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Originally Posted by Red M
When you say process the calls, Sabra, you mean that the volunteers reviewed the calls and what the callers had to say? Some people have expressed privacy concerns when calling these lines and tend not to use their real names. As you said, the programs vary from state to state and some callers have been concerned if their calls were being recorded. I also take it to mean that you all asked people if they had therapists? It also sounds like the centers you worked for permitted volunteers to take a break if they felt overwhelmed with the calls and if that is the case, then that is great.
I am just curious as it is interesting to hear from those who have actually volunteered on these lines. It is interesting to learn their insight.
I agree with you that no program will be spot on all the time. The programs that you volunteered for appear to have made a concerted effort to help callers, and I find that commendable.
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Good morning,
The 2 organizations I volunteered for did not ask for names, record calls or know the phone # of those who called. At the end of the call, I asked some callers if I could contact them within the next 24 hours. Of course if they said yes, they gave me their phone #. Otherwise, we filled out a basic form to keep stats on the kind of calls we received.
35 years ago, very few people went to therapy. State hospitals were open and thriving. Or if you had the money, there were therapists and psychiatrists available. I don't recall asking about therapists. It was assumed people didn't have access. Mental health insurance certainly was not a priority. There still isn't parity for mental health.
The second crisis line I volunteered for, we did ask about therapists or sometimes the caller would mention a therapist. I was a therapist at the time, but that info never entered the conversation. I was there to listen and support in the moment. Our other services were for sexual assault victims. We met the victim at the hospital and stayed with the person for the interviews and examination. They were then referred to therapists that provided trauma services.
Currently, I am a part-time victim advocate for my county. We don't take crisis calls. We are called out for domestic violence, unattended deaths, homicides, suicides and death notifications. We also deal with those impacted by natural disasters. We offer support for initial crisis and refer them.
There are 2 trainings a year, 40 hours each. The last 2 trainings had therapists in them. When they learned they couldn't build their client list from the victims we serve, they quit the training. I realize not all who sign up for crisis services via crisis line or callouts have the same motivation. However, the vast majority of people I have volunteered with have been great and very good at what they did.
I hope this answers your questions.
Regards,
Sabra