Citation

Predmore Z, Ramchand R, Ayer L, Kotzias V, Engel C, Ebener P, Kemp JE, Karras E, Haas GL. Crisis 2017; 38(4): 255-260.

Affiliation

VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Publisher Hogrefe Publishing)

DOI

10.1027/0227-5910/a000460

PMID

28468558

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Crisis support services have historically been offered by phone-based suicide prevention hotlines, but are increasingly becoming available through alternative modalities, including Internet chat and text messaging. AIMS: To better understand differences in the use of phone and chat/text services.

METHOD: We conducted semistructured interviews with call responders at the Veterans Crisis Line who utilize multimodal methods to respond to veterans in crisis.

RESULTS: Responders indicated that veterans may access the chat/text service primarily for reasons that included a desire for anonymity and possible inability to use the phone. Responders were divided on whether callers and chatters presented with different issues or risk of suicide; however, they suggested that veterans frequently use chat/text to make their first contact with mental health services. LIMITATIONS: We spoke with call responders, not the veterans themselves. Additionally, as this is qualitative research, applicability to other settings may be limited.

CONCLUSION: While new platforms offer promise, participants also indicated that chat services can supplement phone lines, but not replace them.

Language: en

Keywords

crisis intervention; prevention and control; suicide; text messaging