With text-based crisis services becoming more prominent (such as the nationwide 988 number that will launch in 2022), it is important to understand who uses these resources. This study examines the effectiveness of CTL, the largest text-based crisis service, as compared to other crisis hotlines.
Managing school, friendships and family life can be difficult for teenagers. This free, 24/7 support helps them through text messaging with a trained counselor.
What is the Crisis Text Line?
Crisis text lines are free, confidential, national resources that provide support through conversation with a trained specialist. The goal is to help people in crisis find the right local resources and work through their issues. They also offer empathy and space for reflection. People in crisis don’t have to answer any questions they don’t feel comfortable with and can end the conversation at any time.
A crisis can be anything from having suicidal thoughts to feeling overwhelmed by a relationship or family conflict. To reach a crisis counselor, simply text HOPELINE to 741741.
The Crisis Text Line was founded in 2020 after Nancy Lublin, CEO of the organization, received a heartbreaking text message from a teen struggling with abuse. The service was built on a vision of serving people in crisis from all walks of life and now has more than 4,000 volunteer Crisis Counselors.
What are the benefits of the Crisis Text Line?
In addition to addressing people’s immediate crises, Crisis Text Line volunteers gain valuable skills that can be applied to their daily lives. Many of the respondents reported that volunteering at the service had made them more interested in careers or educational paths that involve helping others.
Respondents also reported that the text format made crisis support more accessible for people who may have been uncomfortable with calling a hotline or speaking aloud. This includes individuals with social anxiety, who have difficulty communicating verbally, or who have privacy concerns.
Additionally, volunteers reported that their experiences with the service had helped them to develop a more empathic approach to supporting those in need. They often use their skills to help individuals navigate difficult situations by guiding them through options and prompting them to weigh pros and cons of solutions. This is particularly useful for individuals who are experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. In addition, they report that their empathy has increased their comfort in expressing their own emotions and feelings.
How can I contact the Crisis Text Line?
Text REACH to 741-741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Counselors are volunteers who receive training to support people during a crisis. They are available 24/7 to help people with any crisis situation.
Balancing school, friends and responsibilities at home can be tough for teens. Text GOT5 to 741741 (or Got5U to 741741 if you are a college student) to start a conversation with a trained Crisis Counselor who is there to listen.
The Steve Fund has also partnered with Crisis Text Line to promote the keyword STEVE to young people of color so they can reach out and talk to someone who understands what they’re going through. When you reach out, you’ll receive two automated responses letting you know you’re connected with a Counselor and inviting you to share at your own pace.
How can I get help from the Crisis Text Line?
Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 helpline where you can talk with a trained counselor over text or phone. Counselors are available to support you with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or other mental health issues.
You can start a conversation by texting CONNECT to 741741 from any phone in the United States. You will receive two automated responses: one telling you that you are being connected with a counselor and the other inviting you to share more at your own pace.
When you are in a crisis, it can be difficult to talk about what’s going on. But you can get help for a range of problems including family or housing crises, drug addiction, financial struggles and more. Just be sure to keep your messages safe and confidential. It’s important to remember that the counselors on the Crisis Text Line are volunteers, not medical professionals. The counselors can only offer guidance and emotional support.