Native and Strong Lifeline gives Indigenous Washington residents a way to talk with a Native counselor when they feel overwhelmed, are struggling emotionally or are worried about someone they care about.
The support is free and available around the clock, every day of the year. Counselors can listen, help you work through the moment and connect you with further resources.
How to reach Native and Strong
The Washington Department of Health’s current instructions give three ways to connect with a Native counselor:
- Call 988 and press 4 for Native and Strong.
- Text N8V to 988.
- Open the 988 online chat and select “All Native American/Indigenous people in Washington state” in the pre-chat survey.
Those choices matter: they identify the Native and Strong service within the wider 988 network. General 988 support is also available to anyone experiencing emotional distress.
Who can use it?
According to Volunteers of America Western Washington, which operates the Lifeline, the service welcomes all Indigenous people living in Washington. That includes American Indian, Alaska Native and First Nations people, enrolled Tribal members and unenrolled descendants. Your Tribal homeland does not have to be in Washington.
The state’s Native and Strong youth guidance also encourages young people to seek support. The service can be an option for Indigenous residents in Tulalip, Stillaguamish and Sauk-Suiattle communities, as well as Native people living elsewhere in Snohomish and Island counties.
What can you talk about?
You can seek help for emotional distress, mental health concerns, substance use worries or thoughts of suicide. A friend or relative can also contact the service for guidance about someone they are worried about.
The program’s practical guide describes a conversation with a trained Native counselor who listens and helps you consider next steps. That may include working on a safety plan or finding further support. If starting feels difficult, you could simply say, “I’m having a hard time and could use someone to listen.”
Native and Strong works alongside existing Tribal crisis lines. You can continue using your Tribe’s own services or choose this statewide option.
What does confidential support mean?
You do not have to provide personal information to receive 988 support. Confidentiality has limits, however. The Lifeline’s confidentiality statement explains that information may be documented, and calls may be monitored or recorded. Information can be shared in circumstances involving safety, legal requirements or consented referrals. You can ask a counselor to explain privacy before sharing details.
Contacting 988 does not automatically send police or emergency medical responders. DOH says emergency services may become involved when there is an immediate risk to someone’s life that cannot be reduced during the conversation. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Finding help beyond the conversation
The separate Native Resource Hub helps people navigate services and find resources for needs such as housing, food, utilities, transportation, cultural connection and behavioral health care. Its staff works during normal business hours. For urgent crisis support, use the Lifeline; a contact form is for nonurgent inquiries.
The same operator page has a Tribal Profiles directory with Tulalip, Stillaguamish and Sauk-Suiattle listings. It can be a starting point for finding community services. Ask the individual provider about eligibility and availability; a referral does not guarantee a placement or financial assistance.
Service information checked Nov. 11, 2026.
