Text or call and get connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. It’s free and confidential nationwide.
We examined the effectiveness of CTL, the largest text-based crisis service, focusing on the relationship between texters’ perceptions of their CCs’ genuine concern and the outcomes of CTL conversations. Our findings are consistent with trends toward person-centered care and support the expansion of crisis services beyond hotlines to include a range of options for crisis help.
We’re here for you.
Whether you’re going through a rough patch in your life or just need someone to talk to, Crisis Text Line can help. To start a conversation, simply text BRAVE to 741741. A trained Crisis Counselor will be on the other end of your text, ready to listen and support you. You can talk about anything that’s on your mind, from self-harm to suicide to work stress to a recent breakup.
People who use these services often say that they find texting to be more discreet than calling a hotline. In addition, texting can be easier for people with social anxiety or difficulty communicating verbally. Many of the people we talked to reported that they feel their CC is genuinely concerned about them and that their CTL conversations are effective at de-escalating situations and connecting them with resources. The service is available nationwide and the conversations are 100% free, private and confidential. You never have to give your name, and your phone number won’t show up on your phone bill.
We’re confidential.
Crisis Text Line is free to anyone with a US cell phone. It’s also the first and largest national service of its kind. Individuals can access the service by texting “HOME” to 741741.
Volunteer Crisis Counselors receive 30 hours of training, skill checks, and monitoring from salaried clinical staff. They use empathetic, active listening to help texters go from a hot moment to a cool calm. They also work with texters to create a safety plan for the future. They only alert emergency services in less than 1% of crises, and only if the texter is at imminent risk of harm or unable to separate themselves from their means of self-harm.
While many crisis lines focus on suicide prevention, 988 can be used for any issue that’s causing distress. For example, it could be stress over a relationship, an exam, or family problems. The goal of a text conversation is to get the person to a cool calm where they can make their own decisions and get support locally.
We’re free.
Helplines (or hotlines) provide emotional support and crisis counseling for free. They can be accessed via phone, email or online chat. Some are national while others are specific to an area or event.
In the United States, individuals in a crisis can text 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor. You can discuss anything you’re struggling with – from suicidal thoughts to housing issues or dealing with a breakup. The Crisis counselor will work with you to help you feel safe and calm.
On average, it takes 13 seconds for a texter to get connected with a Crisis Counselor. And they’re always available, 24/7. Texters don’t have to share their names and can remain anonymous. If someone is in danger, the counselor will alert emergency services. However, this only happens in less than 1% of conversations.
We’re available 24/7.
You can call 988 if you are thinking of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis. You will be connected to a trained crisis counselor who will listen and work to make you feel safe and help you find the right resources in your community.
You can also text HOME to 741741 to receive free, 24/7 support via text. You will receive two automated responses: the first tells you that you are being connected with a Crisis Counselor, and the second asks if you would like to share more. Crisis Counselors are volunteers who use active listening and safety planning to help individuals move from a hot moment to a cool, calm place.
You can also text STEVE to 741741 if you are a young person of color and need help. The Steve Fund has partnered with Crisis Text Line to provide this service for youth of color on college campuses. They believe that this is a crucial step towards addressing unmet mental health needs of young people in college.