With the US launching a national three-digit crisis hotline number (988), texting is poised to play a major role in suicide prevention and other forms of crisis intervention. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Crisis Text Line, the largest crisis counseling service in the country.
We also aim to identify if the impact of conversations differs by texter characteristics and perceptions of their CCs’ genuine concern.
What is the Crisis Text Line?
During a conversation with Crisis Text Line, a trained volunteer will listen and offer empathetic support without judgement. They’ll ask questions and work with you to find help locally. They’ll also help you to create a safety plan. They’ll only call 911 in 1% of conversations.
In addition to providing a safe place to talk about any problems, Crisis Text Line volunteers gain valuable skills and experience that they can take into their careers, relationships, and communities. They often say that their time at CTL has taught them how to better care for themselves and that they’ve become able to better understand and support others.
To learn more about what it’s like to be a volunteer Crisis Counselor, this study surveyed 3,438 past and present volunteers. The authors used data from anonymous CC reports and voluntary texter surveys collected by CTL from all conversations except those requiring an active rescue (involvement of emergency services). The researchers analyzed the impact that volunteering at Crisis Text Line has had on their own mental health and well-being as well as how it has impacted their professional lives, their families, and their communities.
How can I use the Crisis Text Line?
People can text 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor for free. The trained volunteers are here to listen, talk and support you with empathy and understanding. Each conversation usually lasts about 15-45 minutes. Young people of color can also use the keyword STEVE to get connected with a specially trained Crisis Counselor thanks to The Steve Fund. Make sure to save the number 741741 in your phone so that it’s easily accessible. The service is available 24/7.
What are the benefits of using the Crisis Text Line?
Our research reveals that Crisis Text Line has a substantial impact on the lives of its callers, including significant reductions in suicidal thoughts at the end of a crisis conversation. Nearly half of those at risk report feeling less depressed, overwhelmed, or suicidal as a result of their conversations. This level of improvement is comparable to the range of improvements seen in psychotherapy.
The research team examined anonymous and de-identified CC reports and voluntary texter surveys from all Crisis Text Line conversations with 10 or more messages initiated by texters during a one-year period (October 12, 2017-October 11, 2022). The study also explored the relationship between texters’ personal characteristics, number of CTL conversations over a 12-month period, and perceptions of their CCs’ genuine concern.
The Steve Fund has partnered with Crisis Text Line to offer youth of color the ability to text for support using STEVE, a dedicated keyword that connects them with trained Crisis Counselors. Young people can text STEVE to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
How can I get involved with the Crisis Text Line?
Becoming a Crisis Text Line volunteer is a great way to help people in need and make a difference in the lives of others. To get involved, visit the Crisis Text Line website and click on the “volunteer” button. You will then be prompted to fill out an application and complete training.
After you have completed your training, you can begin working as a Crisis Counselor. You can sign up for shifts on the Crisis Text Line platform and select the times that work best with your schedule. Typically, volunteers work 2 2-hour shifts per week. However, it is important to remember that you should never be working more than 12 hours a week as this can be overwhelming for volunteers.
You can also volunteer in both English and Spanish to help make mental health assistance more accessible to all Americans. If you are fluent in both languages, this is an excellent opportunity to use your skills and provide vital support to the community.