Support Services

Purpose

To support community members’ immediate and long-term emotional and mental health needs. Use this document to prepare yourself for truth-telling sessions. It outlines information, process, and resources should you want to contact emotional or mental health supportive resources.  

We recognize that the act of sharing experiences that have caused pain and suffering can be both empowering and retraumatizing. We have partnered with the Department of Mental Health to create a resource that you can use for personalized care planning.  You can have immediate access to a trained counselor through the lifeline 988.  

If you use the 988 service, please inform the counselor that you receive the contact from the VTRC.    

Calling 988 

• Say the reason for your call. You DO NOT need to say your name. 
• When there is an opportunity, please mention that you submitted a truth- statement with the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission (VTRC).

What Can I Anticipate Sharing in a Conversation with a 988 Call Taker?

Example below: 

Counselor: Thank you, I'm here for you and want to help you stay safe. Can you tell me a little about what's been going on that's forcing you to want to end your life? 

Guest: Yeah, so my friend who I’ve known for several years passed away unexpectedly a few days ago. He was young and a great person. My supports live a couple of hours away and I’m alone in a new city…I travel for work. I feel scared and alone. My job is overwhelming too. I work long hours and don’t have support. I’m scared I won’t ever feel safe again. 

Counselor: That's sounds so devastating to lose someone you care about like that, especially when you're in a new area and without support. I'm sure it's all so overwhelming right now, grief is an awful thing to have to go through. 

Guest: Yeah. 

Counselor: I'd like to start working on a safety plan with you, have you ever made a safety plan before? 

Guest: No I haven’t 

Counselor: It's basically a list of coping tools, distractions, supports, resources, etc. for you to use in times of crisis of when you're wanting to harm yourself. Would you like to make one with me?

Texting 988 

• Text 988 type a word like “Hello” to start the conversation. You will receive instructions on how to continue 
• You DO NOT need to give your name 
• When there is an opportunity, please mention that you submitted a truth- statement with the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission (VTRC) 
• Check your phone provider to find out if message and data rate apply

Chat

• To access the chat feature, visit Get Help - 988 Lifeline on your computer or mobile device.  
• Click the chat button and follow the prompts to continue the chat conversation. 
• When there is an opportunity, please mention that you submitted a truth- statement with the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission (VTRC).
• There is a button that can be selected on this website for people who are deaf/hard of hearing. 

If you have any trouble accessing and/or receiving the support you need, please contact the VTRC@vermont.gov.

Quick Facts About 988 

• There is 24/7 support for in-state 988 calls, texts, and chats.  
• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential assistance to all Vermonters who may be experiencing a self-defined crisis.  
• 96% of calls, texts, and chats are managed without the need for higher level of care.  
• Calls are directed to local Vermont centers when the caller has an 802-area code or is physically present in Vermont while using Verizon or T-Mobile. 
• Law enforcement is not required to participate.  

Are 988 Counselors Aware of Unique Needs and Culturally Relevant Responses? 

• The trained counselors at 988 have experience dealing with ID/D or Autism, Veterans, those for whom English is not their first language or are new to this country, youth, and BIPOC individuals.  
• The 988 service includes connections to the Spanish line, Veterans line, and LGBTQ+ line, ensuring that diverse needs are met.  

Can I Receive Immediate In-Person Support?

• You can request to meet with a crisis clinician in-person. If this is the case, the 988 call-taker will connect you with a clinician who has the ability to meet with you in your home or elsewhere in the community for your comfort.  
• A crisis clinician will be accompanied by a peer specialist (a person with the lived experience of mental health). 
• They may ask questions to assess what has happened/is happening and provide support to help you navigate the crisis.  
• They will develop a plan with you for your immediate needs and on-going services.
• Law enforcement is not required to participate.

Are There Safe Places to Receive Additional Support? (Alternatives to Emergency Department) 

If you need a safe place to go, there are several new options other than your local emergency department. 

• Interlude (adults) Counseling Services of Addison County in Middlebury M-F, 10am-6pm 802-458-8219 
• Access Hub (adults) Washington County Mental Health Services in Montpelier M-Th, 7am-7pm F, 7am-4pm 802-301-3200  
• Front Porch (adults and youths) Northeast Kingdom Human Services in Newport 24/7/365 802-624-4016 
• Mental Health Urgent Care (adults) Howard Center in Burlington M-F, 9am-5pm 802-488-6482 

Are There Crisis Stabilization Beds? 

Each of Vermont’s 10 designated agencies has a Crisis Bed where individuals in crisis can be referred for several days.  

• To be admitted to one of these programs, the Designated Agencies Mobile Crisis Team conducts an assessment and determines that admission to a crisis bed is an appropriate level of care.
• These units offer a less restrictive environment compared to inpatient hospitalization units.