Student Learning Program

The Student Learning Program supports Master’s level students in social work or other mental health related programs as they complete their practicum requirements.

Our Student Learning Program Mission

The mission of the Student Learning Program (SLP) is to reduce barriers to higher education by curating a technologically driven environment for students to enhance their knowledge, and proficiency of Crisis Intervention practice through a medium of text.  In addition, we aim to ensure students are a part of an equitable and ethically centered practicum. By doing so, it is the organization’s primary goal to ensure students walk away enriched, and with a stronger connection and drive to embody the competencies and principles of the field of Social Work and Mental Health.

Volunteer and Practicum Student Duties

Crisis Text Line’s service is powered by volunteer Crisis Counselors and practicum students who work remotely—anywhere with a computer and secure internet connection. Trained Crisis Counselors answer texts from people in crisis, bringing them from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning.

The Student Learning Program supports students who are English speaking as well as students who are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Student Responsibilities & Expectations

Student responsibilities include: accruing weekly hours toward your placement (direct and indirect per the requirements of your school), taking conversations on the Platform, reading newsletters sent by Practicum Specialist, attending Crisis Text Line webinars, attending Monthly Skills Enhancer training hosted on a rotating schedule by each Practicum Specialist, attend weekly group supervision, respond to emails from Practicum Specialist in a timely fashion, attend office hours with Practicum Specialist as needed, incorporate feedback from Practicum Specialist via conversation transcripts.

This placement offers immense flexibility for student schedules, and also requires a high level of self-motivation and accountability because of the relative difference in structure compared to other in-person sites. Students should be aware that the content of crisis conversations can be intense at times, and yet they will have access to support in the moment on the Platform and also from Student Learning Program staff.

Discover more about the Student Learning Program:

Quick Glance: Practicum Fact Sheet
The Crisis Text Line practicum has been an enriching, valuable learning experience that continues to hone my communications skills.
Amanda M, SLP Student

Current Partnerships

  • Columbia University – School of Social Work
  • Hawaii Pacific University – College of Health and Society- Social Work and Public Health
  • Loyola University Chicago –  School of Social Work
  • NCCU –  Department of Social Work
  • New York University –  Silver School of Social Work
  • Our Lady of the Lake University – School of Professional Studies- Worden School of Social Services
  • Rutgers University – School of Social Work
  • Salisbury University / UMGC – Department of Social Work

 

  • Texas Christian University – Department of Social Work
  • Texas State University – College of Applied Arts
  • University of Denver– Graduate School of Professional Psychology
  • University of Northern Iowa – Social Work Department
  • Adelphi University School of Social Work
  • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Master of Science in Social Work
  • University of Southern California-Suzanne Dworak School of Social Work

Interested in becoming a partnered university/college with the Student Learning Program?

How To Apply

If you attend one of our 14 partnered schools and are interested in applying for a Field Practicum with Crisis Text Line, please have your Field Coordinator reach out to: practicum-admissions@crisistextline.org

All Field Coordinators will be asked to complete the SLP New Student Referral Form on your behalf. Our SLP Onboarding Manager and Leadership Team will review each request and if eligible will send an “Invitation to Apply” via email.

Every placement opportunity is contingent upon the successful completion of Crisis Counselor Training.

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