Nevada’s crisis support center, built over time.
Crisis Support Services of Nevada began as a single suicide prevention hotline in Reno. More than 60 years later, CSSNV continues to provide free, confidential crisis support, care coordination, and victim advocacy for people across Nevada.
Founded in Reno as a suicide prevention hotline, CSSNV grew from one point of contact into a statewide crisis support organization.
Started because Nevada needed someone to answer.
CSSNV was established in 1966 as an outreach program of the University of Nevada, Reno in response to Nevada’s high rate of suicide. Working with Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health, the original program created a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline through the Department of Psychology.
In those early years, the Crisis Call Center was known as “The Nevada Life Ring.” The name reflected the purpose of the work: to offer a steady point of connection when people were facing crisis, isolation, emotional distress, grief, fear, or thoughts of suicide.
One responsibility. More ways to serve.
The organization has changed over time, but the purpose has remained steady: answer when people reach out and connect them to support.
A single phone line
Crisis support began as a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline created through the University of Nevada, Reno.
Victim advocacy takes root
A victim response program was established in collaboration with Washoe County and the City of Reno to support survivors of sexual assault.
Independent nonprofit
Crisis Call Center became an independent nonprofit organization, expanding its reach, partnerships, and community role.
Expanding with community need
Services grew to address additional forms of crisis, including domestic violence, substance use, child abuse, elder abuse, and emotional distress.
A broader name
Crisis Call Center became Crisis Support Services of Nevada to reflect the organization’s expanded role in crisis response, advocacy, and support.
The launch of 988
CSSNV became part of Nevada’s 988 crisis response system, supporting access to call, text, and chat crisis services.
Support that begins with listening.
The Crisis Contact Center remains at the center of CSSNV’s work. Trained crisis counselors provide 24/7 support by phone, text, and chat for people experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, concern for someone else, trauma, or uncertainty about what to do next.
Our role is to listen, help steady the moment, support safety, and connect people to resources or follow-up when needed. Every contact is handled with care, confidentiality, and respect.
Learn about the Crisis Contact Center →Advocacy that stays with survivors.
CSSNV’s Victim Services Unit, formerly known as Sexual Assault Support Services, was founded as a victim response program to provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and support for survivors of sexual assault.
Today, trained advocates provide confidential support for survivors and those supporting someone after sexual violence. Advocates can help with emotional support, reporting options, forensic exam accompaniment, referrals, and connection to ongoing resources.
Learn about Victim Services →Built over 60 years. Ready every day.
Today, CSSNV provides 24/7 crisis intervention, Nevada 988 support, specialized hotline services, care coordination, and confidential victim advocacy. The work is practical, immediate, and grounded in one belief: people deserve support when they reach out.