Reach a Crisis Counselor
Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support via mediums people already use and trust.
How Does it Work?
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First, you’re in a crisis. Crisis doesn’t just mean thinking about ending your own life. It’s any painful emotion and anytime you need support. So, you reach out to a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
Your opening message can say anything. Keywords like “HOME,” “START” and “HELLO” just help us identify how people hear about us.
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The first two responses are automated. They tell you that you’re being connected with a Crisis Counselor and invite you to share a bit more.
The Crisis Counselor is a trained volunteer, not a professional. They can provide support, but not medical advice.
Crisis Counselor: If you're just testing us, we're 100% real! Text STOP to cancel. We can't receive messages longer than 160 characters. What's on your mind?
Crisis Counselor: Thanks for texting Crisis Text Line, where you'll text with a compassionate Crisis Counselor. Our terms of service: crisistext.org/privacy
Caller: Just need someone to talk to.
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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.
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You’ll then message 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.
Caller: It really helps to talk about it, and I guess just figure out how to stop thinking so negatively.
Crisis Counselor: It sounds like you've been carrying your depression for a while. I imagine it's heavy.
Caller: Well my anxiety/depression has ruined a lot of relationships and friendships. I feel like I always end up alone and it's scary.
Crisis Counselor: Hey there. It looks like you're going through a rough patch tonight. I'm here to listen and help as best I can.
Caller: I need someone to talk to.
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The conversation typically ends when you and the Crisis Counselor both feel comfortable deciding that you’re in a “cool,” safe place.
After the conversation, you’ll receive an optional survey about your experience. This helps us help you and others like you!
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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.
Crisis Counselor: Have a great night and take care.
Caller: Thank you so much!
Crisis Counselor: Remember we are here 24/7 for support. If you ever need us don't hesitate to reach out. We're here for you and you've got this.
Crisis Counselor: Sounds good. I'm going to let you go to get started on a new poem. You've demonstrated tonight how much stronger you are over the bothersome thoughts.
Caller: I'm feeling calm and confident.
Crisis Counselor: It shows how much this means to you that you reached out for support tonight. How are you feeling now that we've been talking for a little bit and come up with some next steps.
Caller: Thank you so much for the positivity.
Crisis Counselor: That's great to hear. I admire how committed you are to working to manage the nagging thoughts.
Caller: Yeah I'll try it tonight.
Crisis Counselor: That's a smart way to cope with the thoughts - if you are able to get them out and on paper they don't have the power to cloud your mind anymore.
Caller: Yes. Writing my thoughts down always helps clear my mind. It's difficult in the beginning because I have to relive those feelings in order to put them on paper.
