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.

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.

Chats and Texts (English and Spanish)

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.

Veterans Crisis Line, Spanish Speakers, LGBTQ+ Youth, 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 LGBTQ+ under 25 years old, press 3.

For deaf and hard of hearing, 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 1-888-628-9454.

Louisiana Crisis Response System and Suicide Prevention

988 Resources

If you have questions regarding 988, send them to 988@la.gov.