SOMETIMES

lies just below the surface.

There’s often a fine line between feeling OK and not OK. And it can be hard to manage on your own.
That’s why there’s a free, confidential text line to connect you with trained counselors, 24/7.

How’s
it work?

One conversation can make all the difference in the world.
It just takes a simple text.

Text talk to 38255
You’ll immediately be put into contact with a master’s-level counselor.
Get connected
As we get started, we’ll ask for your birthdate and ZIP code. Although you don’t have to answer, this info helps us help others.
Start a conversation
Then we’ll just text about what’s going on. No issue is too small or too great.

It’s free

You won’t pay a thing.
And you don’t need to worry about insurance. Standard text rates do apply, though, if you don’t have an unlimited plan.

It’s confidential

We’re not looking to get your parents involved. We’re here for you, so you can share what you’re going through when it feels like no one else will listen.

It’s personal

No two stories are the same, because no two people are the same. All of our counselors are trained to help texters deal with their unique situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

IS THIS FOR ME?

You don’t need money or insurance to text us. You don’t need to spill everything if you don’t want to. And you don’t need to be dealing with any certain type of crisis. Teens have texted us about topics including:

depression
stress
anxiety
relationships
sexuality or gender identity
suicidal thoughts
self-injury
parent and family issues
drugs & alcohol
bullying
trauma
death & grief
domestic violence
worries about a friend or family member

And more. Basically, if you’re having a hard time, and you think it might help to text with someone, this is for you.

IS IT TRULY CONFIDENTIAL?

We’ll likely ask you for only three pieces of personal information, and you don’t have to provide any of them if you don’t want to.

Two are your ZIP code and date of birth — we add those to a database that helps us see broad trends in crisis calls. We also tend to ask for a first name.

We do not contact parents of teenage texters, nor do we make regular reports to law enforcement. For info on the rare instances when we must, by law, make a report, click here.

CAN I REQUEST HELP FOR SOMEONE?

You probably have
a lot of questions

BROWSE ALL FAQs

A single text changes the conversation.

TEXT LINE ADVISOR

Meet Chad.

In early 2017, Chad joined a group of eight local teens who shared their stories and helped us craft the “Below the Surface” campaign. Hear why he did it.

TEXT LINE COUNSELOR

Meet Kelsey.

Kelsey is one of the master’s-level counselors at
Colorado Crisis Services who texts with teens every day. Here’s what the text line means to her.

It’s normal to not feel normal.

But you don’t have to feel alone.

Whenever you need us.

HERE NOW. HERE LATER.

Counselors are working in our Denver office right now. No expectations, no judgments, and no comparisons. It's amazing what a single text can do to change your whole story.

TEXT TALK TO 38255