YOU ARE THEIR
FIRST LINE OF SUPPORT
Caregiver Support & Resources
Georgia’s DBHDD, the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are committed to empowering the caregivers who support our state's youth.
We know that being the primary support for a teenager or young adult is a vital, yet often challenging, responsibility. When the young people in your life face emotional distress or a mental health crisis, you don't have to have all the answers. You can call 988 or talk to your health care provider.
Our goal is to ensure every adult caring for a younger person in Georgia is equipped with the resources to recognize the signs of struggle and the confidence to connect youth to the 988 Crisis Lifeline.
Together, we can ensure the next generation has a clear path to hope and healing.
Watch the latest message of hope and resilience for Georgia’s families.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When someone you care for is struggling, it can be hard to know where to turn. 988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress. Whether it’s thoughts of suicide, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, our trained counselors are here to listen and help.
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Yes. 988 is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It is a free, confidential service available 24/7/365 for anyone in any kind of emotional distress.
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Absolutely. 988 crisis counselors provide support and resources for family members, friends, and caregivers who are concerned about a loved one. You don’t have to be the person in crisis to reach out for help.
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You will hear an automated greeting with options for specialized support (such as the Veterans Crisis Line or Spanish-language services). Then, you will be connected to a trained counselor who will listen, understand your situation, and provide support and resources.
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Yes. The 988 Lifeline is a confidential service. You are not required to provide any personal data to receive help.
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Yes. 988 is available for people of all ages. There are even specialized text and chat options that many young people find more approachable than a phone call.
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You can call 988 yourself to speak with a counselor or speak to your family health provider. They can coach you through the situation, provide you with resources, and help you create a safety plan for the youth in your care.
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988 is a confidential service. While counselors encourage youth to connect with their support systems (like parents or providers), the privacy of the caller is protected to ensure they feel safe reaching out.
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988 counselors work to provide support in the least restrictive environment possible. Most calls are resolved over the phone without any emergency involvement. Police or emergency services are only contacted if there is an immediate threat to life or safety.
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Yes. You can text 988 or use the online chat feature at 988lifeline.org/chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Yes. Spanish-speaking counselors are available by pressing "2" after dialing 988 or texting "AYUDA" to 988. For other languages, interpretation services are available in over 240 languages.
DOWNLOADS
Get Equipped
To Help
You play a critical role in a young person's mental health journey. Our training resources are designed to help you identify warning signs, navigate difficult conversations, and understand exactly how 988 works so you can be a bridge to lifesaving professional care.