988 coming soon: New number to call for people facing mental health crises

As championed by the Healthy Boiler Program, everyone deserves access to the support they need, when they need it – and that includes mental health support. That’s why, starting Saturday (July 16), anyone facing a mental health crisis can call 988 and get connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (also called the Lifeline).

The line will be staffed with crisis counselors who are trained to understand exactly how callers are feeling and to pair them with resources that are specifically tailored to help them meet the moment they’re in. This free and confidential resource was created to provide a direct connection to compassionate, accessible support 24/7 via an easy-to-remember, three-digit number.

When someone is facing a mental health concern or living with a mental health condition, it’s common to feel as though no one understands. It may be difficult for a caller to imagine that someone who picks up the phone could really understand what they’re feeling, and even harder to imagine that recovery is possible.

“Having concerns about mental health is common,” says Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits in Human Resources. “And it’s important to make resources and support just as common and widespread, which Purdue has continued to focus on via the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program. Adding 988 to resources already available – such as SupportLinc and LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry – arms the population with yet another helpful resource.”

It’s never too early – or too late – to seek help. According to Mental Health America, in the U.S., the average amount of time between the onset of symptoms of a mental health condition or challenge and a diagnosis is 11 years. The resources mentioned above and below are available and support the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program.

Note: 988 will not be available until Saturday (July 16). In the meantime, continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including resources for all Purdue campuses, information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse and behavioral health referral locations for the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100% on the Purdue student health plan.  

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers locally and across the country.
• WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app for students.