Welcome to our introduction to Crisis Text Line also known as CTL. This resource ensures that your community including students, caregivers, staff and faculty has access to a crisis counselor!
What is Crisis Text Line and how does it work? Here at STOPit we understand that it can be difficult to ask for help. Crisis Text line is one of the many ways we encourage you and your community to reach out for help while maintaining anonymity.
Crisis Text Line 101: Video
Learn more here:
FAQs
How does Crisis Text Line work?
You text 741741 when in crisis, available 24/7 in the United States.
A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds quickly.
The Crisis Counselor helps you move from a hot moment to a cool calm to stay safe and healthy using effective active listening and suggested referrals – all through text message, using Crisis Text Line’s secure platform.
Read more here.
How do Crisis Counselors help in a crisis?
Our Crisis Counselors bring texters “from a hot moment to a cool calm” using techniques in empathetic listening. Once they’ve built rapport and trust, explored the issues, and established the texter’s goal, they collaboratively problem-solve to help the texter come up with a plan to stay safe.
Who are Crisis Counselors?
Our Crisis Counselors are dedicated, trained, supervised volunteers from around the United States. After a rigorous multi-stage application process, background check, and training program, each commits to volunteering 4 hours a week until 200 hours are met. Supervisors (staff who all have Master’s degrees in a relevant field, or commensurate crisis intervention experience) oversee the Crisis Counselors.
Is Crisis Text Line Confidential?
Yes. Crisis Counselors only know what texters share with them, and that information stays between you and us, unless sharing it is necessary for safety or legal reasons. We take your confidentiality seriously. See our Privacy Policy here for more detail.
What happens when a texter is imminent risk of suicide?
In cases when a texter is in immediate danger of suicide or homicide, as determined by a risk assessment by the Crisis Counselor and Supervisor, our first step is to try to work with the texter to form a safety plan. If the texter is unable to plan for their own safety, the Supervisor may contact emergency services, who may dispatch a wellness check.
Is it true that Crisis Text Line is accredited by ICH?
Yes. In 2024, Crisis Text Line received accreditation from the International Council for Helplines (ICH). ICH accreditation standards define and establish best practices for crisis chat and texting services and ensure high quality standards and ethical practice. In order to be accredited by ICH, organizations must complete a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by officials at ICH.
How are volunteer Crisis Counselors trained?
Crisis Counselors complete a 15-hour training program that includes video modules that teach specific skills like active listening and reflecting, and issues such as self-harm, suicide, depression, bullying, and LGBTQ issues, as well as quizzes, role plays, and observations shifts. Our training has been vetted by representatives from national organizations like American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network). Throughout training each individual is fully supported by a Learning Specialist, who will be there every step of the way to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer additional information as needed.
Training cohorts are two weeks in length and we estimate will take about 15 hours. Accepted applicants should evaluate their personal commitments and needs when selecting the cohort dates that best suit their schedule.
To view their full list of FAQs click here: FAQ - Crisis Text Line