International Council for Helplines

09/08/2026

September 8th marks 988 Day, a national Day of Action dedicated to raising awareness of the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and encouraging people to seek support whenever they need it. This year's theme,"988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough," serves as a powerful reminder that you don't have to wait for a crisis to reach out. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, worried about a loved one, or simply need someone to talk to, help is available 24/7 by calling, texting, or chatting 988.

The day also provides an opportunity to recognize the crisis counselors, behavioral health professionals, peers, first responders, and community partners whose dedication makes that support possible. Their work helps ensure that compassionate, judgment-free care is available whenever and wherever it is needed.

As we recognize the importance of connection, hope, and access to care, we remain committed to advancing high-quality crisis services and strengthening the crisis care continuum in communities across the country.

In that spirit, we look forward to continuing these conversations at CrisisCon26. For those interested in joining us, conference registration and sponsorship opportunities remain available. To learn more visit our website- Registration -

Happy 988 Day. 💙

08/28/2026

CrisisCon26 is just about 5 weeks away. Register soon so you can be part of this amazing event. Hope to see you in Atlanta.

08/08/2026

The International Council for Helplines (ICH) is seeking its next Director of Accreditation and Credentialing!

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and advance ICH's nationally recognized accreditation and credentialing programs while supporting excellence in crisis services.

If you—or someone in your network—have a passion for quality improvement, accreditation, and strengthening crisis services, this may be the perfect opportunity.

Applications will be accepted through August 21, 2026.

Apply online:
https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/international-council-for-helplines-inc-director-of-accreditation-and-credentialing-3a54ca87-6d06-4fa2-b40d-fdb98010c94c

Please help spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your colleagues and professional networks.

The Director of Accreditation and Credentialing provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management for the organization’s accreditation and credentialing programs. This role ensures the integrity, quality, and consistency of all standards, processes, and evaluation activities. The Director d...

07/09/2026

Attending an IFOTES Congress in Budapest on a very relevant topic of today - the use of AI in helpline work.

08/11/2025

📣KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCMENT for CrisisCon25! Register today at https://www.crisiscon.org/register.html to join us!📣

Dr. Margie Balfour is a psychiatrist and national leader in crisis care, quality improvement, outcome measurement, and law enforcement responses to behavioral health emergencies. As the founder of MultiPass Consulting, she helps communities and organizations across the country develop and improve their behavioral health crisis systems.

Dr. Balfour also serves an Executive Policy Advisor at Connections Health Solutions, where she previously held the role of Chief of Quality & Clinical Innovation. In that role, she led the transformation of the Crisis Response Center in Tucson into the centerpiece of a nationally recognized crisis system and played a vital role in Connections’ expansion into multiple states.

08/08/2025

⭐️CrisisCon25 Plenary Announcement⭐️

Bart Andrews, PhD, is the Chief Clinical Officer at Behavioral Health Response. Dr. Andrews is a board member of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and chair of the AAS Advisory Council, facilitator of Missouri’s Su***de Prevention in Healthcare ECHO, a member of the Missouri Su***de Prevention Network Executive Committee and Su***de Prevention in Schools Committee Chair, a recipient of the 2022 American Association of Suicidology Roger Tierney Service Award and a ZeroSu***de Academy Faculty member. Dr. Andrews is a strong adherent of scientific methodology as the best path to understanding su***de and developing evidence-based interventions. Dr. Andrews is a su***de attempt survivor and a proponent of engaging lived experience into formal scientific inquiry to improve our su***de prevention efforts. Dr. Andrews is also known far and wide for his mastery of Facebook memery (meme-ory).

07/17/2025

The agenda for CrisisCon25 is now published on the CrisisCon website: https://www.crisiscon.org/agenda.html

Register to attend soon in order to secure your spot.

07/16/2025

Ready to share all about the International Council for Helplines at the National Problem Gambling Conference this week.

06/03/2025

Michael Reading (International Council for Helplines) and Heather Honaker (Crisis Residential Association) representing CrisisCon at CoRCon - the National Co-Responder Conference.

06/02/2025

‼️‼️ THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 6TH is the final day to submit your proposals to present at CrisisCon25 ‼️‼️

CrisisCon24: Call For Presentations ​ The Crisis Residential Association and the International Council for Helplines are proud to announce CrisisCon24, taking place in Phoenix, AZ October 14 -...