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Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support via a medium people already use and trust: text.

How Does it Work?

(1) First, you’re in a crisis. Crisis doesn’t just mean thinking about ending your own life.  It’s any painful emotion and any time you need support. So, you text us at 741741.

Your opening message can say anything. Keywords like HOME, START, and HELLO  help us identify how people hear about us.

(2) The first two responses are automated. They will tell you’re being connected with a Crisis Counselor and invite you to share more.

The Crisis Counselor is a trained volunteer, not a professional. They can provide support, but not medical advice.

(3) It usually takes less than five minutes to connect you with a Crisis Counselor. (It may take longer during high-traffic times).

When you’ve reached a Crisis Counselor, they’ll introduce themselves, reflect on what you’ve said, and invite you to share at your own pace.

(4) You’ll then text back and forth with the Crisis Counselor. You never have to share anything you don’t want to.

The Crisis Counselor will help you sort through your feelings by asking questions, empathizing, and actively listening.

(5) The conversation typically ends when you and the Crisis Counselor both feel comfortable deciding that you’re in a safe place mentally and emotionally.

After the conversation, you’ll receive an optional survey about your experience. This helps us help you and others like you!

(6) The goal of any conversation is to get you to a calm, safe place.

Sometimes that means providing you with a referral to further help, and sometimes it just means being there and listening. A conversation usually lasts anywhere from 15-45 minutes.

Updated within the last year