NAMI HelpLine

Overview

In recognition of the third anniversary of 988’s nationwide availability, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) released a new publication, Trends in 988 and Reimagining Crisis Response State Policy, that highlights state legislation enacted in 2024 that reimagines mental health crisis response systems.

People in a mental health crisis deserve a compassionate and effective response. Although the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was created by federal legislation, states are largely responsible for its implementation, including ensuring that a range of crisis services are available to 988 help seekers.

This issue brief highlights state legislation passed in 2024 that helps build comprehensive mental health crisis care systems, and includes policy recommendations that may be implemented in states across the country within the following key categories:

  • 988 Fee
  • 988 Appropriations
  • Insurance Coverage of Crisis Services
  • Youth Crisis Care
  • 988 and Crisis Systems Coordination

This brief is the final in a larger series – NAMI’s 2024 State Legislation Issue Brief Series – which also examines new mental health laws from 2024 addressing criminal justice and access to mental health care. Read NAMI’s Trends in 988 and Reimagining Crisis Response State Policy.

Conclusion

States have made progress in identifying diverse and sustainable funding streams for 988 and crisis services, bringing us closer to the mental health community’s collective vision of having comprehensive crisis care systems in every state. State advocates and legislators can keep up the momentum by bringing proven solutions to the policymaking table. NAMI encourages state policymakers to connect with their NAMI State Organizations to learn more about what is and is not working with mental health crisis response in their state and to consider the policy recommendations and featured legislation in this issue brief as a roadmap to reimagine mental health crisis response systems.

NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “NAMI” to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).