Crisis Text Line is the nation’s leading, free, 24/7 text-based mental health and crisis intervention service. It is staffed entirely by volunteers trained as Crisis Counselors.
Staffers Teen Vogue spoke with said Lublin and DoSomething both didn’t have a human resources department for much of her time as CEO. That seems to have changed, at least somewhat.
Free & Confidential
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor who will help you move from your hot moment to a cooler, more calm place. Crisis counselors are volunteers, trained to use active listening, collaborative problem-solving and safety planning to support you in a safe and caring way. The service is free, though standard messaging fees may apply depending on your phone carrier and plan.
The service is completely anonymous, and you can text about anything at all – from suicidal thoughts to job stress. You will be asked how you’re feeling and your counselor will listen empathetically. They will help you create a safety plan and link you to services in your community. They will not alert emergency services unless you are in immediate danger and haven’t already called 911.
If you’re worried about a friend, you can also text to ask for advice on how to best support them through their struggles. They will not judge you for how you’re feeling or discredit your concerns.
24/7
Whether you need help with a mental health issue, are struggling to maintain your family’s finances, or have experienced a traumatic event, you may benefit from calling or texting a helpline. These resources (also known as hotlines) provide immediate crisis counseling, emotional support, and information – free of charge.
You can reach a counselor 24 hours a day by phone, text or online chat. A trained, caring volunteer is on the other end to listen and connect you with local resources. This service is provided by 988, a toll-free resource that operates across the country.
Text “REACH” to 741-741 to be connected with a Crisis Counselor in Ohio or text the keyword 4hope to 741741. Both services are accessible through mobile devices and do not require any data usage, though standard messaging rates apply depending on your carrier. These resources are also available for those supporting someone else in need, like friends or loved ones who are struggling.
Text STEVE to 741741
Following high-profile deaths, social media flooded with numbers people could text to talk to a specialist. The service is available in the United States and provides emotional support via texting with a trained specialist. Individuals can access the helpline by texting “HOME” to 741741.
A trained counselor will receive the text and respond, offering support, de-escalating the situation and connecting the texter to local resources. The conversation typically lasts between 15 and 45 minutes. Counselors are volunteers who undergo background checks, 30 hours of online training and are overseen by clinically trained supervisors.
The service is free for AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint customers. However, standard messaging rates apply for other carriers. Texters can talk about anything, whether it’s a mental health crisis, a family or relationship issue, job stress or suicidal thoughts. The goal is to get the person out of their hot moment and into a cool calm, with a plan for the next step.
Text GOT5 to 741741
Texters don’t have to share anything they don’t want to, and a conversation can last as long as someone needs it. People in crisis can get help with housing, food, jobs, relationships and much more.
While the vast majority of conversations that take place on the platform are around suicide prevention, the nonprofit also helps people navigating a variety of other challenges, from abuse to depression and feelings of hopelessness. It’s an incredible, empowering and uplifting mission that brings in 20,000 volunteers each year to do a phenomenal job.
To make sure these selfless volunteers can continue to support their community, the organization partnered with Okta to enable single-sign on for all the apps they use. With Okta Authentication and Okta Lifecycle Management, Crisis Text Line can easily add and remove applications for employees and volunteers, while maintaining secure access control. This allows them to continue to be a trusted and reliable resource for people in crisis.