Frequently Asked Questions

What is 9-8-8?

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is a new three-digit helpline that provides urgent, live support by phone and text to people in every province and territory across the country.

9-8-8 is available in English and French, 24 hours a day, every single day of the year across the country.

9-8-8 is for anyone thinking about suicide or worried about someone they know. Trained 9-8-8 responders will answer calls and texts and listen without judgment while providing support.

Who should call or text 9-8-8?

9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know.

Suicide prevention is the primary focus of 9-8-8, but no one who calls or texts the helpline will be turned away.

Everyone who contacts 9-8-8 will be assessed for suicide risk, and all 9-8-8 responders are trained to support people, whatever they are going through.

What happens when I call 9-8-8?

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.

Most callers at this point will also hear a few short questions, such as whether you’d like to talk to someone in 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.

In some parts of Canada, you will be put straight through to the existing crisis service for your province or territory and will hear a welcome message from that service.

All callers will be put through 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.

Whatever you are facing, 9-8-8 responders are here to help. No one who reaches out to 9-8-8 will be turned away.

What happens when I text 9-8-8?

When you text 9-8-8, you will first of all see some automated messages before you connect to the live text service.

You will be asked if you want to text in English or French, and will be sent a link to find out more about using the service, including about confidentiality.

You will reach 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 text.