Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Crisis Services provides free, confidential and immediate support from trained professionals and peer specialists, available 24/7/365 by calling 844-493-TALK (8255), or texting TALK to 38255. Colorado residents can also seek services in-person at our walk-in centers, regardless of ability to pay. If you don’t know where to begin getting help with a mental health, substance use or emotional concern—for you, or for someone you know—start here.

In Colorado, there is no wrong door for people to get support if and when they need it. Colorado Crisis Services and 988 are free emotional support lines available to the people of Colorado. 988 is available nationwide, while CCS is a statewide resource for Colorado.

Crisis looks and feels different for everyone – so if you find yourself in need of someone to talk to, we are here for you. Common topics people reach out about include depression, grief and loss, self-injury, suicidal thoughts, bullying, stress, parenting concerns, trauma, drug and alcohol use, relationship problems, family crisis, anxiety, domestic violence, being unhoused, disability, concerns for a friend or family member, recovery support, and resource questions.

There is no limit to how often you can use our services. Reach out when you can’t stop doom scrolling, when you feel like your head is spinning in circles, when you just need someone to listen, when the intrusive thoughts just won’t stop. No matter what you’re going through, you can always turn to us.

When you reach out via call or text, you can choose to be connected to a trained professional—or you can choose to speak with a peer specialist who has gone through experiences similar to yours. They will ask you a few questions including asking you to provide your name and pronouns so they know how to refer to you, however you can also choose to remain anonymous. If you are connecting via call, you will be asked for a call back number in case you get disconnected. They will then provide space for you to share your thoughts and listen to you. They will provide immediate support and offer recommendations for your specific situation, and connect you to further resources if needed to ensure you receive continued care.

You get to choose what you are willing to share and your decisions won’t affect your ability to get support.

When you call or text, you will be given the option to speak with a trained professional or a peer specialist. Our trained professionals are specialized in crisis management and are trained to respond to varying situations. Training includes de-escalation, stabilization and learning how to make useful connections to on-going support. Peer specialists identify as having lived experience with a mental health concern, or supporting someone with a mental health or substance use concern. They have undergone specialty crisis training including how to reduce stigma and connect people to support.

When you call or text Colorado Crisis Services, your information is kept confidential and our trained professionals and peer specialists do not have the ability to determine your location. However, if someone’s safety is at risk, the trained professional or peer specialist will attempt to connect the person to emergency services.

Text Disclosure: The confidentiality and security of texts is ensured through the software provider, which uses the same encryption and data protection standards required by major financial institutions to transact business with one another. When using our text service, keep in mind that your information is being sent through your cell phone and involves technology outside of our platform. Contact your cell service providers for more information about their security practices.

Most of our walk-in centers are open 24/7 and offer confidential, in-person crisis support. If you need help in-person, or are helping someone with a crisis, you can always go to the walk-in center closest to you. Walk-in centers are located statewide.

You’ll check in at the front desk and be asked to complete a brief screening to determine the level of care you might need, which will likely involve meeting with a trained professional to talk more in depth about what you’re experiencing. This process helps decide what next steps are needed. This may also include a brief physical health screening by a medical professional.

Our trained professionals and peer specialists on the phone, as well as the staff at our walk-in centers, have access to more than 200 languages via telephonic translation services. Some of the walk-in locations may also have Spanish speaking staff. Please note that text services are only available in English at this time.

If a trained professional determines that the best intervention requires face-to-face interaction, a trained professional can be dispatched at your request. They may travel to a variety of locations in the community (schools, homes, churches, etc.), including a discrete location of your choosing. In rural areas, it could take up to two hours for the team to arrive and up to one hour in urban areas. A telehealth option may also be utilized.

Crisis walk-in services are available regardless of one’s ability to pay. If an individual has private insurance, a co-payment and other out-of-pocket expenses may be required depending on the plan coverage with your insurance provider. However, no payment is required at the time of service, and no one will be turned away for crisis services, regardless of ability to pay.

It is free to speak with a trained professional and/or peer specialist via our call and text options. However, for texts, standard text message rates from your cell phone provider will apply (consult your cell provider for clarification).

A family member or friend of a person in crisis may certainly call or text Colorado Crisis Services and discuss the situation with the trained professional to find out how you can get support for yourself and the person you’re concerned about.

988 is the new, easy-to-remember number that allows anyone concerned about mental health, emotional or substance use to be immediately connected with a trained specialist who will listen without judgement. 988 is free, confidential and available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit http://988Colorado.com to live chat.

What might start as a simple worry of fear can become a crushing feeling of the world closing in on you, or a tightness in your chest that can make it hard to breathe and even harder to think. If you or someone you know is feeling anxious, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

It might feel like you’re always being put down or pushed around. Like you’re someone else’s punching bag, or like there’s a target on your back. If you or someone you know is feeling bullied, either online or in person, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

Being on the outside when someone you love is struggling is one of the hardest things in the world. While you can’t always be the person who solves their problem, there are things you can do to help. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

It may feel like there’s no end or answers in sight, that you’re being stretched so far you’re about to break, or that you’re always alone, even on a crowded virtual conference call. If you or someone you know is suffering from COVID related stress or loneliness reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

It may feel like a lack of motivation, a loss of interest, a heaviness that’s weighing on you, or a cloud that’s constantly surrounding you. If you or someone you know is feeling depressed, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

Family issues always feel close to home – because they’re usually happening in your home. If you or someone you know is having a crisis at home, or with loved ones who are no longer in the home, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

It may feel like a struggle to make ends meet, or a battle to keep your head above water. If you or someone you know is experiencing stress, anxiety, or other concerns over financial pressures, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

For some of us, knowing where you are on the gender spectrum can be hard. And it can be even harder to come out and communicate your identity to your family and friends. If you or someone you know is struggling with your gender and identity, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

It can feel like you’re always alone, even in a crowded room. It can feel like there’s no place for you anywhere, or like you’re being swallowed by the silence. If you or someone you know is feeling isolated or alone, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

It may feel like you don’t have anyone to count on, or that you’ve been left out in the cold. If you or someone you know is experiencing loneliness, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

Love is one of the strongest emotions we have. That’s why it affects us so powerfully. Every relationship has bumps in the road, or even a moment when we know it’s time to walk away. If you or a loved one’s relationship doesn’t feel safe or healthy anymore, or you’re just not sure what to do next, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

It may feel like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders, or that you’re being stretched so far you’re about to break. If you or someone you know is suffering from stress, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

It may have started socially, in response to stress, or with what you thought would be a one-time experiment, but now it completely consumes everything. If you or someone you love is suffering from substance abuse, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help. Experiencing any of these issues? We’re here to help.

There are times when it feels like suicide is the only way out, but there is always a better option. And talking to someone about it helps more than you might think. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, reach out. You’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.

Some moments in life are so difficult, challenging, hurtful and heartbreaking that they never fade. They can follow you for years, and you can’t just ‘get over’ them. These moments might start to shape or define how you approach new ones, and usually not in healthy ways. If you need help carrying a burden or working through a moment in your past, you’re not alone. Support is just a call or text away. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re here to help.