Online Crisis Counseling

Hello, my name is Dr. Suzanne LaCombe, creator of MyShrink.

I do not offer online crisis counseling however I suggest the following resources.

If you are in acute crisis, it is very important that you receive one-on-one attention with a health care professional. No one need go it alone.

Free Online Crisis Counseling

These organizations are staffed with trained volunteers 24/7 and offer both in-person and email support.

USA: Toll free: 1-800-784-2433 The National Hopeline Network & USA users: USA Hotlines

Online Crisis Counseling at Befrienders

Befrienders is a world-wide organization. When you visit their page, you'll find a quick and easy system for getting the local number for your area.

Online Crisis Counseling at Samaritans

Samaritans is an organization for folks living in either the United Kingdom or Ireland.

Kids and Teens? See below.

Consider paid services for long-term support. Here's what our Sponsor, Live Person says:

Live Online Crisis Counseling

Sometimes depending on the urgency of our situation we don't have time to make a number of calls to potential therapists. 'Live Person' makes it easy because you don't have to leave the privacy of your own home.

'Live Person' offers live 24/7 online crisis counseling with experienced therapists (counselors and psychologists) for both email and phone therapy.

How does it work?

Therapists are listed along side the rate they charge by the minute. They also have easy access to reviews for each therapist. And, just to make the process a little easier, the first three minutes are free so you can get a sense if the therapist is right for you.

You can see who's currently on line now by visiting our Live Online Counseling page without even leaving this site.

Don't want to talk to anyone?

Many of the online crisis counseling lines also offer email support. So if you feel too uncomfortable in speaking with anyone at the moment, consider email. The organizations listed above, offer 24/7 email support.

You should also know that when we're feeling overwhelmed we can't always think clearly. This is why when we're feeling this way, it's helpful to have someone to talk to. Yet, I also know (from my own personal experience), that one of the hardest things to do is to reach out during these times. I encourage you to make that extra effort to do so.

Why do people call in to crisis lines?

It might be helpful to know a sample of the kinds of reasons people call into these support lines. This is only a partial listing. Your reason for calling will likely be different. That's okay.

• "I'm not myself. I don't understand why I'm feeling this way."
• "Everything seems so heavy. It all just doesn't seem worth it to me."
• "I'm waiting to see a therapist but I need to talk with someone today."
• "I'm gay or lesbian and I haven't come out and I'm feeling isolated."
• "I'm being bullied at school and I don't have anyone to talk to about it."
• "I'm new in this country and I'm going to school here but there's no one I can talk to."
• "I lost someone and I can't get over it."
• "I'm not sure where to look for a therapist. I don't have any money and I need someone to talk to."
• "I can't talk with anyone about this. I've been pulling my hair out from my skin. I pick at my skin for hours."
• "I'm so depressed and I don't see anyway out."
• "My friend is acting so strange. I think s/he may be suicidal and I don't know what to do."

Here's a short piece I found on John Grohol's site that I found inspiring, "Psych Central.org", one of the best online sources of information on mental health:

"A reason to live..." http://areason.org/

Especially for Teens

Are you looking for help for your friend? Check out this great Canadian online crisis counseling resource with loads of games and information about going to counseling and how to help your friend:

Mind Your Mind - Get Help for Your Friend

Nineline Information for teens and kids. Operated by Convenant House. Counselors 24/7 1-800-999-9999.

For Kids

Kids Help Line

When you're ready for making changes.

Online crisis counseling may be the beginning of something bigger for your life. Counseling isn't only for dealing with problems when they feel unmanageable. But sometimes it's a good time to start.

Counseling has made my life so much better. Maybe this is the right time for you to be thinking the same thing?

If you'd like information on getting started you might start at Choosing a Good Therapist.

Other MyShrink Resources

Online Counseling - Ask a Question

Hope You Feel Better Depression Poems

Self-Soothing Techniques

- Our Sponsor -

As I described above, if you'd like to check out the counselors and psychologists from 'Live Person' (see above advertisement) go to Live Online Counseling where you can see who's currently online and learn more about the individual therapist. These services post the rate you pay by the minute. Be sure to check the reviews to find the therapist that's right for you. Here's a couple articles you may find helpful.

Internet Counseling Fees

Online Crisis Counseling in the Press

A few counselors who do online crisis counseling offer free online counseling for those who qualify.

Here's a few:

CounselingPros

No Charge Counseling

Complete Counseling Solutions

Help Me Out - I want to make this page more useful for visitors. Can you tell me what you were looking for that you didn't find here? Your comments will help me to develop a better page. Send your message to me here:

Thank-you,
Shrinklady

--Thank-you for visiting my Online Crisis Counseling page--

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