By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: California Set to Launch 988, a Mental Health Hotline
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Mental Health > California Set to Launch 988, a Mental Health Hotline
Mental Health

California Set to Launch 988, a Mental Health Hotline

Allison Hart
Allison Hart
Share
5 Min Read
mental healthcare
Photo 101035642 © Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com
SHARE

Since 1968, citizens requiring local, fast, and efficient medical care for physical emergencies can get the help they need simply by dialing 911. While this three-digit hotline number is today a given, for the nearly 60 million people in the US struggling with mental illnesses it might not be enough to access specialized emergency mental healthcare.

Contents
  • What Is the New 988 Mental Health Hotline?
  • How Will the 988 Mental Health Hotline Work?
  • The Need for Mental Health Hotlines and Emergency Mental Health Care
    • Accessing Local and Specialized Mental Health Services in California: What You Need To Know

Responding to the needs highlighted during the National Mental Health Awareness Month just ended, and in an effort to curb all-the-more-frequent mental health crises, California is now introducing 988, a new mental health hotline dedicated to improving access to psychiatric care. Here’s how it will work. 

What Is the New 988 Mental Health Hotline?

As mental health disorders and suicide rates continue to climb, delivering fast and specialized mental health treatments is more important than ever – and, in the event of a crisis, it can save lives.

But, while the mental health epidemic rages on, the state of California has no plans to just sit back and watch. As of July 16, Californians who require emergency mental health care and treatments will be able to dial 988 and access immediate, professional, and customized psychiatric care. 

More Read

Mental Health And Debt: How Are They Associated
How Social Workers Promote Mental Health
Tips For Dealing With The Death Of A Loved One
Tips for Managing Mental Health During Divorce
Important Mental Health Tips to Follow After Losing a Loved One

How Will the 988 Mental Health Hotline Work?

The $20-million 988 statewide call center, which has been introduced in an effort to curb anxiety and depression rates and save lives, will work similarly to 911 but, instead of focusing on delivering medical care, it will be dedicated to helping people access psychiatric help.

The purposely-created call centers have the resources necessary to identify an ongoing mental health crisis, pinpoint underlying causes, and deliver emergency treatments.

The emergency response hotline will also have the responsibility to manage the influx of calls and redirect callers towards more appropriate services, including emergency rooms, hospitals, psychiatric clinics, or law enforcement offices.

The Need for Mental Health Hotlines and Emergency Mental Health Care

The prevalence of mental health disorders has reached an all-time high across all states, and the effects of the pandemic have done nothing but exacerbate the ongoing current epidemic.

Over the past years, suicide has become one of the leading causes of death in the US – especially among citizens between 10 and 44 years old, causing nearly 50,000 deaths a year.

What’s more, chronic conditions like anxiety and depression have jumped by over 25% just during the first lockdown, affecting mostly young adults and continuing to rise at a vertiginous rate.

In California, 1.2 million people experience mental illnesses, ranking among the states with a higher prevalence of mental disorders and lower rates of access to psychiatric care. 

As of today, the lack of an emergency phone line dedicated to delivering psychiatric care leaves nearly 20% of the US adult population short of life-saving care. So, the introduction of the new 988 hotline is certainly a long-awaited one, but it is only the first step towards providing citizens with the mental health support needed.

Accessing Local and Specialized Mental Health Services in California: What You Need To Know

While the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (the current 988 hotline) has been around since 2005, estimates suggest that between 10 and 15% of calls in California remain unanswered due to a lack of resources.

In turn, even if the new 988 hotline aims to provide statewide support to every single caller, a lot is still in the hands of local, specialized mental health centers. For example, in areas where the prevalence of mental health illnesses is highest, such as in the Greater Bay Area, relying on local mental health treatment in South Bay and emergency care, can represent the ultimate safety net for individuals experiencing a crisis.

Ultimately, California has taken the first, essential steps toward providing better, more affordable, and more efficient emergency mental health care. But it is important to understand that, in many cases, crises can be avoided through long-term customized psychiatric care – which is only just becoming more easily accessible for at-risk individuals across the nation.

Photo 101035642 © Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com

TAGGED:mental healthcare
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By Allison Hart
Follow:
My name is Allison Hart and I am a healthcare blogger specializing in medical topics. Having worked as a registered nurse for the past 10 years, I have gained extensive knowledge about all aspects of health care, including preventative medicine and treatments for chronic illnesses.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

Mental Health

What Should You Know About Concussions?

October 19, 2019
Mental HealthParenting

“Does My Child Have Autism?” – What You Need To Know

October 16, 2019
Mental Health

A Guide To Mental Health For New Students

April 9, 2020
mental health benefits of games
Mental Health

10 Games That Boost Your Mental Health

October 16, 2023
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?