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Crisis Support
988 vs 911 in West Virginia: When to Call Which Number
A practical guide to help you choose between 911, 988, and local crisis lines when you or someone you care about needs help.
Published March 9, 2026
When someone is struggling, it can be hard to know what number to call. This guide is meant to make the decision simple.
Call 911 if there is immediate danger
Call 911 right away if:
- Someone has a weapon
- Someone has taken an overdose or is unresponsive
- There is immediate risk of harm to self or others
- There are severe medical symptoms (trouble breathing, chest pain, seizures)
Dial 988 for immediate emotional support
Dial 988 when:
- Someone is thinking about suicide but not in immediate danger
- You need to talk through a crisis with a trained counselor
- You’re worried about someone and don’t know what to do
- You need help figuring out next steps
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects you to a local crisis center. Counselors are available 24/7. The call is free and confidential.
When to call your local crisis line
In Southern West Virginia, you can also call (800) 615-0122 to reach Southern Highlands’ crisis line. This number connects you to counselors who know the area and can help with:
- Finding local mental health services
- Getting a crisis assessment
- Connecting to mobile crisis teams
- Figuring out if someone needs immediate help
If you’re not sure which number to call, start with 988. They can help you decide if 911 is needed.
What happens when you call 988 vs 911
Calling 988
When you dial 988, you’ll talk to a trained crisis counselor. They’ll listen, help you think through options, and connect you to local resources if needed. The goal is to help you feel safer and figure out what comes next.
You won’t be forced into anything. The call is voluntary. If you hang up, they may call back to check on you, but you’re not required to answer.
In some rural parts of West Virginia, cell service can be spotty. If 988 doesn’t connect, try calling the local crisis line at (800) 615-0122.
Calling 911
When you call 911, emergency responders (police, paramedics, or both) will come to the location. This is the right choice when someone’s life is in immediate danger.
Police officers in many areas have crisis intervention training, but their main job is to keep everyone safe. If someone is a danger to themselves or others, they may be taken to a hospital for evaluation.
What about the local crisis line?
Southern Highlands’ crisis line — (800) 615-0122 — is staffed by counselors who know the area. They can:
- Talk you through what’s happening
- Send a mobile crisis team to where you are
- Help you get a walk-in crisis assessment at the Princeton clinic
- Connect you to ongoing mental health services
This line is especially helpful if you’re trying to figure out whether someone needs crisis care or if regular therapy might be enough.
When it’s not an emergency but you still need help
Not every hard moment is a crisis. If you’re struggling but not in immediate danger, you can:
- Call to schedule an appointment during regular hours
- Walk in to the Princeton clinic for a crisis assessment
- Reach out to a therapist or counselor you already see
You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Reaching out early can prevent a crisis from happening.
A note about privacy in small towns
One concern people have in Southern West Virginia is privacy. “What if someone I know finds out?”
Crisis counselors are bound by confidentiality. They can’t share what you tell them unless you’re in immediate danger or someone else is being harmed. Even in small towns, your call is private.
If you’re worried about running into someone you know at a clinic, you can ask about telehealth options or appointments at different times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I call 988 and they send police anyway?
988 counselors only involve emergency services if there’s immediate danger. They’ll talk with you first and try to help without sending anyone. If they do need to call 911, they’ll tell you.
Can I call 988 for someone else?
Yes. You can call 988 if you’re worried about someone. The counselor can help you figure out what to do and whether the person needs immediate help.
Does calling 988 cost money?
No. The 988 Lifeline is free. Your local crisis line at (800) 615-0122 is also free.
What if I’m not sure it’s serious enough to call?
Call anyway. Crisis counselors would rather hear from you when things are manageable than wait until they’re not. There’s no “too small” reason to reach out.
Will calling 988 go on my record?
No. Calling 988 is confidential and doesn’t create a record that follows you. It won’t affect your job, insurance, or anything else.
If you feel like you might hurt yourself or someone else, call or text 988 or call 911 right away. If you need help but it’s not an emergency, you can reach Southern Highlands at (800) 615-0122 or visit their website to learn more about services in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties.