Deyanira Caceres serves as the Spanish Bilingual Program Coordinator for the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center. Didi Hirsch operates 988 in LA County, an important entry point within the ACR care continuum. We interviewed Deyanira to learn more about her work with 988.

What led you to start working in crisis response, and how has your journey evolved since then?

My interest in crisis response began during my master’s program at Cal Lutheran University, where I recognized the importance of suicide prevention in providing effective mental health care. This led me to volunteer at the Suicide Prevention Center at Didi Hirsch, where my passion for crisis work quickly grew. I progressed from Bilingual Crisis Counselor to Shift Supervisor, and currently serve as a Bilingual Program Coordinator. Over time, my role has evolved from directly supporting help-seekers to guiding and supporting the counselors and supervisors who serve them.

How has your bilingual background influenced how you engage with callers and colleagues?

My bilingual background has deepened my awareness of the unique challenges faced by minoritized communities. It enables me to connect with callers and colleagues not only linguistically, but also with cultural sensitivity and empathy. This perspective allows me to foster more inclusive and effective communication.

What was it like working the 988 lines during your time as a counselor?

Working the 988 lines was a truly transformative experience. It challenged me in profound ways, helping me grow both personally and professionally. While the work was often intense and emotionally demanding, it was equally rewarding to be able to support individuals in crisis and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

How do you help create a supportive environment for counselors managing difficult calls?

I support counselors by actively promoting self-care and maintaining an open-door policy. I encourage staff to reach out to process difficult calls and regularly offer one-on-one check-ins as a safe space for reflection and support. These conversations often draw on the same empathetic listening and grounding techniques we use with callers, creating a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of our team.

Why is bilingual capacity and cultural responsiveness so essential in crisis response—especially here in L.A. County?

Bilingual capacity and cultural responsiveness are essential in crisis response, particularly in L.A. County, where we serve individuals from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Many individuals in minoritized communities face systemic barriers to care and may feel more vulnerable during a crisis. Being able to communicate in someone’s preferred language and understand their cultural context helps build trust, reduces stigma, and ensures that support is both accessible and truly effective. In many cases, simply feeling seen and heard in one’s own language can be a powerful step toward healing.

How does 988 fit into the bigger picture of mental health crisis response in LA County?

The 988 crisis line plays a critical role in increasing access to mental health crisis support throughout L.A. County, especially as an alternative to 911. It raises awareness about the importance of mental health and provides an immediate, accessible resource for individuals experiencing a crisis, without having to involve law enforcement or requiring a medical response. Over 98% of all our 988 contacts do not need in-person crisis support by the end of their connection with us, and for those that do, we are able to initiate the response they need. By offering a safe and nonjudgmental space to be heard, 988 helps de-escalate difficult situations, prevent further harm, and connect callers to ongoing care. It serves as a vital reminder that no one has to face their challenges alone—compassionate support is always available.

What keeps you motivated to do this work, even when it’s emotionally heavy or complex?

What keeps me going, even when the work feels heavy, is knowing that we’re providing hope and support to someone in their darkest hour. Being able to hold space for someone when they feel most alone—and making even a small difference in their life—fuels my passion and reminds me why this work matters so deeply.

If you could change one thing about the public’s understanding of 988, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about the public’s understanding of 988, it would be to emphasize that we genuinely want to be here for them. We’re ready to listen and support anyone who reaches out. 988 is a safe, welcoming space where people can talk openly with someone who truly cares and wants to help.

As the ACR newsletter typically highlights program updates and service-focused content, we also recognize the importance of acknowledging the very real, very human experience behind the work we do. With so much happening in the world and in our individual lives—often all at once—taking a moment to pause, reset, and care for our own mental well-being is not just beneficial, it’s necessary.

This month, we’re introducing a short reflection piece titled “Woosah Corner”— a gentle reminder that even in the middle of a busy day, a breath can be a powerful tool. While our work is centered on caring for others, this is your invitation to take a moment to care for yourself.