Fairfax County Launches Suicide Prevention Hotline

Fairfax County has launched a suicide prevention hotline that anyone can text: Send a quick text to 703-940-0888 and a CrisisLink volunteer will respond within minutes.

The new crisis text line is a service of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board in partnership with CrisisLink.

Here's a quick Q&A from CrisisLink about the new free service:

Should I text CrisisLink?
Are you thinking about texting CrisisLink, but feeling unsure? Here are some frequently asked questions about our textline service to help you make a decision about reaching out for help.

What happens when I text CrisisLink?
Within seconds, you will receive notification that a crisis worker has been contacted. Within minutes you will receive notification and a text message from your crisis worker.  Because CrisisLink is a crisis and suicide prevention hotline, our crisis workers check with everyone whether thoughts of suicide or other high crisis are present. You do not have to be suicidal or in high crisis to text. CrisisLink is a safe place for you to express your thoughts, consider your options, and decide on next steps.

How old do I have to be to text CrisisLink?
People of all ages text CrisisLink for a wide variety of reasons. Give us a text when: you have a difficult problem, are experiencing emotional pain, or when you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide or wishing they were dead.

How Much Does it Cost?
CrisisLink provides a 24/7 crisis textline service to the community at no cost. Standard text rates based on your service provider will apply.

Other CrisisLink numbers are:

• (703) 527-4077
• (800) 273-TALK (8255)
• (800) SUICIDE (2433)
• If you use TTY, Please dial 7-1-1