International Council for Helplines offers accreditation to all crisis helpline programs to ensure high quality standards and ethical practice. 

International Council for Helplines accreditation standards define and establish best practices in the crisis helpline field. The Standards focus on areas outlined below in order for programs to have the infrastructure in place to provide compassionate and non-judgmental services to those in need of emotional support. 

International Council for Helpline’s accreditation is recognized and accepted by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If you are interested in learning more about International Council for Helpline’s accreditation process (see below) and/or would like a copy of our Accreditation Standards Manual, contact us or email [email protected].

How can becoming accredited benefit my organization?
Accreditation can benefit your organization in many ways, including:

• Provides a competitive advantage with funders
• Increases credibility within the community you serve
• Enhances your organization’s reputation by demonstrating your commitment to quality and best practices
• Provides an objective assessment of your day-to-day operations
• Promotes a positive culture within your organization and programs
• Builds in levels of accountability and strategic planning within your infrastructure.

 
Why International Council for Helplines?
International Council for Helplines has been a helpline membership organization offering accreditation services for over 55 years.  International Council for Helplines is a leader in the field of helpline accreditation and is solely dedicated to establishing best practice standards of service for emotional support helplines.  The International Council for Helplines Accreditation Examiners are leaders in their respective fields and use a collaborative approach in working with organizations in completing accreditation requirements.

What is the process for obtaining accreditation?
Addiction helpline accreditation standards cover 9 areas:

1. Governance and Leadership
2. Fiscal and Administrative
3. Facilities, Equipment and Safety
4. Training
5. Program Management
6. Supervision, Support and Evaluation of Specialists
7. Suicide Prevention and Intervention
8. Management of Specific Contact Types
9. Addiction Helpline Specific Standards
   
   

*If an organization is having more than one helpline accredited then standards 1-3 above are addressed only once.  Standards 4-9 apply to each specific helpline.

All organizations successfully meeting the accreditation requirements are awarded a 3-year accreditation.

The accreditation process typically takes between 6-9 months.  Below are the steps involved in the accreditation process:

Step 1: Application

Complete the online Application for Accreditation and Membership.

Step 2: Application Fee

Pay the $500 application fee. An invoice will be sent to the organization’s designated contact.

Step 3: Accreditation Kickoff

Once the application fee is received, the Accreditation Coordinator will meet with the organization to begin the accreditation process. The Accreditation Coordinator will email the following materials:

• Accreditation Standards Manuals (if not previously provided)
• Accreditation Process Handbook
• Pre-Accreditation Assessment Questionnaire(s)
• Component Response Templates and Documentation Submittal Procedures

The Accreditation Coordinator remains available throughout the process to answer questions and serve as a resource.

Step 4: Documentation Submission

The organization assembles and submits all documentation addressing the components outlined in the Accreditation Standards Manual(s) to a secure online location (details provided in the Documentation Submittal Procedures).

Note: All documentation must be received at least four (4) weeks prior to the scheduled interviews.

Step 5: Documentation Review

After all component responses and supporting documents are uploaded, two accreditation examiners are assigned to review the materials and complete a preliminary scoring of each component.

Step 6: Interview Preparation and Scheduling

The Accreditation Coordinator provides an interview schedule identifying individuals representing areas of accreditation evaluation.

• Interviews may be conducted virtually or in person.
• Interview dates are determined collaboratively between the organization and the accreditation examiners.

Note: If interviews are conducted in person and the organization would like to use its tax-exempt status for examiner travel arrangements, the lead accreditation examiner must be notified before any travel is booked.

Step 7: Interviews and Exit Interview

The assigned accreditation examiners conduct the interviews, including an exit interview, during which the accreditation outcome is shared.

Step 8: Final Reports and Certification

The accreditation report(s), score sheet(s), and accreditation certificate(s) are emailed within 30 days of the exit interview.

If an organization does not meet the minimum requirements for full accreditation, a three-month contingency period may be granted. This allows time to address specific criteria outlined in the accreditation report.

• Organizations granted contingency status are required to pay an additional $1,000 contingency fee to cover staff time needed to manage and monitor the contingency plan.

Accreditation Fees

After the initial accreditation kickoff meeting, an accreditation fee invoice is issued. For new organizations, this invoice will include membership dues. All organizations accredited by the International Council for Helplines (ICH) pay annual membership dues of $750.

• Membership dues are pro-rated for the first year based on the month the organization joins ICH.

Accreditation fees are based on the number of helplines undergoing accreditation:

• First helpline: $2,950
• Each additional helpline: $1,950
  
  

In-Person Visit Travel Costs

If the organization requests an in-person visit, it is responsible for the accreditation examiners’ travel expenses.

• Estimated travel costs are typically $3,500, which may include airfare, lodging, and meals.
• Actual costs may vary depending on the organization’s location.

Questions or need additional information? Click here or email us at [email protected].