Felton Institute operates two local crisis support programs that partner with Lifeline to answer 988 calls, texts, and chats:

• San Francisco Suicide Prevention (SFSP) – Serving the City and County of San Francisco
• San Mateo Suicide Prevention (SMSP) – Serving the City and County of San Mateo

Both programs provide trusted, compassionate counselors available 24/7 to listen, provide support, and connect callers to resources.

Additional Information:

• 988 is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• 988 Interpretative services are available in over 250 languages.
• 988 does not replace the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number: 1 (800) 273 8255. Both hotlines will connect the caller to their local crisis center, including SFSP and SMSP.

Ways to Connect to 988:

• Call: When a person calls 988, a trained crisis counselor will listen and assess for suicide and safety concerns, provide support, share resources, and link the caller to behavioral health services or 911 if there is immediate danger to self or others. If someone is worried about a loved one who may be experiencing a mental health crisis, they can also call 988.

• Chat: Chat (English only) is available through the Lifeline’s website at chat.988lifeline.org. People seeking chat services are provided a pre-chat survey before connecting with a counselor, who identifies the main area of concern. If there is a wait to chat with a crisis counselor, a wait-time message will appear. Once you are connected, a crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful.

• Text: When someone texts 988, they are responded to by a group of Lifeline crisis centers that answer both chats and texts. Once you are connected, a crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful. Currently, texting is available in English only.

For more information about 988:

• Visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website
• Download the 988 Fact Sheet

Local Crisis Centers Operated by Felton Institute

With deep roots in their communities, SFSP and SMSP bring decades of experience in suicide prevention and crisis support, now united under Felton Institute to provide 24/7 local care, statewide advocacy, and life-saving support. 

• San Francisco Suicide Prevention (SFSP), founded in 1962, is the oldest community-based telephone crisis hotline in the United States and has led the way in crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. 

• San Mateo Suicide Prevention (SMSP), founded in 1966 (formerly the StarVista Crisis Center), was one of the first crisis lines in California and remains at the forefront of suicide prevention, crisis response, and community education. 

Both programs are accredited members of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline national network of crisis centers and the 988 California Crisis Center Consortium.