About CONTACT USA's Crisis Chat:

Service Roll-out:

Crisis Chat is currently in development throughout the United States.  As of Fall 2011, 12 hours of coverage are being offered nationally, seven days a week.  In its current state of development, the network cannot ensure that every chat will be answered as technology and capacity issues are still being actively addressed.  If you cannot reach a Crisis Chat Specialist, we recommend that you call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for emotional support, or if you are in imminent danger, dial 9-1-1.

How Crisis Chat Works:   

Crisis Chat is a collaborative service provided by crisis centers across the United States.  Oversight and management of the service is provided by CONTACT USA.  All crisis centers participating in Crisis Chat are required to maintain accreditation by a nationally recognized crisis call center accrediting body such as CONTACT USA or the American Association of Suicidology.  Crisis Centers are also required to be accredited by CONTACT USA in online emotional support. 

CONTACT USA is a national organization that provides written standards and accreditation to crisis centers throughout the United States.  CONTACT USA began in 1967 in the United States and has grown and evolved into a network of centers in 20 states, exploring new ways in which to serve their individual communities.

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