A trained crisis counselor will respond to your text and help you de-escalate the situation. They can also connect you with local resources to support you.
Our study analyzed anonymized and de-identified CC reports and voluntary texter surveys from crisis conversations involving 10 or more messages over the course of a year. We also analyzed results by texter characteristics and perceived engagement with their CCs, critical elements of person-centered care.
It’s free
As the pandemic continues, many people may find themselves in a difficult place. Crisis Text Line is here to help in this time of need. It offers free, 24/7 crisis support by text message. It is staffed by trained volunteers who use active listening, collaborative problem-solving, and safety planning to support their texters.
You can also connect with Crisis Counselors on Facebook Messenger. This is an encrypted and anonymous way to communicate with a Crisis Counselor. However, you must be at least 18 years old to use this service.
Helplines (or hotlines) are a great resource for anyone struggling with mental health, experiencing a traumatic event, or just needing someone to talk to. They are available for free and are easy to access through text, phone, or online chat. And best of all, they are completely confidential. This means that you can discuss anything with them – even the most private thoughts or feelings. They are here to listen and will never judge you.
It’s anonymous
Texters can use the service to talk about anything, from suicidal thoughts and homelessness to relationships and work stress. A trained Crisis Counselor will respond to the text and help de-escalate the situation. They will also provide resources for support locally. They are available 24/7.
A typical conversation lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. Crisis counselors are trained to empathize with texters and encourage them to share at their own pace. They may ask questions, but they will never pry or try to solve the problem for them. They will also offer options and prompt the texter to weigh pros and cons.
Unlike traditional hotlines, the service is anonymous and free. It’s easy to use and accessible for everyone. You can start a conversation by sending “GOT5” or ’GOT5U’ (for college students) to 741741. The service is available around the world and is a great option for busy teen schedules. It’s a great resource to have in case of any emergency or difficult time.
It’s convenient
The biggest text-based crisis intervention service in the United States, Crisis Text Line provides compassionate, nonjudgmental, and empathetic mental health support that is free to anyone with a mobile phone. The organization’s trained counselors can respond to any painful emotion, from a suicide threat to a panic attack or a breakup. They also prioritize connecting texters to local resources and preventing suicide (Lenhart, 2018).
Volunteer counselors undergo 34 hours of online training before starting their work. They are monitored by full-time supervisors who have degrees in counseling, social work, or human services. They are taught to empathize with texters and avoid interrogating them. They instead ask questions about their situation and help them suss out options, weighing pros and cons.
If you know someone who is in a crisis, encourage them to reach out by texting GOT5 to 741741 or got5U to 741741 for college students. You can also share Crisis Text Line posts on your own social media accounts to help spread the word.
It’s confidential
Whether someone is having suicidal thoughts, has been bullied or simply needs help dealing with life’s stressors, Crisis Text Line is available 24/7. Its counselors can help people sort through anything, and the conversations are completely confidential.
The service also emphasizes that it does not geolocate anyone, a feature that is vital for people who need to talk with police or first responders. It’s important to note that the service does not provide medical advice or psychiatric services.
One of the most important aspects of the organization’s work is cultivating a community that volunteers can stay connected to over the long term. Katelyn Gillum, the Director of Community at Crisis Text Line, has found that this is best accomplished through a dedicated community space. This new platform has enabled her team to connect new recruits earlier in their training process, fostering a sense of belonging from the get-go. It has also helped them re-engage previous volunteers, ensuring their continued commitment to the cause.