How to Become a Crisis Text Line Crisis Counselor

Training to Be a Crisis Counselor

1. Check that you meet the requirements to be a counselor. Most people can become a Crisis Text Line Crisis Counselor if they're focused on helping others. However, there are a few requirements to be a volunteer to make sure that those in crisis get the best help possible. Make sure you fit these requirements before you sign up. To be a Crisis Text Line volunteer, you need to meet the following requirements:^[1]

   1. You must have a U.S. social security number if you're in the U.S.
   2. You must be at least 18-years-old.
   3. You must submit 2 references.
   4. You must have access to a reliable personal computer and the internet.

   Tip: Make sure you're ready for the demands placed on Crisis Counselors. Most people who text the line are dealing with a very difficult situation or a serious mental illness. You may handle clients who are dealing with topics like self harm, rape, and depression. Be prepared to help people who are in serious need of support.

2. Visit the Crisis Text Line homepage to sign up as a volunteer. The Crisis Text Line offers you training once you're accepted as a prospective volunteer. Go to their website to learn more about the service and to sign up to be a Crisis Counselor. From there, you can begin your training.^[2]

   1. You can access the website here: https://www.crisistextline.org/

3. Click on the 'volunteer' button to access an application. Once your on the Crisis Text Line website, you'll see a menu bar at the top of the page. Select 'volunteer' to open the page for volunteering. You'll see more information about becoming a volunteer, as well as a 'get started' button. Click on 'get started" to open the application.^[3]

   1. The volunteer page is easy to access here: https://www.crisistextline.org/volunteer

4. Complete the application to become a Crisis Text Line volunteer. Enter your name, email, phone number, birthday, and a password. Click the 'submit' button to send the application to the Crisis Text Line. Then, they'll collect more information as needed to complete the application process.

5. Consent to a background check. Before you can volunteer on the platform, Crisis Text Line requires you to do a background check. This helps them ensure that volunteers don't have a history that could disqualify them from becoming a counselor. Give the organization permission to check your background.^[4]

   1. The background check will verify that you don't have a criminal history that might prevent you from working as a Crisis Counselor.

6. Complete the 30-hour Crisis Counselor training course. Training courses start every 2 weeks, and you'll participate as part of a training cohort. Space is limited, but Crisis Text Line will get you in a training cohort as quickly as possible. Do your training at your own pace from your personal computer.^[5]

   1. You have a choice between doing a 6-week course or a 15-day course. Both courses present the same material.
   2. Crisis Text Line will likely match you with a coach who will guide you through training. They can answer any questions you have and help you get through the material.