What GAO Found
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential 24/7 support for anyone experiencing mental health distress, suicidal thoughts, or substance use crises. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, confidential emotional support, resources, and referrals to pregnant and postpartum women experiencing mental health challenges. Both of these hotlines, within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are operated by nonfederal entities—primarily by local crisis contact centers and a contractor, respectively—while the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) are responsible for oversight.
In addition, the Veterans Crisis Line offers specialized, confidential support to veterans, service members, and their families. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the Veterans Crisis Line and employs its crisis responders.
Contact volume for the three hotlines generally increased throughout fiscal year 2025, based on available monthly agency data GAO reviewed. For example, for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, volume increased for each contact method in FY 2025, with an overall increase of 23 percent compared to FY 2024 (see figure). In addition, trends and fluctuations in volume and performance metrics for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line during fiscal year 2025 were generally similar to prior years, based on previous GAO reporting on these hotlines. Agency data also show that the federal agencies responsible for the three hotlines experienced some reductions of staff who oversee or operate the hotlines during fiscal year 2025. At the same time, selected stakeholders representing users of all three hotlines said that they experienced consistent services during the fiscal year.