Crisis Text Line is the nation’s largest provider of crisis counseling via text messaging. It recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer Crisis Counselors (CC) remotely.
In a recent study, researchers analyzed data from Crisis Text Line to identify distinct classes of users. They explored these classes based on their psychosocial issues and compared them across frequency of conversations and types of distress.
What is Crisis Text Line?
Crisis Text Line is a nonprofit organization that provides free, anonymous crisis support through a text messaging service. It is run by trained volunteer Crisis Counselors. They use their training to guide people in their times of need, focusing on empathy and compassion. They are committed to helping people find the help they need in a way that works best for them.
They use data and technology to create rapid response mental health support that uses the dominant communication medium of today—text messaging. Their volunteers are drawn from underserved populations across the country.
Individuals can access the service by texting HOME to 741741, and are connected with a trained Crisis Counselor who will help them move from their hot moment to their cool place. The conversation will last as long as it needs to, and individuals can share anything they feel comfortable with.
What is the Mission of Crisis Text Line?
The mission of Crisis Text Line is to help people in distress through a texting conversation with trained volunteer Crisis Counselors. The nonprofit organization has engaged in millions of back-and-forth texts with individuals from all walks of life who need support and guidance.
Volunteers often don’t know what to expect when they begin their first shift, but by the end of their 200-hour commitment, they leave with a new perspective on mental health, and a range of useful tools to use in their professional lives.
One of Katelyn’s goals is to keep these dedicated volunteers engaged over the long term. With a unified community platform, volunteers will feel connected to the cause and each other throughout their service journey. The team chose Higher Logic Vanilla because of their customizable community features, robust moderation capabilities, and flexible integrations.
What is the Vision of Crisis Text Line?
Crisis Text Line believes in compassionate, nonjudgmental, and empathetic mental health support that’s free and accessible to everyone. They do this by leveraging the most dominant form of communication in today’s world—text messaging.
People in need of help can text 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor 24/7. Crisis counselors are trained to de-escalate situations, assess risks, and provide resources and referrals.
Katelyn’s role as Director of Community at Crisis Text Line is to create opportunities for volunteers to connect, share best practices, and grow both personally and professionally. Her work with Higher Logic Vanilla was instrumental in creating a community platform that provides a seamless experience from training through ongoing engagement. It also helps them keep new and past volunteers engaged over the long term.
What is the Goal of Crisis Text Line?
During the coronavirus pandemic, Crisis Text Line is here to support individuals and their loved ones during this difficult time. Individuals can receive free, 24/7 emotional support by texting HOME to 741741 to connect with a live, trained Crisis Counselor.
Crisis counselors use active listening, safety planning, and empathy to help individuals in their moment of need. Our volunteer Crisis Counselors are matched with a Supervisor and Success Coach who are available to answer any questions, debrief, and provide support.
We surveyed former and current volunteers to learn more about how volunteering at Crisis Text Line has impacted their lives, relationships, and communities. We found that volunteers gain new perspective on their mental health and learn new coping skills, like mindfulness. They are also able to share their experience with others.
What is the Value of Crisis Text Line?
The nonprofit vets, trains and coaches volunteers scattered across the country to provide high-quality counseling over a digital platform. It’s an innovative approach to a pressing problem.
Many people struggle to access professional mental health services. They may be unable to afford them or find it difficult to schedule appointments. A crisis text line can be a lifeline for these individuals.
Using a service like this could be especially helpful for young people of color who often feel alone and disconnected. The Steve Fund has created the keyword STEVE that students can text to connect with trained crisis counselors.
Volunteers report notable interpersonal benefits from their experiences at Crisis Text Line. They include a sense of accomplishment, more emotional maturity and resilience to deal with their own mental health challenges, and more positive relationships in their communities outside of Crisis Text Line.