Mapping Crisis Text Line Use and Mental Health Resources in New York State

Mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are common, affecting a quarter of the US population (26.4%), often with onset in adolescence. Though prevalence rates are similar, those living in rural areas are less likely to receive mental health treatment than urban dwellers. Technologically-mediated crisis supports, such as Crisis Text Line (CTL), may complement face-to-face therapeutic interventions by supplementing limited, existing local resources.

From 2013 – 2017, just over 25,000 unique NYS residents engaged with CTL, with a dramatically increasing number of contacts from 2013 to 2017. Depression (11.8%), suicidal thoughts (8.2%), and anxiety (8.1%) were the most commonly discussed issues. Most NYS CTL contacts occurred during the summer months (June, July, August), at the start of the week (Monday – Wednesday), and during the late night/early morning hours (1 – 4 AM).

Scroll over the map to the left to gain insights about CTL use within specific geographic regions.