HARRISBURG, PA — Nearly 28,000 Pennsylvanians have been referred to substance use treatment through a state helpline since Governor Josh Shapiro took office, as officials move to expand round-the-clock behavioral health services statewide.
What This Means for You
- Free, 24/7 help is available for substance use (1-800-662-HELP) and mental health crises (988)
- The state is investing millions to expand crisis response services
- More residents are being connected to treatment, support groups, and local resources
The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs said its Get Help Now helpline has made more than 6,200 referrals in 2025 alone, connecting callers to residential treatment, withdrawal management, and community-based services.
The helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering confidential support and assistance with locating and paying for treatment.
“GHN is a trusted, 100 percent confidential resource for those with substance use needs,” DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones said.
Growing Demand For Crisis Services
State officials also reported increased use of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which connects individuals in mental or behavioral health crises with trained responders.
In 2025, Pennsylvania’s 988 call centers handled 129,459 calls, with 93 percent resolved without additional emergency intervention.
The service is supported by 14 call centers across the state and is available by call or text at 988.
“When someone is in the midst of a mental health crisis, having a trained responder who will listen and connect them to appropriate resources is a critical first step,” Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said.
Integrated Crisis Response System
Officials described Get Help Now and 988 as part of a coordinated system designed to connect residents with immediate care.
Over the past two years, more than 325 callers were transferred from 988 to the substance use helpline for specialized support, with more than 55 percent accepting referrals for treatment.
The system is structured around three components: someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go for care.
Budget Investments And Expansion
The proposed 2026–27 state budget includes $10 million in new funding for 988 services, marking the first dedicated state investment in the program.
An additional $250,000 is proposed for PA 211, which helps residents access emergency and social services.
Officials said the funding is intended to expand access, support frontline providers, and maintain 24/7 staffing across crisis response programs.
Accessing Services
In addition to phone support, residents can access the Get Help Now helpline through live chat at https://www.firstchoiceservices.org/pachat or by texting 717-216-0905.
An online tool, Treatment Atlas, is also available to help users find substance use disorder treatment options.
Chat services for 988 are available at https://988lifeline.org.
More information is available at https://www.pa.gov by searching “Get Help Now” or “988.”
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