Texters are not charged. Texts to our short code, 741741, are free if your cell phone plan is with AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, or Verizon. If you’re on a different carrier’s plan, it’s the same as texting a friend: standard text message costs apply.
What happens if you send a text message to 741741?
You may already know the numbers for the Crisis Text Line (text BRAVE to 741741) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) if you’re interested in mental health. What you might not realize is what occurs and what doesn’t happen when you call for help in a crisis. We teamed up with our friends at the Crisis Text Line to debunk some common misconceptions about these services, so you know what to expect when you phone or text for help for yourself or a loved one.
Myth #1: If I’m calling a crisis line, I must be having suicidal thoughts.
The Crisis Text Line and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone dealing with a crisis, such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, LGBTQ difficulties, bereavement, self-harm, suicide ideation, or mental illness-related concerns.
(You may see prior text chat subject trends here.) Although the term “crisis” is used loosely to urge anybody in need to seek help, callers and texters should be aware that crisis lines are not a short- or long-term replacement for therapy, emergency care, or professional health care.
Myth #2: If I admit to being suicidal, they’ll send the cops to my house.
The Crisis Text Line is a service that connects people in times of crisis “In less than 1% of emergencies, “active rescue” (i.e., emergency services) is used.
The Crisis Text Line’s purpose is to de-escalate the situation and consult with the texter to determine the best options for getting local support. Only when there is a serious risk of injury to the texter and the texter is unable or unwilling to devise a safety plan are emergency services notified (for example, unable or unwilling to separate themselves from their means for suicide or self-harm). Similarly, the website of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline emphasizes that crisis counselors aim to empower callers and assist them in problem-solving to determine the best course of action, implying that emergency services are only called in when the caller is in urgent danger.
Myth #3: Because crisis lines have the capability of dispatching emergency personnel to my location, my call/text is not private.
The Crisis Text Line and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline place a premium on anonymity. Your location and phone number are encrypted or otherwise anonymised when you call or text a crisis line, making it impossible for them to track you down. Counselors at these crisis lines may ask for personally identifying information (your name and home address) in order to better assist you in specific instances, but you are under no obligation to supply this information by text or phone.
You can also use Facebook Messenger to contact the Crisis Textline and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
By texting “crisis” to 911, you can reach the Crisis Text Line “On their Facebook page, they have a “Send Message” button.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline communicates with Facebook in a unique way: if a post of yours is marked for suicidal material, Facebook evaluates it and gives you the opportunity to contact or chat with a counselor from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline via Facebook.
The best aspect about using Facebook to communicate with either of these crisis lines is that your information is encrypted and anonymized, so you can be confident that even your Facebook discussions with these services are private and secure.
They won’t have access to your profile or any other personally identifiable information, so all they’ll know is what you tell them.
A certified crisis counselor will receive your text and reply within minutes after you text BRAVE to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. The crisis counselor will then assist you in de-escalating the issue and connecting you with local resources.
You’ll hear an automated message with more information and options while your call is routed to your local Lifeline network crisis center, and you’ll hear some cool elevator music while you wait to be connected to a crisis counselor when you call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). You’ll have someone to listen to you, offer support, and link you with resources once you’re connected.
Isn’t it straightforward? Don’t be scared or intimidated by these free and private national resources. On the other end of your text or phone contact is a trained, caring someone who is donating their time to assist you in navigating through difficult times and connecting with local resources. Reaching out for help when you need it is courageous, regardless of how large or minor you believe your problems are. Above all, the Crisis Text Line and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline prioritize your safety and privacy, so you’ll be in good hands.
Do you still have worries or questions concerning crisis lines?
For further information, visit the Crisis Text Line and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline websites.
Is it true that calls to the hotline are anonymous?
Third, if callers are required to provide their identify, the organization bears the responsibility of protecting that information. A call to a hotline in which the caller reveals his or her identify may result in litigation or, in some situations, a wrongful discharge lawsuit. If an employee who has exposed his or her name in a hotline call is later fired for reasons unrelated to the hotline call, the employee may claim wrongful termination based on the fact that the employee made a complaint to the hotline. Furthermore, employees have claimed that the company did not make a sufficient effort to protect them, resulting in reprisal or retribution. Even when the caller’s name was known only to hotline personnel and not to management, this argument has been made. The employee’s attorney contended that the employer had a greater, affirmative duty to protect the employee because the employee’s supervisor might have worked out who made the call. The corporation could find itself in the embarrassing position of having to prove that the phone call had no bearing on the termination.
Finally, keep in mind that having a caller freely reveal his or her identity is frequently unneeded and undesired. Callers may try to disguise themselves as a “whistleblower” to hide their own wrongdoing. In order to achieve a protected state, they may purposely reveal their identities as callers to the hotline or to members of their work groups. They may try to utilize the organization’s non-retaliation/non-reprisal policy to avoid performance-based or conduct-based actions. They are aware that businesses are obligated to safeguard callers from reprisal. They want to stop the adverse personnel action by phoning the hotline. Many organizations have struggled with this issue.
It’s a smart idea to encourage hotline callers to keep their identities hidden unless they need to act on a serious complaint. In some circumstances, learning the identity of the caller is desired, if not necessary, in order to correctly act on the information provided. This implies that, in addition to other hotline policies, a policy for anonymous reporting should be implemented.
Is Reddit helped by the crisis text line?
Crisis Text Line is unusual in that it delivers resources and help via text, a medium that people are already familiar with and trust. Crisis Text Line, an anonymous, text-based platform (like Reddit), enables a smooth transition for at-risk redditors who need help but are uncomfortable or unsafe talking on the phone.
If a redditor is identified for serious self-harm or suicide, they will receive an immediate private message with resources and a recommendation to text the key phrase CHAT to 741741 to talk to a Crisis Counselor. People who are reporting someone can also use Crisis Text Line because reacting to someone can bring up difficult feelings or be triggering. A live, trained Crisis Counselor gets the SMS and reacts from a secure online platform on the other end. The individual then texts back and forth with the Crisis Counselor for as long as they need, while the counselor asks questions, empathizes, and actively listens to them sort through their feelings and thoughts.
“We’re ecstatic to be partnering with Reddit, where redditors can feel secure and supported by their community 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Bob Filbin, Crisis Text Line’s Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist. “Reddit has established itself as a conscientious leader in the online safety sector, ensuring that users have constant access to reliable mental health resources.”
Is it possible to text a therapist for free?
From anywhere in the United States, text HOME to 741741 at any time. For any circumstance, the Crisis Text Line is available. From our secure online platform, a live, certified Crisis Counselor gets the SMS and reacts. The Crisis Counselor will assist you in transitioning from a hot to a cool state.
What is a crisis?
This category contains general information about crisis intervention, such as planning, implementation, and available resources that may be of assistance to a client in a crisis situation.
Clarifying Information
A interruption or breakdown in a person’s or family’s typical or usual pattern of functioning is defined as a crisis. A person’s usual problem-solving resources/skills will not be sufficient to resolve a crisis.
- Even if a problem causes stress and is difficult to handle, the family or person can find a solution. As a result, an issue that can be managed by an individual or a family without the need for outside help is not considered a crisis. A family or individual that is stressed and unable to think rationally may perceive a problem as a crisis. Such an issue may be resolved by interventions that build trust and provide comfort, as well as guidance or a referral from the case worker.
- An emergency is a sudden, pressing need, such as when a person’s life is in jeopardy as a result of an accident, a suicide attempt, or domestic violence. It necessitates quick intervention by police enforcement, child protective services, or other specialists equipped to deal with life-threatening situations. It is a crisis, not an emergency, if a situation can wait 24 to 72 hours for a solution without jeopardizing an individual or a family.
- A stressful situation, difficulties coping, and the timeliness of intervention are the three main characteristics of a crisis. Every crisis situation is different, and it will necessitate a flexible approach to the client and the situation.
Situations Which Can Lead to a Crisis
Everyone has had upsetting, disappointing, or exhausting events. When these sensations are mixed with particular life events or situations, tension and stress can build up quickly. There are five types of scenarios that might cause stress and, as a result, contribute to a state of crisis. The following are typical types of customer crisis situations given in the CSO:
- A child abuse investigation, partner abuse, an unanticipated pregnancy, a parent’s abandonment, a chronically ill family member, and a lack of social supports are all instances of family issues that can cause stress and crises.
- Economic Situations – a loss of job, eviction, no food, a theft of household cash or belongings, high medical expenses, missed child support payments, repossession of a car, utilities cut off from service, money “lost” to gambling or drug addiction, and poverty are just a few examples of family crises caused by sudden or chronic financial strain.
- Neighborhood violence, insufficient housing, a lack of community services, and insufficient educational programs are examples of how the community might contribute to family crises.
- Significant Life Events – events that most people consider happy, such as marriage, the birth of a child, a job promotion, or retirement, can cause a family crisis; a child starting school, adolescent behaviors, a grown child leaving the home, menopause, or the death of a loved one can also be very stressful life events.
- Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, fires, and earthquakes, as well as extended periods of extreme heat and humidity, or gloomy or excessively cold weather, can cause crises.
Worker Responsibilities
- By responding effectively and immediately to client crises, CSO case workers and disability program specialists can have a significant long-term influence on their clients’ lives and aid other CSO staff. CSO Financial Workers and WorkFirst Case Managers are expected to try to resolve crises concerns relating to their caseloads and programs. To manage client-related crisis situations, CSO personnel may consult with case workers and disability program specialists as needed.
- The successful resolution of an emergency crisis can strengthen the case worker’s relationship with their client and pave the way for a cooperative and fruitful future relationship. When faced with a client emergency, case workers and disability program specialists take the following actions:
- Identify and contact local community services that can help the client get through the crisis.
- Document occurrences as much as possible while keeping anonymity where necessary.
- Identify and share information about community resources that are available. Make sure that all clients and employees have access to that information.
- When extra training opportunities become available, take advantage of them. Additional Crisis Intervention Training resources include:
When a parent is reported to social services, what happens next?
Children’s services, formerly known as social services, are designed to help and protect vulnerable children, adolescents, their families, and young carers.
When it comes to making decisions concerning your child and the assistance they’ll provide, they must consult with you. If you’ve been having trouble coping, they might be able to help.
If they feel a child is in danger, they must investigate the issue and take steps to protect the youngster. They may opt to place the youngster under protective custody. They may conduct an interview or do a medical examination on your child without you present.
You can talk to us if you’re not sure what’s going on and need some guidance. Our therapists on the helpline will walk you through the situation.
How can you make an anonymous phone call?
On a per-call basis, *67 is the best way to hide your phone number. This method works on both mobile phones and landlines. Dial * – 6 – 7 on your phone’s keypad, then the number you’re attempting to reach.
The free service masks your phone number, which will appear on caller ID as “Private” or “Blocked” on the other end. If you want your phone number blocked, dial *67 each time.
Is it possible to report someone to CPS anonymously?
If you believe a child is in danger, it might be tough to know what to do. It’s crucial to remember that if you notice something isn’t quite right, others will as well. By speaking up, you can ensure that the youngster receives assistance as quickly as possible.
The sooner you contact your local children’s social care responsibility team, the sooner they will be able to help you. They’re available 24 hours a day, and you can report anonymously if you like.
Is there a phone number that I can text to just talk to someone?
Do you have a problem and need to talk to someone? We’re here to help. To contact a volunteer Crisis Counselor, text HOME to 741741.
Is it possible to just text a therapist?
- Typically, you’ll start by answering questions that will help the program connect you with a therapist who can provide the aid you require. Depending on the service you use, you may be able to choose your own therapist.
- Once you’ve found a therapist, you may begin sending messages outlining the issues you’d like to address. Most text therapy services allow you to send and receive limitless text messages. Some companies also include audio and video chat, though these services may be more expensive.
- You can text your therapist whenever you want. They may not respond right away, especially if you text late at night or early in the morning, but you should get a response within a day.
- You can also request a “live text” session, in which you and your therapist exchange texts in real time. This allows you to address issues whenever they arise.
Although the app may gather information or data (always read the privacy rules and terms of service), your conversation with your therapist is private and will not reveal any personal information.
Your therapist will assist you in analyzing the problem and creating coping strategies.