When “fine” isn’t fine, texters can connect with trained crisis counselors at the country’s largest free text-based hotline service. The Steve Fund is proud to support this important work.
Secondary analysis of de-identified Crisis Counselor and texter post-conversation surveys and data from 85,877 CTL conversations. Findings show that symptomatic texters (those with high depression, anxiety and social isolation) felt less relieved at the end of their crisis conversation.
Text STEVE to 741741
Helplines, or crisis lines, are free and confidential national resources that allow individuals to connect with a trained counselor to work through a difficult situation. Individuals can call, text or chat online and can be connected to local resources in their community.
The Steve Fund has created a special keyword, STEVE, that young people of color can text to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor 24/7. The Fund views this service as a key component of addressing the unmet mental health needs of college students of color. Promote this keyword in your campus communities, using posters and flyers at student centers or residence halls. Include it in orientation materials and encourage org leaders to share it during meetings with new students. Include this information on your website and social media. Send it to local media for consideration in print or in radio PSAs. Encourage student publications to write about this resource, sharing interesting crisis trends data or quotes from your counselors.
Text UMICH to 741741
Michigan residents who are coping with a mental health crisis during the coronavirus pandemic can now text a hotline to receive support. By texting RESTORE to 741741, residents will launch a confidential conversation with a crisis counselor through an international organization that has been offering this type of support since 2013. The service is offered through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Stay Home, Stay Well initiative and is available 24/7. Counselors can help with a variety of issues, from anxiety and financial stress to suicidal thoughts and domestic violence.
The counselors who answer texters are volunteers who use active listening, safety planning and collaborative problem solving to help people in crisis move from hot moments to calmer places. They are able to connect the people who text with emergency services and can also refer them to local resources. The service is free and anonymous, but counselors are only able to respond to texts that contain the word “RESTORE.” The state will also receive broad trend data “to understand the need for additional services” after the pandemic ends.
Text HOME to 741741
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by busy schedules, the demands of parenting or maintaining a home, there’s a good chance you could use someone to talk to. Now you can text a trained Crisis Counselor for free, anonymous support.
After you text “HOME” to 741741, you will receive two automated responses that tell you that you are being connected with a counselor and invite you to share more about your situation. Counselors are trained to empathize with the texter and encourage them to speak at their own pace. They do not pry or offer advice. They are there to de-escalate and help the person create a safety plan.
They also help to connect the person with resources in their local community for additional support. In less than 1% of cases, they will engage emergency services to respond. The average Conversation lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
Text ANYTHING to 741741
Both the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line use Facebook Messenger to communicate with callers. That means you can text them directly on your phone, even if you don’t have the app. Your messages are encrypted and anonymous, so they’ll only know what you tell them.
A trained counselor will respond within minutes. They’ll help you de-escalate your situation and connect you to help locally. They’ll also monitor your progress to make sure you’re safe. They’ll check in with you regularly, and you can end the conversation at any time.
The service is open to anyone in any kind of crisis, whether it’s a suicidal thought or just needing someone to talk to. You can text about anything: job stress, relationships, LBGTQIA+ issues, family problems, homelessness or just feeling sad.
A counselor will reply and ask you to describe your situation. They’ll then start helping you create a safety plan. They’ll also screen you for suicide (do you think about killing yourself? How would you do it and do you have the means to do it?) and connect you with emergency services if needed.