What to Expect from a Texting Appointment at Avail

Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step. Maybe you’re thinking about reaching out, but you're not ready to talk out loud just yet. 

At Avail, you don’t have to figure everything out before starting a conversation. If you're looking for a private, low-pressure way to connect, a texting appointment might be the right place to begin.

In this post, we’ll walk through what a texting appointment is, how it works, and what to expect when you’re ready to take that next step.

What Is a Texting Appointment?

A texting appointment is a scheduled, one-on-one conversation with a trained personal advocate at Avail. It happens over text, at a time you choose.

When your appointment begins, your advocate will reach out by text to start the conversation. You’ll be texting with a real person—not a chatbot or automated system. Your personal advocate is trained to listen with care, offer support, and be present with you as you process what you're going through.

Your conversation is completely confidential and judgment-free. There’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. While your advocate will stay present throughout your scheduled time, you’re welcome to take a few moments to reflect or pause before replying. The pace is yours to set.

Why Choose to Text?

There are many reasons someone might choose to text instead of talk. You may not have a private space for a virtual meeting. You might find it easier to write than to speak. Or you could still be sorting through your thoughts and not sure where to begin.

Texting can give you space to reflect, take a breath, and express yourself in your own words. However you arrive here, know that texting can be a gentle way to start. You’re in control of what you share and when you share it.

What Happens During the Appointment?

Your texting appointment will last up to 30 minutes. When it begins, your personal advocate will reach out by text to start the conversation.

Throughout your appointment, your advocate will be there to listen, offer support, and help you think through whatever feels most important right now. There’s no script to follow and no expectation to have everything figured out. You can share what’s on your mind, ask questions, or simply use the space to process your thoughts.

Advocates are not medical experts. Advocates are, however, experts at providing emotional and practical support through this part of your journey.

Texting appointments happen during Avail’s regular business hours. Your advocate will stay with you for the full 30 minutes, even if there’s a pause in the conversation. You don’t have to rush. You can take a moment, gather your thoughts, and use the time in the way that feels most helpful to you.

What Can We Talk About?

You can use your texting appointment to talk about whatever’s on your mind. Some people come in with questions. Others just need someone to listen. There’s no pressure to have a plan or to say everything perfectly. This is your space to begin sorting through what matters most to you.

Here are a few things you might choose to talk about:

• Exploring your options. If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and trying to figure out your next steps, your advocate can help you explore your options at your own pace. You don’t have to make any decisions during the appointment—this is simply a space to ask questions and process what you’re feeling.
• Processing a past abortion experience. Maybe it’s something you haven’t talked about before, or something that’s been coming up again lately. You can share as much or as little as you want. Your advocate is there to walk with you, not to judge you.
• Talking through emotions. You might be feeling overwhelmed, confused, numb, or unsure of what to feel. That’s okay. You don’t need to have clarity before you reach out. Naming what’s going on can be hard, and your advocate is there to help you make sense of it, one step at a time.

Whatever you bring to the conversation, your advocate will meet you with care, confidentiality, and respect. You’re not alone in this.

How to Schedule a Time to Text

Setting up a texting appointment is simple and 100% free. You can choose a time that works best for you, and we’ll take care of the rest.

When you're ready, here’s how to begin:

1. Click the “Schedule a Time to Text” button below.
2. Pick a time during our regular business hours.
3. Fill out a short form so your advocate knows how to reach you.

At the time of your appointment, your advocate will text you to begin the conversation. You don’t need to start the conversation or prepare anything in advance. You can bring whatever is on your mind. We’ll take it one step at a time.

Still Have Questions?

If you're thinking about scheduling but still have a few questions, you're not alone. Here are a few things people often wonder before booking a texting appointment.

If you’re wondering about something we haven’t covered here, you’re welcome to bring it with you to your appointment. Your advocate will meet you with care, answer your questions, and support you wherever you are in your process.

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone

At Avail, we understand how personal this moment can be. Whether you’re facing a decision, reflecting on a past experience, or simply trying to process your thoughts, you don’t have to do it alone.

Our trained advocates are here to offer support that’s confidential, compassionate, and completely judgment-free. A texting appointment is one way to begin that connection in a space that feels safe and manageable.

You can take this step in your own way, at your own pace. Texting gives you the freedom to start the conversation in a way that feels right for you.

Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.

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