Skip to main content

Talk, text, or chat for mental health help

NYC 988 | NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)

How it works

NYC 988 is your connection to free, private mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services.

  • To speak with a counselor at any time:
    • Chat online on the NYC 988 website.
    • Call 988. When prompted, press 1 for Veteran support, 2 for Spanish, or 3 for LGBTQI+ support if you are younger than 25 years old.
    • Text 988. Text “AYUDA” for Spanish, or “Q” for LGBTQI+ support if you are younger than 25 years old.
    • Text 838255 if you are a Veteran looking for support.
    • Call 711 then 988 if you need relay service for deaf or hard of hearing.
    • If you are in danger or need immediate medical attention, call 911 now.
  • Help is available at any time, on any day, with:
    • stress, depression, and anxiety.
    • finding long-term counseling.
    • alcohol and other drug use.
    • connecting with peer support specialists who have had similar experiences.
    • suicide prevention and crisis counseling.
    • referrals to additional services.
  • Counselors speak English, Spanish, and Chinese. Interpretation services are also available in over 200 languages.

Eligibility requirements

All New Yorkers can speak with a counselor and use NYC 988 services, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. You can access services right away and at any time.


Get help

Chat

Chat with a counselor online any time on the NYC 988 website.

Visit the website

Find more mental health services on the NYC 988 website.

You can also find free mobile apps to help manage your health and emotional wellbeing.

Call 311

Ask for “NYC 988.”


Come back to it later.
We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.


Last Updated October 23, 2024

Stay updated on benefits

Get occasional emails about benefits news, upcoming enrollment periods, and deadlines. Translations are available in 11 languages.