The introduction of the 988 Lifeline marks a monumental leap forward in the evolution of treatment for those experiencing thoughts of suicide, substance use disorder, mental health crises, and emotional distress. As the President and CEO of Thrive Behavioral Health, an organization rooted in the principles of respect and dignity, I am excited to shed light on the transformative benefits this lifeline brings to individuals and communities in need.

At Thrive, our commitment to treating every person with dignity and respect resonates deeply with the ethos of the 988 Lifeline. Since 1976, Rhode Islanders have turned to Thrive Behavioral Health as their partner in health, seeking comprehensive, evidence-based services for mental illness, substance use, and trauma. Our focus is on recovery, on empowering individuals to build resilience and forge a path towards healthy, happy, and productive futures.

Our commitment to quality is echoed in the certification and accreditation we hold. As a founding member of Horizon Healthcare Partners, and one of the first nationally Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Rhode Island, we uphold the highest standards in care. Similarly, the extensively trained crisis counselors who operate the 988 Lifeline in Rhode Island ensure individuals in distress and their loved ones receive support from professionals who are equipped with the skills and empathy needed to guide them on the path to healing.

Thrive Behavioral Health also runs the Eleanor Briggs School, which provides a therapeutic environment for children with behavioral and emotional difficulties. Located in Warwick against the picturesque Greenwich Bay, the school offers an effective alternative to residential placement. With the advent of the 988 Lifeline, parents, caregivers, and children across Rhode Island have 24/7 access to free and confidential support for moments of emotional difficulty.

At Thrive, we understand that seeking help is an act of courage, and the lifeline's availability ensures that help is within reach whenever that moment of readiness arises. We know that change is possible, and our staff works tirelessly to empower individuals to overcome challenges and create lasting transformations in their lives. The 988 Lifeline symbolizes our nation’s greatest effort to date to create a world where seeking help is met with compassion and where support is accessible to all.

This 988 Lifeline is not just a number—it's a lifeline of empathy, understanding, and support, embodying the essence of what it means to promote well-being and recovery. The dedicated staff at Thrive Behavioral Health look forward to partnering with the trained crisis counselors who operate the Lifeline in Rhode Island to illuminate paths to healing and recovery and ensure that no one walks alone on their journey to well-being.

Daniel Kubas-Meyer is the President and CEO of Thrive Behavioral Health, an organization headquartered in Warwick with locations across Kent County, Providence, and the East Bay