Crisis Text Line is a text-based mental health and crisis support service. This research explores how the experience of volunteering at CTL shapes the lives of Crisis Counselors and their relationships with family, friends, and communities.
There is limited peer-reviewed research on large-scale conversations from users of text-message hotlines. This study utilizes latent class analysis to examine distinct classes of suicidal texters based on presenting psychosocial issues across frequency of usage and conversation subgroups.
Text STEVE to 741741
A trained Crisis Counselor will respond to your text, engage you in a conversation, listen to your concerns, and offer empathetic support. They will ask questions to help you think through your options and connect you with resources and local services if appropriate. Each conversation lasts about 15-45 minutes and is confidential, safe, and nonjudgmental.
Dedicated to supporting and centering the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color, the Steve Fund has created a special keyword, STEVE, that can be texted to 741741 to connect with a culturally-trained Crisis Counselor. This service is available 24/7.
Busy schedules, finances, and taking care of a family or job can add up to a lot of stress. It is normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Kids Help Phone is Canada’s free, 24/7, multilingual e-mental health service, and their trained volunteers are here to help when “fine” just isn’t. They will listen, empathize, and empower you to find the strength within yourself. Their service is also anonymous and free of charge. Their telephone number is 1-888-668-8444.
Text GOT5 to 741741
If someone is struggling, they can text GOT5 to 741741. Then they will be connected with a trained Crisis Counselor who will listen and offer empathetic support. They can talk about anything that’s weighing on them, from anxiety and money to relationships and suicide. The conversation is completely confidential. They can stay on the line for as long as they need to.
Teenagers are especially susceptible to the stress of balancing school, friendships and family responsibilities. They may be at risk for self-harm, depression or suicidal thoughts. The KHP volunteer Crisis Counselor can help them by listening and offering empathetic support. They can also connect them with additional resources and support. The average conversation lasts from 15-45 minutes.
Michigan is one of three states to partner with Crisis Text Line to provide this service, which has been available internationally for years. The service is free and anonymous, and the Crisis Counselor will never ask for a person’s name or ID. They can also choose whether to continue the conversation by texting “GOT5” or stop the conversation at any time.
Text HELP to 741741
Texting provides a safe and discreet way to talk with a trained Crisis Counselor when you’re having trouble. The service is free and anonymous, and it’s available 24/7. You can use this text line for any type of crisis, including thoughts or feelings of suicide, feeling overwhelmed or stressed, mental health concerns, or anything else that’s going on in your life.
When you text HELP, you’ll get two automated responses that let you know you’re being connected with a volunteer Crisis Counselor. They’ll listen and support you with empathy, care, and understanding. They’ll ask you questions, but you don’t have to share anything you don’t want to. Each conversation usually lasts 15-45 minutes. They’ll also try to connect you with additional help or resources, if needed.