New On Crisis Chat!
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Chat service is generally available twelve hours day, Monday through Friday, with occassional coverage on the weekends.  During times of high volume, a specialist may not be able to talk with you immediately and you will be advised to wait 30 minutes and try again.  If you are in immediate crisis and a chat specialist is unavailable, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or if you are in immediate danger, dial 9-1-1.

 

To access the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat Pilot, please click the icon below.

 

Live chat by SightMax



What we do on Crisis Chat:

  • Listen to what is going on with you today.
  • Support you in a non-judgmental and compassionate way.
  • Help you explore your feelings, thoughts, and options.
  • Ask you questions about suicide and let you know that it’s ok to talk about suicide on chat. 
  • Explore positive next steps and options.

What we do not do on Crisis Chat:

  • Give advice.
  • Solve your problems.
  • Tell you what to do.
  • Judge or criticize.
  • Chitchat.

Crisis Chat Etiquette:

  • Use a computer with a strong internet connection to minimize disruptions in communications.  Note:  crisis chat  instant messaging does not work well from a hand-held device such as a smart phone.
  • Use respectful language.
  • Stay focused on the chat and respond promptly.
  • Limit multi-tasking (like chatting with friends, going on facebook, playing video games, etc.) while chatting.
  • If you need to step away from the chat for a moment, let us know or end the chat and then come back when you have time.

Revised: 11/18/11