Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline

I've been a Volunteer Crisis Phone Responder since May 2016 and it's the most rewarding thing I've ever done. When I signed up, I had absolutely no experience, but the training was incredible and I was more than prepared to take my first call. A phone responder's purpose is NOT to give advice but to listen, offer emotional support, risk assessment, referrals to appropriate services, and follow-up when needed. Volunteers commit for one year and work one 4 hour shift per week. Each shift has three phone responders and one supervisor. The supervisors are clinicians and are there to help whenever needed. Their assistance during phone calls is invaluable. No two calls are the same and not all callers are suicidal. Many call to talk to someone who will listen without judgment. After particularly difficult calls, we're encouraged to talk through our emotions and the supervisor makes sure we don't take those feelings home. The team at ISPH has become my second family.