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Crisis Text Line Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UCI Health

RN - Cath Lab

Lakewood, CA · On-site

CPI Blue Card from the Crisis Prevention Institute is mandatory. Candidates must have the required ... Free and unlimited continuing education units (CEUs) * 24/7 dedicated Care Line and clinical ...

All JobsCrisis Text Line JobsCrisis Text Line Jobs in California

Crisis Text Line information

See California salary details

$12

$20

$32

How much do crisis text line jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for crisis text line in California is $20.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Crisis Text Line counselor?

To thrive as a Crisis Text Line Counselor, you need strong active listening, emotional intelligence, and crisis intervention skills, often gained through relevant training or volunteer experience. Familiarity with secure chat platforms, confidentiality protocols, and sometimes certifications in mental health first aid are important. Compassion, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for supporting individuals in distress. These abilities ensure effective support, help de-escalate crises, and promote the safety and well-being of those seeking help.

What is the difference between Crisis Text Line vs Crisis Counselor?

AspectCrisis Text LineCrisis Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires training in crisis intervention, active listening, and mental health awarenessRequires similar credentials, often including certifications in crisis intervention or mental health counseling
Work EnvironmentRemote, text-based support platformCan be remote or in-person, providing direct support to clients
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, mental health services, crisis interventionHealthcare providers, mental health clinics, crisis centers

Both Crisis Text Line and Crisis Counselors focus on providing immediate mental health support, often requiring similar training and certifications. While Crisis Text Line offers remote, text-based assistance through a nonprofit platform, Crisis Counselors may work in various settings, including in-person environments. Both roles are vital in crisis intervention and mental health support services.

What are some common challenges faced by Crisis Text Line counselors, and how are these addressed within the organization?

Crisis Text Line counselors often encounter emotionally intense situations, such as supporting individuals in acute distress or crisis. This can sometimes lead to emotional fatigue or compassion fatigue. To help address these challenges, the organization provides extensive training before counselors begin their shifts, ongoing supervision, and access to mental health resources. Peer support channels and regular debrief sessions are also available to ensure counselors feel supported and can process their experiences in a healthy way.

What is Crisis Text Line and what does a Crisis Text Line counselor do?

Crisis Text Line is a free, confidential text messaging service that provides support to people in crisis. Trained volunteer counselors respond to texts from individuals who are experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or urgent situations. These counselors listen empathetically, help texters move from a hot moment to a cool calm, and connect them with resources if needed. The service is available 24/7 and aims to provide immediate support to anyone in need.

How to become a Crisis Text Line counselor?

To become a Crisis Text Line counselor, applicants must complete an online training program that covers active listening, crisis intervention, and confidentiality. Volunteers typically commit to a minimum number of hours per week and must pass a background check. Prior experience in mental health or counseling is helpful but not required.
What are the most commonly searched types of Crisis Text Line jobs in California? The most popular types of Crisis Text Line jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Crisis Text Line jobs in California? For Crisis Text Line jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Crisis Text Line jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Crisis Text Line jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Crisis Text Line jobs? Cities in California with the most Crisis Text Line job openings:
Crisis Text Line jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crisis Text Line job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,507 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Volunteer

Crisis Support Services of Alameda County

Oakland, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The purpose of the volunteer position is to answer calls or text/chat conversations from community members seeking support.
This role will support the Crisis Line or the Text Line by providing service on one 4-hour shift per week for a period of at least 365 days. This role is responsible for upholding standards of care for Crisis Support Services of Alameda County and all of its associated partner agencies and accrediting bodies by providing call (or chat-and-text) -based crisis counseling with a focus on suicide prevention. This role will collaborate with team members on a weekly shift via video and chat, maintain thorough documentation of contact with clients, and simultaneously utilize multiple tools to meet the needs of callers (or texters) and their shift.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, desire for and openness to receiving constructive feedback, ability to learn and navigate multiple web-based platforms simultaneously, flexibility in adapting to changing needs of each shift, willingness to engage in self-reflective work, timely adherence to deadlines, commitment to displaying empathy and attunement along with effective engagement/connection skills toward callers (or texters). Demonstration of respect for individuals and cultural responsiveness for callers/texters and folks working at our agency as staff and volunteers.

Applicant A.I. Disclaimer
Each application is read and reviewed by human beings! Please avoid using A.I. when answering application questions. We ask for these application materials so that we can get to know each individual applicant better. We've heard enough from artificial intelligence language models and want to hear your voice. For this role, evident use of A.I. in your application decreases your likelihood of being selected to move forward in the application process.
Our last training cohort of 2026 is taking place in October and applications for that cohort have now closed. Any applications submitted after August 3rd will be considered for our next training cohort, with a likely start date of January 2027.

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