HOPELINE™

HOPELINE™, created by Center for Suicide Awareness, is a text-in (versus voice call-in) free emotional support service providing hope, help, and support when it’s needed most. HOPELINE™ serves anyone in any type of situation providing them access to free.

HOPELINE™’s purpose is to offer emotional support and resources before situations rise to crisis level. Texts received reflect struggles with breakups, relationship issues, job loss, bullying, LBGTQIA+ issues, parental issues, school, friends, or just having a bad day.

On your cell phone – put the number 741741 in the To section. Then type in the word “HOPELINE” in the message area. Then click Send.

• First, you are in a crisis. Crisis doesn’t just mean thinking about ending your own life…. any painful emotion and anytime you need support. Crisis can be anything from a stressful day, to a break up, to a loss of a job. What you first do is text HOPELINE to 741741.
• 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 specialist that can provide support.
• When you’ve reached a Crisis Counselor, they’ll introduce themselves, reflect on what you’ve said, and invite you to share more if you are comfortable.  You’ll then text back and forth with the Crisis Counselor and never have to share anything you don’t want to.
• The Crisis Counselor will help you through your feelings by asking questions, empathizing, and actively listening. The conversation typically ends when you and the Crisis Counselor both feel comfortable deciding that you are calm and in a safe place.  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.