Please answer....(no rude comments plz)?

Question

When you sign up for one of those online counseling programs with a suicidal hotline why do they need your address and phone #?

Answer 1

I'm not sure from the way you asked the question whether you are talking about counseling others or being counseled.

A suicide hotline should not be asking callers for that information. If you want to counsel others, though, they are going to want to do some checks on you, because there are people who misuse hotlines for research or just for fun.

If you need counseling from a service that is asking for information you don't want to give them, try emailing them and telling them you don't feel comfortable giving out that information. Find out what they suggest.

Answer 2

http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

Answer 3

Probably so that they have your information in case you hurt yourself- they can inform the police where you are.  

Answer 4

When you apply for any job or volunteer work, they require a lot of personal information, including a couple of character references, a criminal record check etc. It's all just part of making you're the right person for the job.

Answer 5

To my knowledge hotlines are anonymous. In-person counseling they need your name, address, and other personal info to create your file. With online counseling with a certified counselor you probably have to give personal info so they can create your file. The hotline people shouldn't need your info, but any counselor you go to, whether online or in person, probably will require that info. I'd rather go for in-person counseling, though I'm a better writer than speaker, because I'm not sure about the privacy of online counseling. Would you be sharing your info with the same person each time or different people? In person you can read the counselor's body language and learn about his or her personality. Don't let what I'm saying here discourage you. If you've looked into your options and feel this is the best approach then by all means go for it! It's great that you're seeking help.