Student Learning Practicum program
Student Learning Practicum Program #
The Student Learning Practicum program supports students in social work or other mental health related programs as they complete their practicum requirements in higher education.
Our Student Learning Practicum Program Mission #
The mission of the Student Learning Practicum program (SLP program) 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 Practicum 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 Practicum program staff.
Discover more about the Student Learning
Practicum program:
Current Partnerships #
- Baylor University– Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
- Columbia University – School of Social Work
- Eastern Washington University– School of Social Work
- Hawaii Pacific University– College of Health and Society- Social Work and Public Health
- Helen Keller Services for the Blind
- Loyola University Chicago – School of Social Work
- Metropolitan State University of Denver– Department of Social Work
- Mountwest Community & Technical College – AAS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- North Carolina Central University– Department of Social Work
- New Mexico Highlands University– Facundo Valdez School 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 & Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
- Salisbury University / University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) – Department of Social Work
- State University of New York (SUNY)– Plattsburgh – Department of Social Work
- Texas Christian University – Department of Social Work
- University of Alaska Anchorage– School of Social Work
- University of Central Florida– School of Social Work
- University of Denver– Graduate School of Professional Psychology & Graduate School of Social Work
- University of Kentucky – College of Social Work
- University of Michigan – School of Social Work
- University of Montana – School of Social Work
- University of Northern Iowa – Social Work Department
- University of Oklahoma– Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work
- University of South Florida– School of Social Work
- University of Southern California-Suzanne Dworak School of Social Work
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Master of Science in Social Work
Important Information for Prospective Students #
The partner programs listed above represent Crisis Text Line’s Student Learning Program (SLP) partnerships for the 2026–2027 academic year and the foreseeable future. We are currently at capacity and are not accepting new academic program partnerships.
Please note: Students must be enrolled in one of the partner programs listed above to participate in the SLP. If your school or academic program is not included on this list, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate additional placements.
If you do not attend one of the partner programs listed above, please do not contact the SLP team regarding participation opportunities, as we are unable to make exceptions, add new partners, or offer placements outside of our existing partner network.
“The Crisis Text Line practicum has been an enriching, valuable learning experience that continues to hone my communications skills.”
AMANDA M, SLP STUDENT
How To Apply #
If you attend one of our partnered schools or programs 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 program New Student Referral Form on your behalf (self referrals are also accepted). Our SLP program 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.
Eligibility Requirement: The Student Learning Program (SLP) is only available to students enrolled in one of Crisis Text Line’s partner academic programs. Before applying, please confirm that your college or university program appears on the partner list above. We are not accepting students from non-partner institutions and are unable to make exceptions or establish new partnerships at this time.
Awards and Recognition #
Outstanding Community Partner Award
Our Lady of the Lake University
Worden School of Social Service
2022-23
Outstanding Community Partner Award
Our Lady of the Lake University
Worden School of Social Service
2021-22
