A national, free service for people in crisis. Staffed by trained volunteers, Crisis Lines are available for people struggling with suicidal thoughts or other mental health crises.
People who use Crisis Text Line (CTL) may not be aware that their anonymized data is shared with researchers for research purposes. This is unfortunate because research in this journal suggests that people are more likely to trust nonprofit organizations with their data than commercial companies.
What is Crisis Text Line?
When a texter initiates a conversation with Crisis Text Line, they connect with a trained volunteer Crisis Counselor (CC). They use empathetic listening techniques to bring the texter from a “hot moment” to a “cool calm” and help them make a plan to stay safe. They also offer suggested referrals for further support and care.
This study uses data from anonymized and de-identified CC reports as well as voluntary texter surveys gathered from conversations initiated by more than 10 texters over a one-year period. The study provides the first estimate of the effectiveness of CTL, the largest provider of text-based mental health and crisis support in the United States. It also allows us to assess the relationship between texters’ perceptions of the CCs’ effectiveness and personal characteristics, the number of CTL conversations they have had over time, and their perceived engagement with their CCs, crucial elements of person-centered care.
Crisis Text Line is a national nonprofit, accredited by the International Council of Helplines (ICH). Its training program serves MSW students, who complete their practicum hours through the service as part of their degree requirement.
Text 741741 for free support.
Busy schedules, juggling work and school responsibilities, and taking care of children or a family can take a toll on adults. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk with, text 741741. A trained Crisis Counselor will respond and have a conversation with you to offer support, empathy and resources. The Steve Fund has created a special keyword, STEVE, for young people of color to connect them with crisis counseling specifically for their community.
Text GO5 to receive a five-minute conversation with a trained Crisis Counselor.
Students and families who may need to talk about what’s weighing on them can text GO5 to be connected with a trained Crisis Counselor. The counselor will introduce themselves and invite the student or family member to share more information about what’s going on — at their own pace. The goal is to get the person to a calm, safe place. Sometimes this means connecting them with resources and other times it just means listening. The conversation is completely confidential.
If the caller says they’re in imminent danger of harming themselves or someone else, the counselor will ask for their location. They will then contact local police who will complete an active rescue.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also provides a free, 24/7 hotline to connect people with resources and help them find local support in their community. It’s available by phone, online chat or through the app. It’s also a good resource for youth who are struggling with mental health, substance abuse or suicide-related issues.