THE AUTHOR PRESENTS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VARIOUS METHODS OF SCREENING AND TRAINING VOLUNTEERS. LISTENING SKILLS AND INTERPERSONAL TECHNIQUES ARE EXPLAINED, AND SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTED RESPONSES ARE INCLUDED. DRUGS ARE DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF COUNSELING, CATEGORIES, AND EFFECTS. A GLOSSARY OF DRUGRELATED TERMS IS LISTED. MATERIAL IS ALSO INCLUDED ON THE HANDLING OF MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, ANSWERING OF QUESTIONS ON SEXUALITY, VENEREAL DISEASE AND ABORTION, AND EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF SUICIDAL PERSONS. THE AUTHOR GIVES GUIDELINES FOR THE PROCESS OF REFERRING A CALLER TO ANOTHER SERVICE. A LIST OF 86 HOT LINE SERVICES IS INCLUDED.