Little Rock, Arkansas – In response to the growing mental health crisis among youth in Arkansas, the Arkansas Crisis Center (ACC) is expanding its text-to-chat service to provide critical support to young people in distress. The service, which operates through the national 988 helpline, offers immediate and confidential assistance to individuals experiencing mental health crises, allowing them to connect with trained local counselors via text.
Over the past month alone, the ACC has received 618 texts or chats, with more than half coming from individuals under the age of 18. This statistic highlights the urgent need for accessible mental health services for young people in the state. Joshua Gonzales, President of the Board at the Arkansas Crisis Center, expressed the significance of these messages: “Every text we receive is a clear signal that our young people are reaching out, and we must respond with urgency and compassion. This isn’t just a new service; it’s a critical, life-saving resource in a time of unprecedented need.”
The expansion of the service comes in direct response to the overwhelming demand. With more young people turning to the ACC for help, the organization plans to double its capacity for handling these requests. This move aims to ensure that more Arkansans, especially youth, have access to vital mental health resources when they need them most.
In a state where suicide is one of the leading causes of death for individuals aged 10 or older, the importance of accessible crisis intervention cannot be overstated. Gonzales added, “Our expansion is about more than just numbers—it’s about safeguarding the lives of our future generations.” The Arkansas Crisis Center is committed to being a lifeline for those struggling with mental health challenges, offering a safe and supportive space for youth to seek help.
The text-to-chat service is available to anyone in need, providing an immediate connection to a counselor without the need for phone calls or face-to-face meetings. This service is particularly important for young people who may feel more comfortable reaching out through text rather than speaking directly to someone. By expanding the service, ACC is ensuring that more individuals can receive the help they need, no matter their location or circumstances.
As mental health issues continue to affect a significant portion of the youth population, the Arkansas Crisis Center’s expansion of its text-to-chat service is a vital step toward providing the support and resources necessary to address this growing crisis. Through this initiative, the ACC hopes to offer young people a sense of security and connection, reminding them that help is just a text away.
