988 Kansas
There Is Hope. Help Is Here.If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911
Call 988
Speak with a trained counselor
Text 988
Start a text conversation
Chat Online
Visit 988lifeline.org/chat
For Someone Else
Get help for a loved one
If you or someone you know is in immediate physical danger, call 911
What Happens When You Contact 988
Here’s what you can expect from start to finish
You Reach Out
What happens when you make contact
- You will hear an automated message saying you’ve reached the 988 Lifeline and a series of options:
Press 1 for the veterans’ crisis line
Press 2 or text “AYUDA” to get support in Spanish - For all other callers, stay on the line or dial 0 to be connected to a crisis counselor
- No appointment needed – help is available immediately
- You don’t need to provide personal information to get support
- Completely confidential and free of charge
- Available in English, Spanish, and 240+ other languages through interpretation
- Your contact will be routed to a Kansas crisis center when possible
A Counselor Answers
Meeting your trained crisis counselor
- Average answer time is under one minute
- Crisis counselors receive specialized training in suicide prevention and mental health support
- Our counselors provide judgment-free, compassionate listening
- You control how much information you want to share
- All counselors follow strict confidentiality guidelines
We Listen and Understand
Creating a safe space for your story
- You set the pace of the conversation – there’s no rush
- Counselors are trained to understand diverse backgrounds and experiences
- We focus on your immediate emotional needs and safety
- Your privacy is protected throughout the conversation
- There’s no judgment about your situation or feelings
We Plan Together
Developing your personalized support plan
- You remain in control of all decisions about your care
- We’ll help identify people in your life who can provide support
- Develop coping strategies that work for your specific situation
- Create a safety plan you feel comfortable with
- Connect you with local Kansas mental health resources if you’re interested
Get Connected to Support
Building your ongoing support network
- Referrals to local mental health providers and services
- Connection to support groups and peer support networks
- Crisis centers may offer follow-up contact with your permission
- 24/7 access to 988 whenever you need additional support
There is hope. Talk with us.
People call, text or chat 988 for lots of different reasons. There is no wrong reason. 988 helps people deal with as many different types of situations as you can think of—from everyday challenges to crisis situations. Calling, texting, or chatting 988 can be one of the best ways to get help during a crisis. But 988 isn’t just for people in crisis situations.
In fact, we hope you contact 988 before you or someone you’re worried about gets to the point where things are serious. The earlier you reach out for help, the easier it often is to work through the challenges you’re up against.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Kansas
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides immediate, free support to anyone experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis. In Kansas, 988 is more than just a phone number—it’s your direct connection to trained crisis counselors who understand our communities and can connect you with local resources.
When you call, text, or chat 988 from Kansas, you’ll be connected to one of our local crisis centers staffed by counselors who live and work in Kansas. They know our communities, our resources, and our values. The Kansas 988 team works to ensure that ever Kansan has access to quality, compassionate crisis support.
Since 988 launched in Kansas, we’ve answered thousands of calls from our neighbors who needed someone to listen. Whether you’re going through a difficult time, worried about a loved one, or just need someone to talk to, 988 counselors are here for you.
24/7/365
Hours per year that 988 is available
5
Crisis centers serving Kansas
Over 75,000 calls
answered in Kansas since July 2022
Less Than 1min
Average time to answer your call
Free & Confidential
No cost to call, text, or chat
988 is for Everyone
No matter what you’re going through, 988 counselors are here to listen and support you.
For Yourself
- Having thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious
- Struggling with substance use or addiction
- Experiencing trauma, grief, or major life changes
- Feeling lonely, isolated, or disconnected
- Going through relationship or family problems
- Facing financial stress or job difficulties
- Just needing someone to talk to
For Someone You Care About
- Worried about a friend or family member
- Noticing warning signs in someone close to you
- Unsure how to help someone in crisis
- Need guidance on having difficult conversations
- Want to learn about mental health resources
- Concerned about a coworker or neighbor
- Supporting someone through a tough time
Specialized Support Available
- Veterans and service members (press 1 after dialing 988)
- Spanish speakers (press 2 or text ‘AYUDA’ to 988)
- Deaf and hard of hearing individuals (videophone at 988lifeline.org)
- Anyone needing interpretation (240+ languages available)
Share your thoughts.
There is no crisis too big or too small. If you’re struggling or worried about someone else, 988 counselors are trained to help with any situation you’re facing.
What to Expect When You Contact 988
Your conversation is confidential, free, and completely private.
Your Privacy is Protected
When you contact 988, your call, text, or chat is completely confidential. You don’t need to share your name, address, or any personal information to receive support. The only information crisis counselors have is your phone number or IP address. Your conversation will not be recorded, and counselors will not share what you discuss with anyone else—including family members—without your permission.
The only time a crisis counselor might contact emergency services is if they believe you are in immediate, life-threatening danger and cannot work with you to ensure your safety through other means. This happens in very few calls, and counselors will discuss this with you whenever possible.
Trained, Compassionate Professionals
All 988 crisis counselors complete extensive training in suicide prevention, mental health support, and crisis intervention. They receive ongoing education and supervision to ensure they provide the highest quality of care. Our counselors understand that reaching out for help takes courage, and they approach every conversation without judgment.
Crisis counselors are skilled at listening, understanding different perspectives, and helping people work through difficult situations. They won’t try to ‘fix’ your problems or tell you what to do—instead, they’ll listen to your concerns and work with you to explore options and develop a plan that feels right for you.
Language and Accessibility
988 services are available in English and Spanish, with interpretation available in more than 240 additional languages. If you need an interpreter, simply tell the counselor what language you speak, and they’ll connect you with an interpreter within about 20 seconds.
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, 988 offers text messaging, online chat, videophone services in American Sign Language, and TTY access. You can also use your preferred relay service by dialing 711, then 988.
You Are Not Alone
After talking with a 988 counselor, most people report feeling less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful about their situation.
- Conversations typically last 15-45 minutes, but there’s no time limit
You can end the conversation at any time - No follow-up contact unless you request it
- Available 24 hours a day, every day of the year
- You can contact 988 as many times as you need
- Crisis counselors are trained to support people from all backgrounds and walks of life
Frequently Asked Questions
More Support in Kansas
Additional mental health and crisis support resources throughout Kansas
Support Groups
NAMI Kansas
Peer support networks
Connect with others who understand your experience
About Kansas 988
This website is maintained by HealthSource Integrated Solutions in partnership with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
More Resources
Suicide Prevention – Kansas Prevention Collaborative
The Trevor Project: 24/7 Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ Youth – We’re here for you Now
HeyHQ – Peer support line for 18 and under HeyHQ – Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ (KSPHQ)
Important Notes
988 in Kansas is funded by federal grants and state appropriations
If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911.