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View Winners → ‘Crisis Text Line’ Services Now Available in Pasadena
News Jul 30, 2018
Crisis Text Line provides crisis support via text messages. - Courtesy photo
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Crisis Text Line provides crisis support via text messages. – Courtesy photo
The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has partnered with the Crisis Text Line to bring awareness around emotional well-being and mental health. Crisis Text Line is a national not-for-profit agency providing free, 24/7 crisis support via text messages. Trained counselors help bring individuals experiencing crisis to a calmer state of mind and help create a plan to stay safe and healthy. Crisis Text Line has processed over 72 million messages to date, dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide.
“The partnership with Crisis Text Line is another way Pasadena is working to reduce stigma around mental health and to encourage all who are experiencing emotional distress to reach out for help,” said Michael Johnson, director of public health. “By allowing individuals to text with a live, trained crisis counselor at any time, people can receive critical assistance immediately.”
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 18.3 percent of adults in the U.S. lived with a mental health illness in 2016. However, less than half of those individuals received treatment.
“We are proud to partner with the Pasadena Public Health Department to bring lifesaving support at your fingertips,” said Liz Eddy, director of communication for Crisis Text Line.
Those experiencing crisis are encouraged to text LA to 741741 or reach a crisis counselor through Facebook Messenger at facebook.com/crisistextline. Counselors are available 24/7 and will respond quickly to help the individual texting out of their moment of crisis and to start creating a safety plan. This service is free and confidential. For more information regarding Crisis Text Line, visit crisistextline.org.
Throughout Pasadena, signs will be posted to support awareness of suicide prevention and where to access free resources. To inquire about social and mental health programs at PPHD, such as youth mental health, LGBTQI2-S outreach, senior mental health, and substance abuse services, call (626) 744-6339.
