Lifeline Chat is a service of the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with
counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. All
chat centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by CONTACT USA.
Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S.
https://domo.networkresourcecenter.org/chatvisitor/prechatsurvey/
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Ready to Chat?
After you complete the short survey and agree to the terms of service, we will connect you to a counselor.
There may be a wait time to connect. To speak to a counselor now, please call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
ⓘ Please note if you are using an iPhone
browser to chat with us you must remain on the browser chat screen to
stay connected. If you navigate away from the chat or access a different
iPhone application your connection may be lost. Thank you.
What Happens When I Chat with the Lifeline?
1. First, you’ll see a wait-time message while we connect you to a crisis counselor.
2. If demand is high, you can always look at our “Helpful Resources” below, or call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
3. A counselor will answer your chat.
4. This person will listen to you, understand
how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share resources
that may be helpful.
Your conversations are free and confidential.
If you’re having trouble accessing Chat and the troubleshooting tips
below don’t resolve the issue, Crisis Counselors are available to
support you by phone at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also Contact Us to share the technical trouble you’re experiencing so we can get things fixed.
Helpful Resources
Explore these resources while you wait.
Chat FAQ
Anyone who is depressed, going through a hard time, needs to
talk, or is thinking about suicide can use the chat. The chat counselors
are here to listen and support you through whatever difficult times you
may be facing.
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The Lifeline Chat service is available 24/7. If you have
trouble connecting to the chat service we encourage you to call the
Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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The confidentiality and security of chats are ensured through
the Lifeline chat software provider, which uses the same encryption and
data protection standards required by major financial institutions to
transact business with each other. All of your communications are
securely encrypted from your computer to ours.
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If a user is reported to Facebook for posting suicidal
content, the content is reviewed by the Facebook Safety Team. If
appropriate, Facebook will respond directly to the user via e-mail
indicating that someone on Facebook is concerned about their safety and
encourage the user to call the Lifeline and/or enter a confidential chat
session with a crisis counselor. If the user chooses to enter chat, he
or she will be redirected to a site hosted by the Lifeline. Security
controls, including encryption and authentication, are in place to
ensure the protection of any information submitted via chat.
Additionally, the user who is given the opportunity to chat does not
have to disclose any identifying information.
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If the service appears ‘offline’ or ‘busy’, please call the Lifeline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – we are available 24/7.
If you or someone you know is in danger or needs immediate medical attention, please call 911.
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CONTACT USA has been offering help to those in need through
online chat since 2010. Crisis Chat has been a nationwide project that
aims to improve access to mental health care. Crisis Chat has linked
existing certified crisis call centers around the United States on one
website platform, creating a service that will eventually route website
visitors to the crisis center that serves their local area. Crisis Chat
has also provided essential emotional support and crisis intervention
services to millions of people who are depressed, despairing or thinking
about suicide.
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Knowing a bit about you, what you’re going through, and how
you’re feeling right now can help your counselor better support you as
soon as your conversation starts.
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Troubleshooting Tips
We’re so sorry
that the site isn’t working for you. Crisis Counselors are available to
support you by phone at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also Contact Us to share the technical trouble you’re experiencing so we can get things fixed.
Show answer
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 counselor now, you may also call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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Troubleshooting Steps: To speak to a counselor now, please
call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Since about 20,000 people
visit our chat page per month, there is a possibility that you will wait
in a queue. Our busiest times are between 10:00 pm EST – 2:00 am EST.
Show answer
Get in touch
Call the Lifeline
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