Many people wait a long time before they call. They worry about what to say, who will answer, or whether their problem is "serious enough". Every reason to call is a good reason. You can call for yourself or for someone you are worried about.
1. You dial 9898
The call is free from any mobile or landline network in Liberia, and the line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are outside Liberia, the line takes calls from 7 AM to 6 PM as part of the Pan-African Mental Health Hotline.
2. A trained counsellor listens
A trained Liberian counsellor answers. You can talk in your own way and at your own pace. The counsellor will not judge you. They will ask a few questions to understand how you are feeling and whether you are safe right now.
3. You get support on the call
Depending on what you need, the counsellor may help you calm down, think through what is happening, make a safety plan, or understand more about what you are going through.
4. If you need more help, we connect you
If you need a hospital, a safe house, protection services, legal aid or ongoing counselling, the counsellor can make a warm referral. That means they help connect you directly, instead of just giving you a name. For people who cannot travel, our Mobile Clinic may be able to visit.
5. We follow up
Where it is helpful, the team checks in afterwards to make sure you reached the help you needed.
What about privacy?
What you share is kept confidential within the team. The only exceptions are when someone is at serious risk of harm, or a child is at risk of abuse. Even then, the counsellor will explain what they need to do and why, wherever it is safe to do so.