Quick answer
Is this the right kind of help?
It may fit when
People who prefer typing to calling and want immediate emotional support.
It is not designed for
Ongoing therapy, medical advice, diagnosis, or an emergency-dispatch replacement.
Service role: Text-based crisis support
What the service can help with
- Offers a text-first conversation with a trained volunteer Crisis Counselor.
- Can help someone move toward a calmer, safer moment and identify possible next steps.
- Provides different contact numbers for supported countries.
What to expect when you make contact
Getting started
After the correct country keyword is sent, an automated response begins the connection process.
During the contact
A trained volunteer Crisis Counselor uses text messages to listen, help reduce the intensity of the moment, and discuss possible next steps.
What comes next
The conversation is designed for short-term crisis support rather than an ongoing therapeutic relationship.
Privacy considerations
The provider describes conversations as confidential and publishes digital-rights, privacy, and terms information. Texting exposes the contact on a device and phone account; web-chat history is removed from the chat window when it closes, but device and network traces may remain.
Privacy rules belong to the outside provider. Read its current terms before sharing information that could affect your decision to use the service.
Accessibility and practical checks
- Text can be useful when speaking aloud is difficult, but it still requires a supported phone number, device, and network access.
- Keywords, destinations, privacy terms, and availability differ by country; use the official country page.
- Message or data charges can depend on the carrier and plan.
Questions to answer before relying on it
- Are you using the current keyword and destination for the country where you are located?
- Can you receive replies privately and safely on this device?
- Would a phone, chat, or local emergency route work better for the present need?
Important limits and safety notes
- Volunteer Crisis Counselors are not medical professionals and do not provide medical advice.
- Message and data rates may apply depending on the phone plan and location.
- Country coverage and terms differ; confirm the current destination on the official page.
Backup routes
Alternatives to compare
Original contribution
What YouMatter adds
YouMatter separates the U.S. service from international partner destinations and places device privacy, carrier charges, volunteer scope, and voice-based alternatives next to the contact instructions.
How this option differs
Best when typing is the preferred contact mode. 988 adds a U.S. phone route and a different crisis-center network; Trevor adds a dedicated LGBTQ+ youth focus for eligible users.
Primary-source trail
Official information used for this profile
Each link goes to the provider or program owner. The note beside it identifies which decision fields it supports.
Crisis Text Line — Text Us ↗
Supports: Purpose, U.S. destination, cost, availability, counselor role, and contact experience
Crisis Text Line — Where We Are ↗
Supports: U.S. and international partner coverage and languages
Crisis Text Line FAQ ↗
Supports: Text and web-chat experience and privacy considerations