The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to support and information via a medium people already use and trust: text. The process is very easy, all you have to do is text 741741 to get connected to our crisis text line.
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​Here’s how it works in more detail:

THE SHORTER VERSION...

​Text LEV to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis you may be experiencing.

​A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text on our hotline and responds to the text, all from our secure online texting platform.

The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.

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​AND IN A BIT MORE DETAIL...

First, you’re in crisis. That doesn’t just mean suicide; it’s any painful emotion for which you need support. You text the word "LEV" to 741741.

The first two text responses are automated. The first text tells you that you're being connected with a Crisis Counselor and the second text invites you to share a bit more.

The Crisis Counselor is a trained volunteer, not a professional. They can provide guidance and emotional support via text, but are not able to give medical advice.

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 will introduce themselves over text, reflect on what you’ve said, and invite you to share at your own pace.

You’ll then text back and forth with the Crisis Counselor. They are here to help guide you through your emotions, but you never have to share anything you don’t want to.
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The Crisis Counselor will help you sort through your feelings by asking questions, empathizing, and actively listening.

​The text conversation typically ends when you and the Crisis Counselor both feel comfortable deciding that you’re in a safe place.
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After the conversation, you’ll receive an optional survey about your experience. This helps us help you and others like you!

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.

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