Texters receive free, 24/7 support with trained Crisis Counselors who help them get through a rough patch. They can also get help for family and friends who are dealing with mental health symptoms.
Former employees of both DoSomething and Crisis Text Line shared experiences ranging from microaggressions to discrimination, favoritism, and overwork.
What is Crisis Text Line?
Crisis Text Line is the nation’s largest text-based crisis support service. People in need of help can text HOME to 741741 or download the app for free to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor to receive emotional support, de-escalation techniques, and safety plans. Crisis Text Line uses data science and innovative technology to provide rapid response crisis counseling using the dominant communication platform of our time, text messaging. Their volunteers use active listening and compassionate care to help individuals navigate their moments of crisis and move from hot moments to cool and calm.
KidsMatter supports Crisis Text Line through our Prevention Leadership Team and with funds from the DuPage Foundation. We have surveyed their volunteers to understand how volunteering at Crisis Text Line impacts them, their families, and their communities.
We are also proud to partner with the Steve Fund, which encourages young people of color to text STEVE to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor who can provide support and help them feel safe.
How do I use Crisis Text Line?
Crisis Text Line is free and available 24/7, offering support for a range of issues including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and thoughts of suicide. Their trained Crisis Counselors work with texters to help them de-escalate their situation and create a safety plan. They also connect texters to local resources. They only engage emergency services in less than 1% of crises. They use the same protocols as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, but over Facebook Messenger, so their conversations are private and confidential.
To receive help from Crisis Text Line, text BRAVE to 741741, and you’ll get a response within minutes from a trained Crisis Counselor. They will listen without judgment and provide support, resources, and information to help you take control of your situation. Their service is free, confidential, and anonymous. The service reaches people from underserved demographics including rural and low-income communities. They are the largest provider of text-based crisis intervention in the United States.
What are the benefits of using Crisis Text Line?
Crisis text lines serve individuals struggling with a wide variety of issues including relationships, depression/sadness, self harm, suicide, isolation/loneliness, abuse (emotional), bullying, eating/body image, and grief. The service also connects people with local resources for follow-up care.
In addition to supporting individuals in their time of need, Crisis Text Line has a significant impact on its volunteers. Surveys show that volunteers who complete the training experience report greater resilience in dealing with their own mental health challenges, improved quality of their personal relationships, and a desire to be agents of change in their communities beyond the digital mental health platform.
In order to best serve their clients, Crisis Text Line focuses on a model that leverages data science and the dominant communication medium of the day—text messaging. Additionally, they use trained Crisis Counselors who are able to respond to the needs of those in distress quickly, 24/7/365. Using a combination of compassion, empathy, and skills learned in training, Crisis Counselors are able to help people navigate their current mental health or behavioral crises.
How do I get help from Crisis Text Line?
Free, anonymous support is at your fingertips 24/7. Text “GOT5” to 741741 to get connected with a Crisis Counselor who is trained to listen and support you. The conversation can last as long as you need it. You can share anything that’s weighing on you, including thoughts and feelings about being alone.
Crisis Text Line is a nonprofit that uses data and the dominant communication medium of today—text messaging—to create rapid-response crisis counseling. Their team of trained Crisis Counselors help people move from hot moments to cool, calm places.
Depression is a complex and common mental health issue that can impact anyone. It can feel like a dark cloud following you, and it can make everyday tasks seem overwhelming. Crisis Text Line helps individuals who are struggling with depression find the resources and support they need. To learn more about their work, visit the Depression page on their website. You can also help by sharing this resource with those who might need it.