Free text line for crisis support comes to Tenn.

Tennessee has acquired a new tool to reach people in crisis with the launch of a partnership between the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network and the free Crisis Text Line.

Tennesseans can simply text "TN 741-741" to reach someone who is trained to help and can connect the texter with available resources in their area.

Texting has become a preferred method of communication for many young people, who are less likely to call a crisis hotline, said Scott Ridgway, TSPN executive director.

"A counselor will respond to that text to provide that person, whether they're an adult or child, with assistance," Ridgway said.

"We recognize that as we move forward that people are going to communicate via a range of technologies and we have to meet people where they are at. Period." said Mike LeBonte, executive director of the Memphis Crisis Center.

The respondent will be able to offer assistance for a range of problems including financial or legal issues, suicide, bullying, domestic violence or sexual assault.

Or, just be there to allow that person vent, Ridgway said.

"People just want to feel heard. So while they’re texting a crisis line or calling a 1-800 line, they want someone to validate what they’re going through," he said.

The Crisis Text Line was started in 2013 by Nancy Lublin, the former head of nonprofit agency Do Something, after they received a text from a teenager who said her father was raping her. The text line has since processed more than 31 million messages.

Since the Crisis Text Line was created, the experts have been able to extrapolate from those text messages certain words that actually indicate problems, like sexual identity issuers or being a cutter, that the texter might not refer to directly, said LeBronte, whose agency also provides a chat line.

"You can get really good juicy information that can give you good data on how to improve crisis intervention services," he said. "Texting and crisis chat services are a complimentary service to crisis hotlines. People who may not reach out for help because of shame or fear may be inclined to reach out in that anonymous setting."

Ridgway's organization is distributing Crisis Text Line posters to schools and community centers across the state and is working with other state agencies, including the Tennessee Department of Education, to spread the word.

"Everyone is saying why didn’t we think about this, this is a great solution," Ridgway said.

Reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or  the Memphis Crisis Center at (901) 274-7477.