Lifeline Crisis Chat is a joint service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in partnership with CONTACT USA. It is the first service of its kind where crisis centers across the United States have joined together to form one national chat network that can provide online emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services. Visitors logging on to chat will interact with a chat specialist who will give them space to talk about what they are upset about, exploring feelings and thoughts associated with the crisis. Chat specialists will also assess for suicide risk and work collaboratively with the visitor to come up with a safety plan which 50 addresses positive coping strategies and next steps. The specialists who answer chats have had thorough training in crisis and suicide intervention, as well as specific topics such as youth issues.