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Following a series of suicides in 1968, Ithacans lobbied for a 24-hour crisis service. Reverend Jack Lewis took the first call in 1969. The caller was a young person who was so upset that they felt the only solution was to take their life.
With the support of that first Crisis Line Counselor, the young person renewed their hope and sense of possibility. 387 calls were received that first year.
Today, SPCS answers calls from 17 counties throughout New York State to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, as well as direct calls to our local crisis line, 607.272.1616. We are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
At Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service (SPCS), our focus is to provide immediate and compassionate support to individuals in crisis, aiming to reduce the incidence of suicide and promote mental health and well-being within our community. We are dedicated to offering non-judgmental, confidential assistance 24/7, every day of the year. Our core values of compassion, confidentiality, respect, and inclusivity guide everything we do.
We strive to create a safe space for individuals to express their feelings, ensuring that every person is treated with dignity and understanding. Our commitment to these values helps us to build trust and offer the essential support that can renew hope and a sense of possibility for those in need.
You deserve to be heard and understood.
At SPCS, we prioritize compassionate, confidential, and inclusive support, ensuring every individual receives the help they need in times of crisis.
We provide empathetic, non-judgmental support to everyone who reaches out.
All interactions are kept strictly confidential to protect caller privacy.
We serve individuals of all backgrounds and identities, promoting equity and understanding.
Our methods are rooted in the latest research to ensure effective crisis intervention.
SPCS offers various educational programs to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to support those in crisis.
Interactive sessions designed to educate participants on recognizing signs of distress and providing effective support.
Specialized training for professionals in healthcare, education, and other fields to enhance their crisis intervention skills.
Tailored presentations and resources for students and educators to promote mental health and suicide prevention.
Programs aimed at raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues within the community.
Get answers to your most asked questions.
We want you to be comfortable reaching out for support when you need it.
SPCS is a 988 Lifeline Call Center accepting calls from those in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. We also offer a local crisis line, along with Chat & Text to meet everyone where they are. We connect with those who have experienced a suicide in the community with postvention support like crisis planning and bereavement services. You can also attend one of our educational opportunities to learn more about how you can learn to support others.
Yes, confidentiality is a priority. Information shared during calls is kept strictly confidential to ensure privacy and trust. We are focused on preserving life and will take extenuating measures if necessary for those unable/unwilling to safety plan when their life may be in imminent danger.
Dial 988
Local Crisis Line: 607.272.1616
LGBTQ+ Peer Support Line: 607.276.1771
