Louisiana 988 Helpline

About the Helpline

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number — it’s a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress — whether that is thoughts of suicide, anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, dealing with a substance use issue/crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also contact 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need emotional support.

Texts and chats are routed to VIA LINK, LACG, and to specified call centers outside Louisiana. To chat, visit Louisiana988.org or text 988. To text with a Spanish-speaking crisis specialist, text AYUDA to 988.

The helpline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Louisiana has two certified helpline centers, VIA LINK and the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG), who are ready to respond to 988 calls, chats, and texts. VIA LINK provides primary coverage for area codes 504, 225, and 985. LACG provides primary coverage for area codes 318 and 337.

What To Expect

Louisiana 988 Dashboard

To enlarge the dashboard below, click on the arrow at the bottom right corner. This will make the dashboard full screen. To exit full screen, click on the Escape (ESC) button.

Veterans Crisis Line, Spanish Speakers, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing

For veterans, service members, and their families, call 988 and press option 1.

Chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat) and text (838255) are also available.

For deaf and hard-of-hearing users, TTY users may use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

For ASL users, call the 988 Videophone.

For Spanish, press option 2 (Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis) or dial 888-628-9454.

988 Resources

Additional Resources

Louisiana Crisis Response System and Suicide Prevention

The Coordinated System of Care (CSoC) brings together the Department of Health (Office of Behavioral Health and Medicaid), the Department of Children & Family Services, the Department of Education, the Office of Juvenile Justice, the Governor's Office, family, youth and advocate representatives to establish a service delivery system that is better integrated, has enhanced service offerings and achieves improved outcomes. By establishing CSoC, we can help ensure that young people in or at risk of out-of-home placement with significant behavioral health challenges can receive the supports and services they need.

TLC Moms

TLC Moms — a Louisiana Department of Health, Office on Women's Health and Community Health initiative — offers support, resources, and a path to mental and emotional wellness for moms, families, and caregivers facing pregnancy or postpartum depression and anxiety. Encouraging the power of talking, listening, and caring, TLC Moms embodies this commitment by providing resources and support for those navigating the emotional ups and downs of parenthood, from expectant mothers to those caring for newborns. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or anxiety related to pregnancy or a recent birth, TLC Moms can help you mentally and emotionally on your parenting journey.

Contact

If you have questions regarding 988, please email 988@la.gov.