SALT LAKE CITY — The nation’s newest mental health resource, 988, isn’t just a phone call service – you can text it, too.

“It’s really an exciting and historic milestone for mental health services,” said Rachel Lucynski, director of community crisis support at Huntsman Mental Health Institute.

Lawmakers, like Sen. Daniel Thatcher, said when making 988, they knew they wanted to include texting as an option.

“I have seen millennials text the person they were sitting next to on the couch,” Thatcher said. “So, being able to reach people in the method that they prefer to communicate is going to increase the usage.”

Thatcher said when looking at the SafeUT App — Utah’s model mental health resource — those that chose to text for help over calling is 20 to 1.  That’s why it was important to include texting.

He said whatever way you decide to reach out to 988, you will still be receiving quality help.

“You are still reaching the same people,” Thatcher said. “The people who are answering the phones are the same as the ones answering the text lines.”

Both Lucynski and Thatcher said they know there will be an influx of calls and texts when 988 goes live Saturday, but they have been preparing for it.

“We have been working the last two years since it was passed to make sure that we are staffed and equipped to answer these calls,” Lucynski said.

With the launch of 988, other resources like 1-800-273-TALK will still be in use.

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Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Utah Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at Huntsman Mental Health Institute.

You can also text TALK to 741741 and parents, students, and educators can download the SafeUT app chat or call 833-3SAFEUT to connect with a licensed crisis counselor.

Additional resources

• Parents, students, and educators can download the SafeUT app chat or call 833-3SAFEUT to connect with a licensed crisis counselor.
• First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals, can chat with a crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app and members of the National Guard can access help through the SafeUTNG app.
• For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call the Utah Warm Line at 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• At Huntsman Mental Health Institute, women can access maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org, a campaign by the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition offers suicide prevention training and has resources for faith-based groups, youth, LGBTQ+, and Employers.

Other community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention services, support groups, mental health education, counseling services and support:

• NAMI Utah: education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness
• Latino Behavioral Health Services: Latinx mental health education and support
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Utah Chapter
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center
• Utah Pride Center: empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mental health
• Center for Workplace Mental Health: suicide prevention and response for employers

Additional crisis hotlines

• Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226-4433
• Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
• Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
• National Suicide Prevention Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741-741
• Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386