Technology has offered us the opportunity to provide people with far reaching, easy to access, and anonymous mental health supports. The use of such technology opens the door to understand how to best support people who are coming to the internet or getting on the phone to receive critical care – especially when the care is related to early identification or crisis. Technology based support started with the phone and now reaches into our computers and mobile phones. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and MHA Screening will discuss how their services work and questions often asked, including “How do you support someone through serious thoughts of self harm? How do you provide support when it’s not face to face? Is there follow up and what kind?” “How can warm and empathetic crisis counseling be conveyed via these mediums?”
Remember to bring your own questions!