MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - If you’re going through a mental health crisis, you may not have anyone to talk to. That’s why, three years ago, the Alabama Department of Mental Health created the 988 crisis hotline.
Over the past three years, the 988 mental health crisis hotline has been a lifeline for Alabamians struggling with mental health.
It was created in 2022 for those experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis.
The three-digit number is easy to remember, making it more accessible to those in crisis.
“We’ve received over 130,000 contacts that have come in through that line,” Beverly Johnson with the Alabama Department of Mental Health said. “That means that over 130,000 individuals have received the necessary supportive care and supportive resources.”
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. If you experience a mental health crisis, you may feel like you have no one to turn to.
“988 is 24/7,” Johnson said. “We have 9-8-8 lifeline centers that are positioned across the state to be able to respond to the needs of individuals who call in.”
“So whether that individual is themselves experiencing a crisis, or if they’re just needing someone to talk to, or needing supportive services for a family member or friend, that service is available for family members to call into.”
We all know what it’s like to call somewhere and get a busy tone or be put on hold. Johnson says that won’t happen at the 9-8-8 crisis line, as their average response time is just 23 seconds.
“We have seen progress as it relates to that answer to call rate, and so excited about that,” she said.
In June of 2025, the in-state answer rate reached nearly 88%, up from 64% in July of 2022.
Not only has 988 been able to increase capacity in the past three years, but they now use geo routing technology to be able to provide you with resources in your area, no matter your area code.
“Because it’s originating from the cell tower, privacy is still protected, but more localized service,” Johnson said.
Making sure people are listened to and supported for three years.
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