Dialing 9-8-8 will immediately connect you to the national crisis line if you're using an up-to-date version of the TextNow app on a supported device (see this article for more on our supported platforms and OS versions).
Below you'll find more details on how this feature works based on which country you're located in, and information on how to get connected to these services if typing is more accessible to you.
988 in the United States
Dialing 9-8-8 through the TextNow app in the United States will automatically redirect you to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). Veterans can then Press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Crisis Line.
If typing is more accessible, the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline is also available through online chats 24/7 at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/. Service members, Veterans, and their families can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by texting 838255, or through online chats at veteranscrisisline.net.
988 in Canada
English
Dialing 9-8-8 through the TextNow app in Canada will automatically redirect you to Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566).
If typing is more accessible, counselors from Crisis Services Canada can be reached by text message daily from 4 pm - 12 am Eastern at 45645.
Français
En composant le 9-8-8 via l’application TextNow au Canada, vous serez automatiquement redirigé vers le service canadien de prévention du suicide (“Parlons Suicide Canada”) (1-833-456-4566).
Si vous préférez communiquer par écrit, les conseillers de la ligne Parlons Suicide Canada peuvent également être contactés par message texte de 16h à minuit (heure de l'Est) au 45645.