The crisis chat icon will tell you if chat service is available. During times of high volume, a chat specialist may not be able to talk with you immediately and you may be advised to wait and try again.
If you are in immediate crisis and a chat specialist is unavailable, please call the Maryland Helpline at 211 and press 1 or if you are not in Maryland, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
If you or somebody you know is in immediate danger, dial 9-1-1.
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 & 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.
