Home > How it Works

How it Works

What Is Helpline Software?

Helpline Software is a fully integrated system to manage your hotline, helpline, support line, or crisis line. We’re purpose-built to manage all aspects of running your local, state, or nationwide line(s) – from scheduling and shift reminders to burnout protection reports.

Whether you run a mental health hotline, a domestic violence crisis line, or a multi-service helpline, our system supports your team behind the scenes, allowing them to focus on what matters most—helping people.


Helpline Software is designed to help ensure that no call is missed, and no volunteer or staff person burns out. Specify custom on-call orders, crisis callbacks, schedules, and more.

Concierge Onboarding

We get it – you’re not tech savvy, but you know your line. That’s why everything starts with concierge on-boarding. Just tell us your goals and we’ll take it from there.

Do you want to ensure calls are never missed? Do you want to forward calls with multiple layers of backups? Do you want a replacement for your answering service? How about implementing a
chat and text system, reducing burnout, or installing a custom system for your state or national hotline? Perhaps you want an industrial-strength anonymizer?

Just let us know. Each client is unique and receives a fully customized system tailored to their specific needs. You don’t pay unless it’s the perfect system for you.

What Happens
When Someone Calls?

When someone calls your  line, Helpline Software’s system gets to work right away. The call is anonymously (or not) logged and the system triages according to your policies to determine the best course of action. From there, calls are routed to the appropriate team member.

Without reliable software for call centers, teams often encounter common issues, including lost call data, long wait times, inconsistent responses, and staff burnout from trying to manage everything manually.

Crisis Center Workflow:

How Staff Use the Platform

Step 01

Admin input the schedules, and approve/deny any pending shift requests.

Step 02

Sit back and watch. When a new call, webchat, or text comes in the system will automatically follow your workflows. It’ll call agents on their cell-phones (or computers) according to your on-call orders and schedules.

How Staff Use the Platform

Before the Call

Staff log in (or can be automatically logged in according to schedules), and see their upcoming shifts. Call routing preferences and on-call orders are automatically applied based on admin instructions, ensuring coverage without the guesswork.

During the Call

Your agent just talks to the caller. Our system has already:

  • Given your agent enough time to get to a confidential and quiet place to answer
  • Informed the about the type of call before they accepted it.
  • Reminded them about their shift (opt-in).
  • Protected them from burnout according to your policies.

After the Call

Our system will:

  1. Remind agents to fill out any custom intake form(s) configured by your agency.
  2. Allow admin to access detailed reports based on custom data retention policies.
  3. Help protect against burnout.
  4. Show you why each person was called (e.g., who was out of reception).

Key Features at a Glance

Our hotline software includes features built specifically for on-call response teams:

Custom
forms

Real-time

dashboards

Burnout
protection

Custom call routing
to browser and cell phone

Reporting

and analytics

Outcome

tracking

Why Leading
Centers Choose Us

Helpline isn’t just another call center software solution. It was developed in partnership with hotlines, helplines, and crisis lines to meet their unique demands. Our clients see:

Whether you’re running a small hotline or a statewide or nationwide response network, Helpline Software scales to your needs and grows with your organization. You can always adjust your settings and add or omit features at any time.

The Software in Action

Get Expert Support

We back all of our contracts with a 150% money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, we won’t just give you your money back – we’ll pay you.

This works because our customers are not only happy with our product and features, but also with our support and our entire ecosystem of related innovations.

Frequently asked questions

Can we keep our existing hotline number(s)?
Absolutely! You can keep your existing number(s).
Updates to your shift schedule will instantaneously change the forwarding for all calls, chats and texts. No need to call anyone or send an email. Once you click save it’s there, and it’s working. You’ll even be able to see that happen in real-time.
Yes, we'll train 1-3 key personnel and provide you with detailed onboarding materials that you can use to train everybody else.
Calls sent to your personnel will always come from the same Helpline Software number, unless you prefer something else.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer that you are looking for? Please chat our friendly team