11 03, 2025

What is the difference between 9-8-8 and other helplines? Can I continue to call my local crisis line instead of 9-8-8?

2025-03-11T13:49:47-07:00

1. 9-8-8 is delivered by a network of crisis lines across the country. These partners are local, provincial and territorial, and national crisis lines whose responders take 9-8-8 calls and/or texts.
2. 9-8-8’s main goal is to prevent suicide. All 9-8-8 responders are trained in suicide prevention and everyone who contacts 9-8-8 is assessed for suicide risk.
3. There is no wrong way to ask for help. Whether you reach out to 9-8-8 or an existing local, provincial and territorial, or national helplines, someone will be there to give you the support you need.

What is the difference between 9-8-8 and other helplines? Can I continue to call my local crisis line instead of 9-8-8?2025-03-11T13:49:47-07:00

11 03, 2025

Is 9-8-8 focused on suicide? I thought this was a mental health line.

2026-01-05T10:35:14-08:00

1. 9-8-8’s main goal is to prevent suicide. All 9-8-8 responders are trained in suicide prevention and everyone who contacts 9-8-8 is assessed for suicide risk.
2. However, we know that people who are experiencing a mental health crisis are at greater risk of suicide.
3. We also know that people who are at risk of suicide may not always realize that they are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
4. Because of this, no one who reaches out to 9-8-8 will be turned away. If you reach out, 9-8-8 responders will support you, whatever you are going through

Is 9-8-8 focused on suicide? I thought this was a mental health line.2026-01-05T10:35:14-08:00

11 03, 2025

What happens when I call 9-8-8?

2026-01-05T10:34:32-08:00

1. When you call 9-8-8, before you are connected to a 9-8-8 responder, you will hear a brief pre-recorded message to let you know you are in the right place.
2.  Most callers at this point will also hear a few short questions, such as whether you’d like to talk to someone English or French, if you are under 18, and if you would like to speak to a responder that has experience supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. The message will also let you know how you can find out more about using the service, including about confidentiality.
3. In some parts of Canada, you will be connected directly to the existing crisis service for your province or territory and will hear a welcome message from that service.
4. Everyone who calls will be connected to a responder who will listen and provide support. If you need to wait for a short time, please stay with us – we will answer your call.

What happens when I call 9-8-8?2026-01-05T10:34:32-08:00