You might think calling the lifeline will bring an in-person response, like 911 does. Not so. Instead, 988 connects you to a counselor trained to help those in a mental health crisis. That counselor is trained to dispatch on-scene resources only when needed, not for every call, the way a 911 dispatcher is trained.

18JAV clients have additional access to crisis resources through the Lines for Life service. For incidents that occur in the community, calling 988 will connect you to a crisis-trained representative who can provide you with information and resources.

“While we still have Lines for Life for our clients, we’re excited to have a simple way for community members to easily access urgent care that supports them in their time of need,” said Katy Beveridge, our Vice President of Operations. “We’re looking forward to finding ways to incorporate 988 into our client communications, safety plans, and more.”

You can call or text 988 to be connected to a trained counselor at a crisis center closest to where you’re located, says the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). If a local crisis center is too busy to respond right away, the call gets routed to one of 16 backup centers around the country.

Calls are answered in about 30 seconds, according to SAMHSA’s published . The current answer rate is 90 percent (combining calls, texts, and emails). Total contact time averaged 13 minutes for phone calls, to 47 minutes for texts.

Advocates said the three-digit number would be easier to remember, and more likely to be used. They were right. In its first year of operation, 988 calls jumped by 33 percent over the National Suicide Prevention hotline, whose calls are now routed to the 988 network.

SAMHSA says only two percent of the 8 million calls received to date have been routed to law enforcement, and only when harm seemed imminent. Concerns persist that calling for help might result in a law enforcement response or expensive healthcare bills, so it’s important that we all understand how 988 operates.

Oregon is one of a handful of states that instituted a to support the lifeline, adding $26 million during 2023-25 specifically to support 988, in addition to more than $118 million for mobile crisis Intervention Services and Community Mental Health Programs.

While the initial flurry of publicity at the 988 launch has subsided, it’s important to keep getting the word out that 988 is a safe way to get help in a mental health crisis.

The post 988 hotline offers behavioral health assistance nationwide appeared first on Lifeworks Northwest.

Jason (not his real name) shares how his care team has made a difference in his recovery after an episode of suicidal ideation that included him quitting his job at that time.

“I had no money and no way to support myself,” Jason says.

A supported employment specialist was brought onto Jason’s care team by his therapist.

“For the first month or two, we would meet once a week and talk,” Jason says. “We talked about my body issues, why I left my previous position, and what I was looking for in a new job. From there, we started working on my resume.”

“At first my goal was just to get a job for money in my pocket so that I could buy the necessities I needed… I’ve learned that I need to continue working to reach the lifestyle I am trying to achieve.”

Jason’s employment goals evolved as his recovery evolved. He was able to first find employment as a security guard, but he has bigger goals now.

“My goal is to stay in security for now, while I am doing a software development bootcamp,” Jason says. “After the bootcamp, within 180 days, I would like to be in a software developing or game developer position.”

His recovery journey has supported his behavioral health as well as his skill development.

“My employment specialist has helped show me the steps that I need to take to achieve my goal of becoming a software developer,” Jason says. “I feel like I am finally growing up in life. I have finally figured out what I want to do for the rest of my life, and what I want to do for my career. I get excited at all of the possibilities.”

“I am finally planning on getting a credit card to build my credit so I can eventually buy my own apartment,” Jason says. “My employment specialist, therapist, and I are also working on a plan to improve my communication skills so that I can work effectively with a team. A lot of software developing jobs are in teams, and I’d like to build this skill.”

“Along the way, I have learned that I am a lot smarter than I have given myself credit for.”

The post “I get excited at all the possibilities”: a Supported Employment success story appeared first on Lifeworks Northwest.

Quitting an addictive substance is so complicated. It’s complicated by a brain that says you need it, whatever “it” is. By the pain and stress that drives someone to use in the first place. By the life that results from years of substance use: lost jobs, homes, family, mental health. 

That’s where 18JAV really shines. We take a holistic approach to helping people reclaim not only their sobriety and mental health, but their lives. Counselors, group therapy, peer support, guidance through the bureaucratic maze of assistance agencies, we are there for you every step of the way.  

Our integrated approach to care empowers clients to bring their full selves into recovery, including any challenges they face. Even after losing her family and her home, Jennifer (not her real name) shared how 18JAV helped get her life back. 

“I had really great support there. All the counselors were amazing,” says Jennifer. “I had a lot of support to get my daughter back in my care. They supported me through everything,” including addiction treatment and the road to employment and permanent housing. 

“When you are in that spot, you just don’t know which way to go,” says Jennifer. “It’s good to have someone who’s been there to guide you.” 

The post We Help People Get Their Lives Back appeared first on Lifeworks Northwest.