Calling for Help: 988
We all experience stress at times. We get overwhelmed by challenges and demands that seem too hard to face. We may struggle with relationships, housing, jobs, school, money, drug use, health concerns, getting enough food to eat, or an endless number of other problems. We may feel sad, hopeless, lonely, angry, or hurt and misunderstood by others. It may seem like things will never get better, and that we don’t have the strength to continue to face another day. Our pain and stress may be so much, that we start to believe life is not worth living, or that others would be better off without us. We may even think about suicide, convinced that no other options are available to us.
These thoughts and feelings don’t mean we are “crazy”, or that we are weak, abnormal, shameful, or unworthy of the love and respect of others. These feelings just mean that, like most other people, we need the help and support of others to get through our most difficult times. We need others to help us identify options that we might not be able to see because of the darkness, chaos, and stress we’re experiencing. We need others to listen and to help us feel understood when it seems like no one cares or recognizes our pain.
Getting help during an emotional or mental health crisis is now immediately available to all of us (adults and youth) by dialing just three numbers--988. Just like calling 911, dialing 988 is easy to remember and can be used from any phone, anywhere in the country starting July 16, 2022. For those who have difficulty talking about their problems to others, are not in a private setting, or feel they are too emotional or tearful to speak clearly, they can text 988 as well. Interpretation services also are available for those with a primary language other than English.
Although 988 can be used nationwide, calls are sent to centers that are familiar with local resources, providers, and treatment options. Current local crisis lines (including 1-800-273-8255) will continue to work for at least one year after the 988 number starts, but calls to these numbers will be sent to the 988 system. The needs of most people in crisis can be met through the supports, referrals, and help that is offered during the 988 call. However, local crisis mobile teams are also ready to respond to a call to further assess the caller and to help make sure needed services are offered. Callers are free to accept or say no to any recommended services, unless the thoughts and feelings they are having put them at an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. But, even in these situations, voluntary treatment is offered before other options are considered.
Many health plans, including AHCCCS plans, also offer many covered benefits to support members who are experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis, even if the member is not currently receiving behavioral health services. Call the Customer Care number on the back of your insurance card and ask to speak with a Behavioral Health Care Manager. They can help connect members with appropriate providers and services within their network. Visits with outpatient behavioral health providers, including counselors, psychiatrists, or other medication prescribers that are contracted with the health plan, are covered benefits for members. Intensive Outpatient Programs, residential treatment, hospitalization (including detoxification from substances), and procedures such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) also are available to members when medically necessary.
We are not alone in our struggles, and there are many options and resources available to us in our most difficult times. Please reach out by calling 988 if you are in crisis or contact your health plan for information about available options.
Your life matters to us.
