Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Free Peer Support
Everything you need to know about Project Reach.
Free peer support connects you with a trained volunteer listener who genuinely cares — at no cost. Project Reach is a peer support service for anyone who just needs someone to talk to. We're not crisis counselors or therapists — just humans trained to listen without judgment.
Yes, completely free. Project Reach is volunteer-powered and costs nothing to use. There are no fees, no subscriptions, and no hidden costs — ever.
Visit our Get Support page to see all your options — live chat, text, and more. No sign-up, no forms, no waitlist — just reach out whenever you're ready.
We take privacy seriously. Please review our Privacy Policy for full details on how conversations are handled.
There's no set time limit. Most conversations last between 15 and 45 minutes, but you can stay as long as you need. There's no pressure to wrap up — we're here at your pace.
That's okay. You can step away at any time — no explanation needed. If things feel urgent or unsafe, our volunteers are trained to gently guide you to professional resources like 988. You're in control.
No prior experience is required. We'll guide you through our Code of Conduct and best practices before you start. All we ask is that you show up with compassion and a willingness to listen.
Most volunteers contribute about 2 hours per week. We're flexible — you can choose weekday, evening, or weekend availability. Life happens, and we work around your schedule.
Peer support is not therapy or clinical treatment. It's human connection — a trained volunteer who listens without judgment. Therapy involves a licensed professional who diagnoses and treats. Peer support fills the space for people who need to talk but aren't ready for or don't need clinical care.
With Project Reach, you can connect for free via live chat or text — no account, no appointment, no cost. Visit our Get Support page and reach out whenever you're ready.
Yes — and that's exactly who we're here for. You don't need to be in a crisis to deserve support. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, lonely, or just need to talk, we're here.
Research consistently shows that peer support reduces feelings of isolation, improves wellbeing, and helps people feel heard and understood. It's not a replacement for clinical care, but for many people it's a meaningful and accessible first step.
Crisis hotlines are designed for emergencies. Project Reach is for everyday emotional struggles — the hard days that don't qualify as a crisis but still hurt. We're a complement to those services, not a replacement.
Absolutely. Project Reach is completely free and requires no insurance, no referral, and no paperwork. If you need someone to talk to, we're here — regardless of your insurance status.
Yes. You don't need to create an account, share your name, or provide any identifying information. You can use a nickname or no name at all. Your privacy is respected by default.
You can say anything — or nothing at all. Many people start with "I just need to talk" or "I'm not sure where to begin." Our listeners meet you wherever you are. There's no wrong way to start.