At 988 call centers, crisis counselors offer empathy — and juggle limited resources

With calls expected to increase more as people learn about the helpline, some call centers say there are limits to what they can accomplish without more local resources.

One service he rarely turns to is 911. Part of the idea behind 988 is that it offers an alternative to involving police or an ambulance for a mental health crisis. He would typically use 911 only if someone was an immediate threat to themselves or others. Colluccio has just enough time for a sip of tea when another call comes in. It's a young man in college, overwhelmed by stress. They talk for over an hour."Sometimes it's more of an immediate intervention because sometimes people call with pills in hand and are actively considering ending their lives," Colluccio said."There are people who have called and said, if you did not pick up, I'd have killed myself.

Plus there's a gaping need for other mental health professionals to continue helping people once the crisis has passed.

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

At 988 call centers, crisis counselors offer empathy — and juggle limited resourcesIn a mental health crisis, a conversation with an empathetic listener can be live-saving. But when someone needs in-person help, there's a shortage of resources in many parts of the country.
Source: NPRHealth - 🏆 144. / 63 Read more »

At 988 call centers, crisis counselors offer empathy — and juggle limited resourcesIn a mental health crisis, a conversation with an empathetic listener can be live-saving. But when someone needs in-person help, there's a shortage of resources in many parts of the country.
Source: WBUR - 🏆 274. / 63 Read more »