The Trevor Project Unveils Innovative AI Persona for LGBTQ+ Crisis Counseling Support

Since the beginning of 2021, The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth, has utilized an innovative AI tool known as the Crisis Contact Simulator (CCS) to train counselors in effectively communicating with young people in crisis. This simulator creates realistic conversational scenarios using AI chatbots. Originally launched with a single persona, the CCS now introduces a second persona named Drew. Drew embodies a fictional youth in their early 20s residing in California who experiences bullying and harassment.

Since launching its first persona, Riley, in February, The Trevor Project has successfully trained over 1,000 counselors using this technology. It's important to highlight that the Crisis Contact Simulator is designed to enhance, not replace, in-person training methods. The tool enables new applicants to participate in two roleplay sessions at their convenience, reflecting the true nuances of Gen Z communication, including “realistic” capitalization and punctuation.

"From the inception of the Crisis Contact Simulator, our goal has been to create a variety of training personas that reflect the diverse experiences and intersectional identities of the LGBTQ youth we support, each with unique stories," said Dan Fichter, The Trevor Project’s head of AI and engineering. "With the addition of Drew, we are excited to offer trainees a broader range of practice scenarios and narratives, better preparing them to connect with any young person in crisis."

The Trevor Project has a strong history of leveraging technology, having previously collaborated with major companies like Google and Facebook to enhance the effectiveness of its crisis intervention services.