Stories in this Annual Report:

Be Seen

Be Heard

Be Well

*Sharing Stories Can Save Lives*

Vibrant Emotional Health
Annual Report 2022

Be

Seen

Heard

Well

*Sharing Stories Can Save Lives*

Vibrant Emotional Health
Annual Report 2022

Welcome Letter

This year was one of significant change, adaptation, and innovation for Vibrant Emotional Health. From addressing the alarming rates of anxiety and depression to the impacts of racism—and the rapid response needed for those impacted by the pandemic, the economy, mass violence and war—our staff locked arms and bolstered the infrastructure we knew was needed to ensure expanded access to care.

In this report, Vibrant amplifies the voices and stories of people and communities that have experienced emotional health crises, and through our services found a pathway to wellness. Whether accessing our variety of state-of-the-art programs designed to reach people where they are, or by way of bringing mental health skills and supports to the places where people live, work, and play—our services reached more than 4 million people this past year.


Most significantly, this year marked the historic and successful transition to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. As the administrator of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – and now, 988 – Vibrant has long championed the need to enhance the capacity and infrastructure for the Lifeline to reach more people in need. Since the transition, calls, text and chats to reach a trained counselor have increased by more than 30%. The implementation of 988 and strengthening the network of over 200 state and local crisis centers, represents a major step forward in transforming mental health crisis care in our country.

Throughout our history, we have been leaders in promoting emotional well-being for all people.  Thanks to partners and donors, like you, we will continue to be at the forefront of providing care so individuals have access to the support they need to be seen, be heard, and be well.

Kim Williams
President and CEO

Jennifer Ashley, PhD
Board Chair

How the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Became a New, Easy to Remember Three-Digit Access Code, 9-8-8
Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, worked in partnership with Vibrant to transition the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to a three-digital access code, 9-8-8.

Transforming Mental Health Crisis Care in America

The Lifeline, which is administered by Vibrant, has had a profound impact on the emotional wellbeing of people in emotional distress. But, let’s face it -- Lifeline’s number (1-800-273-8255) is long and hard-to-remember. When someone is feeling despondent or even suicidal, they need an easy-to-recall dialing code, akin to 911, to call. That’s why the implementation of 988 is such a game-changer. This 3-digit number will offer easy access to emotional health and suicidal crisis support. It’s really a once-in-a-generation opportunity for reimagining crisis response work.

Read Full Story and Watch the Video

Transforming Mental Health Crisis Care in America

The Lifeline, which is administered by Vibrant, has had a profound impact on the emotional wellbeing of people in emotional distress. But, let’s face it -- Lifeline’s number (1-800-273-8255) is long and hard-to-remember. When someone is feeling despondent or even suicidal, they need an easy-to-recall dialing code, akin to 911, to call. That’s why the implementation of 988 is such a game-changer. This 3-digit number will offer easy access to emotional health and suicidal crisis support. It’s really a once-in-a-generation opportunity for reimagining crisis response work.

Read Full Story

Delivering Peer Support to New Yorkers Anytime, Anywhere 

Through their own mental health journey, peer supporters model recovery, teach skills, and offer support, which is why Vibrant integrates peers throughout its programming.

Alleviating Emotional Suffering in the Wake of Disaster or Crises

Clinical psychotherapist Amrantha Kalra deployed with Vibrant’s Crisis Emotional Care Team to Virginia to assist Afghani women and children cope with the stress and anguish of leaving Afghanistan.

Providing Opportunities for Peers with Shared Experiences to Come Together for Emotional Well-Being

Whether through our direct service programs, helplines, or online support communities, Vibrant’s peers promote connection and offer hope to others through the sharing of their lived experience.

Helping Young People Realize Their Dreams

At an Adolescent Skills Center in Queens, Isabel found the support she needed to finish high school and launch her career.

Empowering Families on Their Healing Journey

At a Family and Youth Peer Support Program in the Bronx, Lael found the support she needed to feel confident in her role as a new parent.

Bringing Emotional Wellness to Frontline Workers

Through support provided by NY Community Trust, Vibrant has developed and distributed cutting-edge learning courses to support the emotional well-being of health care and social service sector frontline workers. 

Partnering with Global Companies to Bring Wellness to Communities 

Charged with leading Airbnb’s Trust & Safety Advisory Coalition, Anne Meree Craig works in partnership with Vibrant to develop emotional health policies that will help ensure the well-being of the Airbnb community.

Read Full Story

Out @ Vibrant, an affinity group initiated and collectively led by queer staff, offers spaces for LGBTQ2SIA+/allied Vibrant staff to connect, share resources, and celebrate queer identity and culture.

Read Full Story

Creating Community for Queer
and Allied Staff at Vibrant 

Our Supporters

The incredible support of people like you has helped us allow more people to be seen, be heard, and be well this year - thank you!

Read Full Story