Send message failure to new recipient

[Chelsea Marino]

I can receive messages and I can send messages to anyone I already have a conversation with but if I try to create a conversation with a new recipient, my text will not send and a prompt appears stating that "Unfortunately, messaging has stopped." I cleared messaging cache and data and called my service provider, who told me to turn my phone off for 10 minutes and turn it back on with no success at solving my problem. Any other suggestions?