Crisis Text Line¶
Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. Text 741741 from any US phone to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The service is designed for people who find it easier to text than to call — including caregivers who may be in a room with the person they care for and cannot step away for a phone call.
The service works by texting any word (commonly "HELLO") to 741741. A trained crisis counselor responds, typically within five minutes. The conversation is confidential and continues until the texter is in a safe, calm place. Counselors are trained in active listening, collaborative problem-solving, and safety planning. If the situation escalates to imminent danger, the counselor can coordinate emergency services with the texter's consent.
Crisis Text Line is particularly relevant to GiveCare because the platform itself communicates via SMS. Caregivers who reach Mira through text messaging may be more comfortable with text-based crisis support than a phone call. In GiveCare's crisis routing, 741741 is included in follow-up crisis responses after 988 has already been provided1. The ADR-0001 gate ordering decision cites Crisis Text Line's operational model — zero consent gate for crisis communication — as industry precedent for GiveCare's own crisis-first architecture.
When texting, expect to describe what you are going through. The counselor will help you process your feelings, develop a plan, and connect you with local resources if needed. The conversation typically lasts 15-45 minutes. There is no limit on how many times you can text.
Crisis Text Line addresses zone P6 (Emotional Wellbeing). It is a key resource for both the "Distress" and "Imminent" safety tiers, offering an alternative modality for caregivers who cannot make a voice call.