Need to talk, but can't find your voice? Crisis Chat!
Chat in English 1:00 pm to 1:00 am every day
Or Call: (319) 351-0140 anytime
New Service - Chat in Mandarin!
Our new service, offering emotional support utilizing trained Chat Specialists who are native Mandarin Chinese speakers, will start on June 3, 2013. Hours will be Mondays from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm and Wednesdays from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm during that first month. Expanded hours will begin July 1, 2013. Check back here for updates.
Give us your input on what you would like to see with this service. Answer the 6-question survey here.
What is Crisis Chat?
If you prefer typing to talking, use your computer to access this free instant-messaging service. Crisis Chat offers online emotional support for anyone in need. When problems become too big to handle, simply click the link below to log on. You will be communicating with a specially-trained volunteer who will offer non-judgmental support and can provide local resources.
Crisis Chat is confidential and secure. Let your fingers do the talking to find help in a difficult time.
Click here to access Crisis Chat in English
If the service is offline, please call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at (319) 351-0140 to talk with a caring, compassionate volunteer.
How Crisis Chat Works
Crisis Chat operates just like any other instant messaging service. You will be connected to a private session with a peer counselor and will communicate back and forth.
To start a session:
Step 1: Click here to access Crisis Chat. The service is available 1:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Step 2: Click on the phone operator icon
Step 2: Fill out the Login Screen - you may login anonymously if you wish
Step 3: Read and accept the Terms and Conditions
Step 4: Type in the verification code
An active chat session window will open. Please be patient - the Chat Specialist may be involved in a session with another person but will start communicating with you as soon as possible.
On the Other End of the Connection
The Chat Specialist on duty can assist you through any number of crises - no issue is too big and no problem is too small. These volunteers have received special training to provide help using this format and are ready to listen.
What if Chat is Not Available?
The future plan is to make Crisis Chat available 24 hours a day, but currently it's scheduled daily from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am. If the service is offline, please call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 319-351-0140 to talk with a caring, compassionate volunteer.
Lifeline Crisis Chat Partnership
The Crisis Center of Johnson County is proud to be a partner agency in the Lifeline Crisis Chat Partnership national portal, crisischat.org.
Crisis Chat is a collaborative service provided by crisis centers across the United States.
All crisis centers participating in Crisis Chat are required to maintain accreditation by a nationally recognized crisis call center accrediting body such as CONTACT USA or the American Association of Suicidology. Crisis Centers are also required to be accredited by CONTACT USA in online emotional support.