How to Use the Crisis Text Line

Whether you’re worried about your friend’s mental health or you’re dealing with your own problems, Crisis Text Line can help. It’s free and confidential.

Research using CTL’s anonymized data has informed knowledge about texters’ presenting psychosocial issues and help-seeking behavior (Szlyk et al., 2020). However, little is known about users’ experiences with the service itself.

What is the Crisis Text Line?

The Crisis Text Line is a free, confidential, and volunteer-based text message support service. It is available around the clock in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. To start a conversation, text HOME to 741741. Crisis counselors can be reached about any issue — whether it’s suicidal thoughts, a scary situation, or even just the stresses of everyday life.

When someone texts BRAVE to 741741, they’ll get a response from a trained crisis counselor within minutes. The counselor will help them de-escalate the situation and connect them to local resources if necessary.

To understand the impact of this program, researchers analyzed anonymized and de-identified CC reports and voluntary texter surveys from Crisis Text Line (CTL), the largest provider of text-based crisis interventions in the US. The results show that, for texters who are at risk for suicide, a crisis chat on CTL can be associated with significant reductions in suicidal ideation after the conversation is completed.

It’s free

You can connect with a crisis counselor by texting 988 to your mobile phone. This free service provides 24/7 emotional support to people in need. The conversations are anonymous and confidential. It can be helpful for those living in poverty or experiencing any type of crisis. The counselors are also available for disaster survivors.

Unlike other counseling services, you can text about anything to your counselor. Whether you’re dealing with suicidal thoughts, relationship issues, or something else, the counselor will listen to you. It doesn’t matter if you’re not ready to talk right away. The counselor will stay on the line as long as you need.

However, the service is not intended to replace professional health care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. Similarly, if your crisis is ongoing or chronic, contact a mental health provider. If you aren’t sure where to find help, try using the online resource Find A Helpline.

It’s confidential

If you text HEAL to 741741, you’ll be connected with a trained Crisis Counselor in less than five minutes. The conversation is monitored in real-time by clinically trained supervisors, who can intervene if the texter seems to be at risk of harming themselves or others.

Volunteers are encouraged to empathize with the people they speak with and to encourage them to explore their own resources. They’re also urged not to pry too deeply, and not to give medical advice. However, a counselor may ask questions if the person appears to be in danger.

Crisis Text Line is free, available 24 hours a day, and can be reached in all 50 states. It’s easy to use, and confidential. You can find out more information on their website. You can also get help through a state mental health hotline. You can also find out more about the service on Facebook. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is another option.

It’s available 24 hours a day

When you text 988, you’re connected to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Crisis counselors are trained to listen empathetically and provide emotional support through text messages. They’re also able to help you connect to local resources and services.

When you’re in a mental health crisis, you don’t have time to wait around for an appointment. That’s why the Crisis Text Line is available at all times. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.

After you complete your training, you can volunteer on the platform. Shifts are typically 2-hour blocks, so you can sign up for shifts that work for your schedule. Make sure to avoid working too many shifts in a row, as you might become overwhelmed. Also, don’t volunteer for more than 12 hours per week. This is for your safety and the caller’s. You also need to consent to a background check. This helps to ensure that you don’t have a history that would disqualify you from being a volunteer.