Free, confidential online chat sessions with a trained rape crisis counselor
for residents of Albany County, NY*

Monday through Friday

12:00Noon–4:00pm

IMPORTANT! In the unlikely event that a counselor is not available when you want to chat, Albany County residents can call our hotline anytime day or night at (518) 447‑7716. As always in an emergency, dial 911.

*Unfortunately, we do not have the resources or the necessary information to readily help you if you live outside our area. If you are not a resident of Albany County, NY, please reach out to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) online chat at online.rainn.org, where you can receive support and learn about programs available in your region. 

Why online chat?

• Online chat can be a safer and more private option for some survivors of violence,
• Online chat may be a survivor's preferred way to communicate with a trained advocate.
• It is confidential. Most of the time only you and the person you're chatting with can read the chat session. However, at times, a chat may also be viewed by additional CVSVC employees or supervisors for quality control purposes.
• Your session does not get saved anywhere–not on your device and not on our server.

Is it really confidential?

There are still some important safety risks to be aware of. We try to make our online chat as safe as possible, but please keep these points in mind:

• Before you begin, please make sure you are in a safe and confidential location where no one can see your screen. 
• No technology can prevent information from being read on a device that has a virus, malware, spyware, etc. installed on it.
• If you think your online activities are being monitored, they probably are. Abusive people are often controlling and want to know your every move.
• You don’t need to be a computer programmer or have special skills to monitor someone’s computer and Internet activities. Anyone can do it with easy to use spyware, keystroke loggers and hacking tools.
• It is not possible to delete or clear all traces ("footprints") of activity on your computer or device.

• We do not track IP addresses, and we will not know your name or location unless you tell us. However, if we believe you are dealing with child abuse or you are likely to hurt yourself or others, AND you have provided us with identifying information, we are legally required to contact CPS or law enforcement for their help in ensuring everyone’s safety.

What if I don't feel safe using my own device?

If you suspect that your device is being monitored:

• You can call our hotline anytime, day or night at (518) 447-7716.
• You may want use somebody else's device, such as
  • A computer in a public library or
  • A trusted friend’s device or computer

The chat has a Quick Escape button to allow you to leave quickly and safely with a single click.

OK, I am ready to chat online now!

Simply click the Chat Now button below.

By clicking Chat Now and entering the chat, you agree that you have read and understand the safety reminders.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Albany County Psychiatric Crisis Services (mobile crisis)

• Phone: (518) 549–6500

Crisis Text Line

• Text HOME to 741741

Mental Health Empowerment Project (mental health warmline)

• Phone: (800) 643-7462

National Domestic Violence Hotline

• Online chat: thehotline.org
• Phone: 1−800−799−7233

National Sexual Assault Hotline

• Online chat: online.rainn.org
• Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• Online chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
• Phone: 988 or 1-800-273-8255