As an anti-oppressive therapist and someone who has worked in a call center for the Lifeline, I feel that this should be made clear for anyone who might be considering 988 as a safety measure. This post is by no means trying to discourage anyone who wants to seek help in crisis, but rather to understand the risks that could POTENTIALLY come with calling this number. Potentially in all caps, because a very small percentage of calls actually lead to hospitalization, as most callers have no intent or plan to act on suicidal ideation. It is not a callout for the Lifeline - after all, it is clear that the mission is to prevent suicides. It is rather a condemnation of the inadequacy that unfortunately leaves people without any other mental health support options other than forced hospitalizations. Support your local peer support lines when you can, and advocate for more funding for adequate services. Mental health professionals and community care folks should be the ones responding to mental health crises, NOT the police.