Local

Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s to introduce free, 24/7 crisis text lines for all ages

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With the growing need for accessible mental health resources, local businesses Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s Hospital are collaborating with Crisis Text Line — the largest text-based crisis intervention service in the nation — to help provide mental health support in as easy as one text.

The Crisis Text Line is being developed to help individuals who feel alone, and facing mental health struggles, from children to adults.

Anyone can text LIFE to 741741 to connect with a live, trained crisis counselor and receive full confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All counselors are trained in active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning to help texters navigate and express difficult emotions.

“COVID-19 continues to have countless negative effects on the mental health of adults, teens, and children, and we are committed to finding new, innovative ways to better serve our community,” said Terrie Andrews, Ph.D., vice president of Baptist and Wolfson Children’s Behavioral Health.

“In a focus group with local teens, we found they preferred texting for help over calling because it was easier to express their feelings. Crisis Text Line is not only an accessible option for those in need, but it’s also an approachable one, broadening our reach and helping us prevent future crises from happening.”

Since the launch of the service in 2013, Crisis Text Line has answered more than six million texts, with 75% coming from those under the age of 25.

Another option to connect for adults, teens, and kids is to call the Baptist Health 24-Hour Crisis Hotline or Wolfson Children’s Kids & Teens Helpline at (904)-202-7900 to connect with a trained mental health expert and receive emergency telephone support and assessment, crisis stabilization information, and referral to follow-up care if needed.

For parents, educators, health care providers, and other concerned adults who are interested in starting a conversation about mental health with kids or teens, Wolfson Children’s offer free, evidence-based educational tools and resources through the service On Our Sleeves, a national movement to break the stigmas around mental health discussion and promote wellness. A monthly newsletter is also available at WolfsonChildrens.com/OnOurSleeves.

Care Connect Plus has a referral website, to help console members of your community who may be going through a tough time.


William Clayton

William Clayton, Action News Jax

Digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax