Frequently Asked Questions
Calling the Hotline
Are other languages available for non-English speakers?
The Hotline provides tele-interpreter services as needed.
Does the Hotline provide services for the hearing impaired?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has TTY capability, which can be accessed by calling 1-800-799-4TTY (4889).
Is the Hotline affiliated with the Veterans Crisis Line?
The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Texts may be sent to 838255. Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline also welcomes calls from veterans, active duty, Guard, and those who have military family members.
How can I share feedback about my experience with the Hotline?
You can share feedback directly by using our “feedback” form. We value hearing about your experience so we may continually improve our services to Idahoans.
988 Chat
988 Chat services are available 24/7.
Click here: www.988Lifeline.org
What should I expect during a chat session?
Our goal is to help you reduce stress, stay safe, and feel empowered to make decisions. You will be asked questions regarding your safety, feelings, and if you have thoughts of suicide. The crisis responder will work with you to create a safety plan if needed. If they feel you are in danger they will speak with you about accessing emergency services.
988 - Universal Crisis Number
What is 988?
The 988 dialing code operates through what was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It is a network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers around the country.
Congress designated 988 in 2020 and the Lifeline transitioned to the 3-digit number in July 2022. As a part of the federal government’s commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in America, unprecedented federal resources have been invested to scale up crisis centers in support of 988.
Transition to 988 is an important step forward and offers an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen and transform crisis care in our country.
While this is an exciting time to reimagine how we provide crisis services in the U.S., the full vision of a transformed crisis care system with 988 at its core will not be built overnight. Transformation of this scale will take time. That success depends heavily on state and territory support, so states and the federal government must all work together.
Transformation of this scale is never easy. The sustainable success of 988 depends heavily on the willingness of state, territorial, and local leaders to make additional investments in shoring up their crisis care systems. The federal government cannot do this alone.
We anticipate that 988 will continue to grow and evolve over the years, much the way 911 and emergency medical services have grown over the past five decades. We do expect a more rapid 988 transition to occur to meet the expected demand for 24/7 access to trained counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use and other mental health crises.
In the longer term, the vision for 988 is to build a robust crisis care response system across the country that links callers to community-based providers who can deliver a full range of crisis care services, if needed (like mobile crisis teams or stabilization centers), in addition to connecting callers to tools and resources that will help prevent future crisis situations. This more robust system will be essential to meeting crisis care needs across the nation. We envision a day when everyone across our country has someone to call, someone to respond, and a safe place to go for crisis care.
Promoting the Hotline
Can I use the Hotline logo?
The Hotline is a public service and our logo is available for anyone to use. Please visit our media resources page for more information.
Can I get Hotline printed materials?
Yes. The Hotline has materials available, including wallet cards and bookmarks. Send a message to outreach@jannus.org and let us know what you need.
Can I link to the Hotline’s website through my organization’s website?
We appreciate and encourage organizations interested in promoting the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline to provide a link on their website. High resolution logos are available on our media resources page.
How do I get a job at the Hotline?
For employment opportunities visit our career page.
Who is the contact for media inquiries?
Please send all media inquiries to Lee Flinn at lflinn@idahocrisis.org or George Austin at gaustin@idahocrisis.org.
Fundraising & Donations
How can I donate?
Donate by mail:
Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline, Attn. Jannus
1607 W. Jefferson Street
Boise, Idaho, 83702.
Please indicate the donation is for the Hotline.
If I donate, do I receive a receipt?
Donors will be provided a receipt via mail or email. ICSH is a program of Jannus, Inc., and Idaho nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
Can I donate on behalf of someone else?
Donors may contribute in memory or in honor of someone with the option of having a notification sent to the individual via regular mail or email.
Who do I contact if I have a question about a donation that’s not on this page?
If you have further questions, you may contact Lee Flinn at lflinn@idahocrisis.org.
Jannus, Inc.
What is Jannus?
Jannus, Inc. brings people together to change lives with programs in community health, public policy and economic opportunity. Jannus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline is a program of Jannus.