Spotlight on Crisis Centers 1998

8 American suicide crisis centers were analyzed to provide an accurate depiction of the organization of a modern crisis center. Results indicate that: many crisis lines are now directed to specific audiences (such as teens or seniors); staffing is generally more paid personnel rather than volunteers; & gatekeeper organizations are beginning to partner with crisis centers. A discussion of the efficacy of these centers notes that evaluation is difficult because callers are usually anonymous & cannot be studied. (1 ref) (SC)