The Crisis Text Line is an anonymous, free, 24/7 support service for people in crisis. Crisis Text Line counselors practice active listening and respond to text messages from a secure online platform. They work with people to help them move from a hot moment to a cool calm. You can text “HOME” to 741741 to get help. Your cell service provider may charge you for text messaging, so check with them first. Regardless of your cell service provider, you can text “Crisis Text Line” to get support.
When you first use Crisis Text Line, you will receive an automated reply text message with a link to the company’s Privacy Policy. After you have read the Privacy Policy, you must accept it before you can use the service. To avoid spam and other unwanted messages, sign up for the service and save your information. You can also access Crisis Text Line online from your mobile device. The Crisis Text Line team will contact you with the next steps. If you’re in immediate danger, contact 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
Using the Crisis Text Line is easy and confidential. Unlike other help lines, you can text it to someone in crisis to get help. Whether it’s a loved one, a friend, or even a complete stranger, you can contact someone immediately. The number is open twenty-four hours a day. You can text a friend or family member to let them know that you’re there to support them. You can even text the Crisis Text Line to tell someone you’re thinking about a crisis.
Another great resource is Kids Help Phone, which is a crisis line for youth in Canada. This free service is available 24 hours a day, and has a chat service and text service. There’s also an Always There app that connects you to a trained counselor via text. Alternatively, teens can text a crisis counselor at Need2Text. Once you’ve texted the number, you’ll be connected to a masters-level counselor.
To operate effectively, a Crisis Text Line must be able to handle high volumes of text messages and triage them appropriately. They needed a messaging platform that could handle high messaging volumes, support the organization’s mission, and scale to grow with the service. Because of the large volume of text messages, their responses time is measured in minutes, not days. Crisis Text Line typically responds within five minutes, averaging 1.4 minutes per message.
Since its launch in 2013, Crisis Text Line has received more than 100 million texts from people in crisis. In the same time, it has become a top contender for the Nokia Health Award. The goal is to reach tens of millions of young people struggling with mental health issues. And while that’s a tall order, it will make a difference to thousands of people. This innovative solution to a common problem will help many thousands of people and give them hope.
As a national resource, the Crisis Text Line is a wonderful way to connect with trained counselors when you’re facing a crisis. Both are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. However, it’s important to note that this service should not replace your regular mental health services. If you are worried about self-harm or have experienced a recent depressive episode, reach out to the Crisis Text Line. It may be the best thing for you.
The crisis text line’s success is due to its innovative approach. By integrating the technology of Twilio Programmable SMS into their platform, the Crisis Text Line can better understand the nature of each crisis, which can be a big barrier to receiving help. A phone call from a crisis text line may be all it takes to reassure a loved one and make the situation easier. And, as a parent, it can even encourage your youngster to seek professional help in a time of need.
Another program for LGBTQ youth, the Trevor Project, provides text and chat services. The Trevor Project recently extended its texting hours from three to ten p.m. ET to provide more support. They have counselors available to chat with people in crisis. A text message to the Trevor Project’s website is usually delivered within seconds. And, if it’s important to you, the service is available round the clock, including weekends and holidays.