The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is making a measurable difference for young people in crisis. A new JAMA study found that suicide deaths among teens and young adults ages 15 to 34 have dropped by 11 percent. That means about 4,300 fewer young people had died by the end of 2024.
Researchers also reported that states with the largest increases in hotline usage saw the biggest declines in deaths. These findings suggest that easy access to crisis support is crucial to reducing suicide risk.
The positive national trend does not erase the mental health crisis facing Black youth. Black adolescents had the highest increase in suicidality of all ethnic groups. From 2007 to 2020, the suicide rate rose 144 percent among youth ages 10 to 17. Although overall youth suicide rates are decreasing, Black youth suicide rates still need attention.
Mental healthcare professionals say access alone does not erase longstanding disparities in care, particularly for Black youth, who often face cultural and systemic barriers to care.
Philadelphia-based therapist Romell Parham, LCSW, says that therapists have seen how Black youth are less likely to receive mental health treatment despite experiencing increasing rates of depression, anxiety, trauma exposure, and suicide risk. Structural barriers such as cost, provider shortages, lack of culturally competent care, and distrust of medical systems can all contribute to lower treatment utilization.
Parham also noted that many Black adolescents’ first encounter with therapy is through disciplinary or institutional systems rather than through voluntary support.
“Oftentimes therapy is introduced from a system of social control,” he said. “Maybe a school system or legal system is recommending therapy or mental health counseling, which can lead to a bias about the purpose of therapy.”
That history can create skepticism about whether mental healthcare is truly supportive or simply punitive. Still, Parham said cultural attitudes are shifting.
“Despite some of these instances, there is a greater social push for mental health,” he said. “For the younger generation, it is less taboo and more socially acceptable, making the transition to mental health supports easier than they have been in the past.”
Experts say that point is critical. Black youth often report feeling isolated when discussing mental health concerns, particularly in environments where emotional struggles may be minimized or misunderstood. A resource like 988 can offer immediate connection during moments of crisis, even for teens who may not otherwise have access to therapy or supportive adults.
Parham said younger generations are more open about mental health, but stigma is still an issue in the Black community.
“As a Black clinician who provides mental health services across ethnic backgrounds, I see that adolescents are more receptive, but Black youth tend to be more on the fence,” he said.
According to Parham, many of those hesitations stem from messages passed down by older generations.
“Some reservations seem to stem from stigma endorsed by parents or elders,” he explained. “While the population itself is more receptive, there is still a concern around how parents and others would feel about seeking mental health support.”
He added that myths are pervasive and still shape how Black people see mental health support. “Some see therapists as fixing what is wrong with the individual,” Parham explained.
One of 988’s biggest strengths is its simplicity, similar to dialing 911. Switching from a 10-digit number and allowing texting makes a significant difference. The hotline has received more than 16 million contacts since launching, fueled by federal investments to expand staffing and crisis center capacity nationwide.
For many young people, 988 may provide an especially important entry point into care because it offers immediate, confidential support without requiring insurance, appointments, or transportation. Parham says he has already seen evidence that youth are aware of and actively using the resource.
“In my experience, I have heard youth reference this as a resource,” he said. “When my staff of therapists is creating safety plans with youth, many seem well-versed in its purpose, and some have expressed using it as an outlet — especially those without a trusted adult in their network.”
Researchers caution that 988 is not a complete solution. Continued investment in community-based mental healthcare, culturally responsive clinicians, school supports, and long-term treatment access will still be necessary to sustain progress and close racial disparities in mental health outcomes.
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