Advising People on Using 988 Versus 911: Practical Approaches for Healthcare Providers

Course overview

Clinicians often play an important role in deciding to access crisis services in private and public settings. This guide provides practical strategies for providers to help people understand when to use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for behavioral health support. This learning material is based on Advising People on Using 988 Versus 911: Practical Approaches for Healthcare Providers by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The learning material offers clear explanations and real-world scenarios to educate social workers, psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists and address common concerns about 988 and 911 services. It also provides detailed actionable steps to help foster better outcomes and strengthen the continuum of care.