Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for anyone in crisis in VT or nationally.

Just text VT to 741741 from anywhere in Vermont
to connect anonymously with a trained Crisis Counselor

  • Crisis counselors respond within 5 minutes through a secure platform.
  • You get an automated text response first and then a response from a crisis counselor.
  • They work with you until you are cool and calm and have a positive plan for the next steps.
  • Free for anyone and funded by private donations.
  • Staffed by volunteers who first undergo 34 hours of training and access to clinical supervision.
  • Our specialists are not therapists but will help you with active listening, which is empathetic, understanding, and respectful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: WILL THE CRISIS TEXT LINE SHOW UP ON MY CELL PHONE BILL?

A: Nothing will appear on your bill if your cell phone plan is with AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, or Verizon. If your plan is with another carrier, our short code, 741741, will appear on your billing statement.

Q: IS THERE A CHARACTER LIMIT WHEN TEXTING CRISIS TEXT LINE?

A: Yes, our system is only able to process 140 characters in one message

Q: HOW DO YOU FIND SOMEONE WHO IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER AND GET THEM HELP?

A: If a texter is confirmed to be at imminent risk, the Crisis Text Line will initiate an active rescue. First, the counselor will ask them where they are. Most of the time texters will tell the counselor (they did reach out, after all!). Their location is used to contact local police, who complete the active rescue. If the texter does not tell the Crisis Text Line where they are, the local police will be contacted based on the person’s area code. The police department is able to ping the person’s number through the phone company and geolocate.

Q: IS INFORMATION EXCHANGE AND STORAGE CONFIDENTIAL AND SECURE?

A: Yes!

Q: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRISIS TEXT LINE AND THERAPY?

A: Crisis Text Line is not a replacement for therapy. Therapy includes a diagnosis made by a licensed professional, a treatment plan of action, and a patient/therapist relationship. Crisis Text Line helps people in moments of crisis. Our crisis counselors practice active listening to help our texters find calm and create an action plan for themselves to continue to feel better. Crisis Text Line’s crisis counselors are not therapists.