Text Got5U to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor

How It Works

1.) Busy class schedules, exams, student loans, and maintaining a social life during a pandemic can all be challenging responsibilities for college students. You’re not alone if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed and could use someone to text and discuss what’s weighing on you. Text “Got5U” to 741741 to get connected with one of the Crisis Text Line’s Crisis Counselors who are ready to listen and support you.

2.) You will receive two automated responses that tell you that you’re being connected with a Crisis Counselor, who is a trained volunteer.

3.) It only takes a few minutes to connect with a Crisis Counselor (usually less than five minutes but it may occasionally take longer during high-traffic times.) Once you’re connected with a Crisis Counselor, they’ll introduce themselves, respond to what you’ve already texted, and invite you to provide more details at your own pace

4.) You can then begin a back and forth texting conversation with the Crisis Counselor, who is there to support you. You never have to share anything you don’t want to.

5.) The goal of the conversation is to get you to a calm, safe place. Sometimes that means the Crisis Counselor providing you with resources to seek further help, and sometimes it means just being there for you and listening. A conversation can last as long as you feel comfortable.

6.) After the conversation, you’ll receive an optional survey about your experience.

You Can Help Prevent Suicide!

If you’re a college student and interested in learning about how you can better understand the warning signs of suicide, consider completing the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training. QPR is a one-hour training that teaches participants to recognize the signs of a suicidal crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone for help.  Like CPR, an emergency medical intervention, QPR is an emergency mental health intervention.

Members of college and university communities can register at www.qprtraining.com/setup.php.  Enter “SUNY” as the organizational code.

Please note:  You do not have to be a member of the SUNY community to access this training.  SUNY has generously granted access to all institutions of higher education in New York State.

Key Components Covered in the Training:

• How to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be suicidal.
• How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide.
• The common causes of suicidal behavior.
• The warning signs of suicide.
• How to get help for someone in crisis.

How to Take the QPR Training

1. Create an account and register using the link below.
2. Use the organizational code: SUNY
3. After entering the organizational code, you will be asked to sign up with your name and email address.
4. You will receive a confirmation email with username and password to log in and began the training.
5. You will be required to complete a brief pre- and post-test.