trained crisis counselors who can help you navigate difficult situations. Learn how 988 works, common myths, and how to reach out for the support you need. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Riverdale, Kaysville, Draper, and St. George, UT.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free • 24/7 • Confidential • Call • Text • Chat

Why 988 is a strong option

• Trained crisis counselors respond quickly and de-escalate most situations without involving emergency services.
• You choose how to connect: call, text, or chat. English and Spanish are available; interpreters cover 240+ languages.
• Local routing connects you to in-state centers that know nearby resources.
• Veterans and service members press 1 or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.

What to expect

• Call: Brief menu, then a counselor who listens, checks safety, and co-creates a plan or referral.
• Text: Send any message to 988. You’ll get a quick intake, then a live counselor joins.
• Chat: Visit 988lifeline.org for web chat. ASL is available via videophone.

Myths vs facts

• Myth: Police always show up. Fact: Most contacts resolve remotely; emergency dispatch is rare and reserved for imminent danger.
• Myth: They track your exact location. Fact: 988 does not function like 911 location-tracing.
• Myth: 988 is only for suicide. Fact: It’s for any mental-health or substance-use crisis, and for concerned helpers to someone needing help.

Lower the stress of reaching out

• Pick the mode that fits you: text, call, or chat.
• Use a one-line opener: “I’m overwhelmed and need help staying safe.”
• State your preferences: “No police unless there’s imminent danger; please help me make a coping plan.”
• Keep micro-notes: key stressor, meds/substances today, what’s helped before, who to call after.

This blog/newsletter/post has been compiled for your education and is not a substitute for emergency care. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your closest ER

Sources: SAMHSA and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Warmest,
Your Gold Counseling Team