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Chester County Pilots Teen Talk and Text Line
West Chester, PA – From the beginning of April, Chester County teens will have a new tool for mental health and wellness. A Teen Talk Line, targeting 12 to 18 year-olds, will begin taking calls and texts to support young people who are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, sad, isolated, or confused.
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that young people may be more vulnerable to stress and developing mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Teen Talk and Text lines are effective tools in supporting youth across the country.
Chester County's Teen Talk and Text Line is contracted through the County's office of Mental Health and will be provided by Access Services, a non-profit organization that runs other mental health programs, including a Teen Talk Line in Montgomery County. The line will operate after school and in the early evening hours, which are the peak hours for family and other conflicts. Individuals who call after hours will receive an automated message and will be directed to the Valley Creek Crisis Intervention Center in Exton for immediate support when needed.
Candy Craig, Chester County Deputy Administrator for Mental Health said, "We're very pleased to offer a service that provides a safe space for kids to reach out and connect with others in a supportive, confidential way; to share their concerns and receive peer and professional support. As we expand resources for early intervention, this program fosters an opportunity for positive experiences, promotes growth, self-awareness, and reduces stigma.”
Connecting with teens around concerns and stressors while they are still manageable can support skill building, resilience and an understanding of community resources. Supervised call takers are trained to apply active listening skills via phone and text, to recognize risks, coping strategies and problem solving, among other engagement techniques and competencies.
Chester County's Teen Talk Line will launch on April 1, 2021 and will work with Valley Creek Crisis Intervention Center to ensure seamless referral to Mobile Crisis for youth in need of immediate or higher-level support. In addition, the program will reach out to schools and community organizations to support virtual host events and to support the Teen Talk Line.
For more information about Chester County’s Teen Talk Line, email Candy Craig at [email protected], or call 610-344-6265 and ask for Candy Craig.
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that young people may be more vulnerable to stress and developing mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Teen Talk and Text lines are effective tools in supporting youth across the country.
Chester County's Teen Talk and Text Line is contracted through the County's office of Mental Health and will be provided by Access Services, a non-profit organization that runs other mental health programs, including a Teen Talk Line in Montgomery County. The line will operate after school and in the early evening hours, which are the peak hours for family and other conflicts. Individuals who call after hours will receive an automated message and will be directed to the Valley Creek Crisis Intervention Center in Exton for immediate support when needed.
Candy Craig, Chester County Deputy Administrator for Mental Health said, "We're very pleased to offer a service that provides a safe space for kids to reach out and connect with others in a supportive, confidential way; to share their concerns and receive peer and professional support. As we expand resources for early intervention, this program fosters an opportunity for positive experiences, promotes growth, self-awareness, and reduces stigma.”
Connecting with teens around concerns and stressors while they are still manageable can support skill building, resilience and an understanding of community resources. Supervised call takers are trained to apply active listening skills via phone and text, to recognize risks, coping strategies and problem solving, among other engagement techniques and competencies.
Chester County's Teen Talk Line will launch on April 1, 2021 and will work with Valley Creek Crisis Intervention Center to ensure seamless referral to Mobile Crisis for youth in need of immediate or higher-level support. In addition, the program will reach out to schools and community organizations to support virtual host events and to support the Teen Talk Line.
For more information about Chester County’s Teen Talk Line, email Candy Craig at [email protected], or call 610-344-6265 and ask for Candy Craig.