The free, anonymous service allows people to text with trained Crisis Counselors and create a conversation without the risk of being seen or heard. The service is accessible 24/7.
Unlike other volunteer opportunities, Crisis Text Line volunteers can choose when they want to work and have flexible scheduling. They can even volunteer from home, which cuts down on travel expenses.
What is the Crisis Text Line?
Crisis Text Line is a non-profit that offers 24/7 support via text to people in crisis. Volunteer Crisis Counselors receive a 30-hour online training in reflective listening, risk assessment, collaborative problem solving, and action planning before they begin answering texts from individuals in distress. Their conversations are monitored by a full-time, salaried clinical staff.
People of all ages can reach out to Crisis Text Line by texting “4hope” to 741-741. The service is free, and conversations are private and anonymous.
During a conversation, Crisis Counselors empathize and listen to the individual’s feelings while also helping them sort through their options. Depending on the situation, they may recommend that an individual contact emergency services or create a safety plan. In less than 1% of situations, a CC will engage in active rescue (i.e., alerting emergency services) to prevent a person from harming themselves or others.
How does it work?
Crisis Text Line serves people across the United States by providing free, 24/7 text-based mental health and crisis intervention in English and Spanish. Anyone can connect by texting BRAVE to 741741 or to 443-SUPPORT in WhatsApp. Facebook users can also message the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline directly on their Facebook page.
During their conversations, Crisis Counselors (CCs) identify thoughts of suicide in 23% of the discussions they have with participants and help them to create a safety plan. CCs also work with the texter to de-escalate their situation and refer them to available resources in their community. CTL engages in an active rescue in less than 1% of crises.
We analyzed anonymized CC reports and survey responses for all crisis conversations except those requiring an active rescue. We found that texters in crisis were highly distressed: nearly 80% had symptom levels and/or frequency above our cutoffs for depression and anxiety, and 23% of the conversations discussed suicide.
What are the benefits?
Crisis Text Line volunteers experience a number of benefits, including the opportunity to help others in their communities. They also report feeling more connected to other people in their community and experiencing a higher quality of personal relationships. Volunteers also report growth in their desire and willingness to become agents of change in their broader communities, citing increased interest in advocating for public policy changes and engaging in nonprofit service.
Volunteers receive comprehensive training on how to engage in back-and-forth texting conversations with users and how to de-escalate situations when needed. Additionally, they are provided with the tools to support individuals with a variety of issues including suicidal thoughts, depression, family problems, financial challenges and more.
To volunteer, visit the platform and sign up for shifts that fit your schedule. Typically, each shift lasts 2 hours. To protect your own mental health, it is recommended to work no more than 2 shifts per week. Consent to a background check is required before you can start volunteering.
How can I get involved?
The service is free for anyone in the United States who is experiencing mental health issues or a crisis. You can text HOME to 741741, which connects you with a trained specialist. Crisis counselors use active listening, collaborative problem-solving and safety planning to help people.
You can support the nonprofit by donating money or volunteering. To volunteer, go to the website and click on “volunteer.” You’ll need a computer with an internet connection, and you can sign up for shifts at times that work best with your schedule.
As a remote volunteer, you’ll have access to training materials and a supportive community. You can also earn volunteer hours and build your resume while helping someone in a difficult time. It’s a rewarding experience, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself in the process. Plus, it’s super fun! The organization is always looking for volunteers. Interested? Click here to get started. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully!