Lifeline Chat and Text

Anyone who is depressed, going through a hard time, needs to talk, or is thinking about suicide can use the service. The crisis counselors are here to listen and support you through whatever difficult times you may be facing.

The Lifeline Chat and Text service is available 24/7. If you have trouble connecting to the service we encourage you to call the Lifeline at 988.

You can send any message to 988 to start a text conversation with us. 

The confidentiality and security of transcripts and any data collected during chats and texts are ensured through the Lifeline chat and text software provider, which uses the same encryption and data protection standards required by major financial institutions to transact business with each other. 

Lifeline Crisis Chat and Text is currently only available in English. If you need support in another language, please call 988.

If you need to leave a conversation without saying goodbye to your crisis counselor, you can do so. For Chat, you can click “End conversation” at any time to close the conversation. For Text, you can send STOP and your crisis counselor will close the conversation without sending any future messages – though you will immediately receive a single automated message offering an opportunity to complete a post-conversation survey. (Note: For Text, many phone carriers will require you to send UNSTOP if you ever want to start texting with us again.)

If the service appears offline or busy, please call the Lifeline at 988 – we are available 24/7. If you or someone you know is in danger or needs immediate medical attention, please call 911.

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is a world leader in the development, implementation, and facilitation of accreditation, certification, and training programs. Their programs are evidenced-based and best practices to uphold standards of care for those impacted by suicide. They provide accreditation, certification, and training opportunities for organizations and individuals.

The International Council for Helplines (ICH) offers accreditation to all chat and/or text crisis helpline programs to ensure high-quality standards and ethical practice. International Council for Helplines accreditation standards define and establish best practices for crisis chat and texting services. The Standards focus on areas outlined below in order for programs to have the infrastructure in place to provide compassionate and non-judgmental services to those in need of emotional support.

Knowing a bit about you, what you’re going through, and how you’re feeling right now can help your crisis counselor better support you as soon as your conversation starts.

We’re so sorry that the site isn’t working for you. Crisis Counselors are available to support you by phone at 988. You can also Contact Us to share the technical trouble you’re experiencing so we can get things fixed.

Troubleshooting Steps: Be sure to check the “I’m not a robot” checkbox, complete any challenges, and answer all required questions before submitting the survey. You can also try disabling your ad blocker, enabling JavaScript, and make sure your browser is up-to-date by going to whatismybrowser.com. To speak to a crisis counselor now, you may also call the Lifeline at 988.

We’re sorry that you’ve been waiting. To speak to a crisis counselor now, please call the Lifeline at 988. If you believe the site is experiencing technical issues, please let us know on our Contact Us page.