Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams

Officially designated as the National Suicide Hotline on October 17, 2020, the 988 Lifeline is the national three-digit number designed to provide free and confidential support for individuals in emotional distress or experiencing a suicidal or substance-related crisis.

MHA plays a crucial role in 988 by providing immediate support for non-life-threatening mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises in Essex and Hudson Counties when deployed by 988 Crisis Lifeline call centers. Whenever possible, our Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Team (MCORT) responds without law enforcement, ensuring a calm and supportive intervention when it’s deemed safe.

988 offers immediate assistance through various communication methods, including calling, texting, or chatting.

You can call or text 988: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Yes! Calling 988 and pressing ‘2’ or texting AYUDA to 988 provides immediate assistance in Spanish.

This ensures that Spanish-speaking individuals receive the support they need in their preferred language.

Yes, 988 is a national hotline providing free, confidential support for individuals facing emotional distress, suicidal crises, or substance related issues.