For Behavioral Health Providers and Medical Professionals

Begin the conversations with your staff on how you will use 988.

Per guidance from SAMHSA, large-scale marketing will not begin until mid-2023 and we need your help reaching at-risk individuals and their loved ones.

• Begin conversations with staff in your agency on the existing referral sources and how you will use 988 in the future.

• Continue to provide the GCAL number (1-800-715-4225) to clients and other individuals, continue to use the GCAL number or 988.

• Do not identify 988 as an agency-specific crisis service. It can be incorporated as part of a safety plan, but referral for outpatient services is recommended.

• Continue to emphasize the importance of early treatment/interventions and NOT wait for a crisis.

• Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for any additional questions you may have.

• Make sure to sign up for the 988 Rollout Readiness Newsletter.

For more information on 988 you can also check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) FAQs: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/faqs