Knowing what resources are available during a mental health crisis—and when to use them—can save lives. This guide will help you understand your options and act quickly when needed.
Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis
A crisis requires immediate attention when someone is:
- Thinking about or planning suicide
- Engaging in self-harm
- Experiencing psychosis (loss of touch with reality)
- In danger of harming others
- Unable to care for themselves
- Severely impaired by substances
- Experiencing a panic attack that won't subside
- In acute emotional distress with no ability to cope
Immediate Crisis Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
- Available 24/7
- Free and confidential
- Trained crisis counselors
- Can connect you to local resources
- Press 1 for Veterans Crisis Line
- Press 2 for Spanish language
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
- Free 24/7 text support
- Trained crisis counselors
- Good option if you can't speak out loud
911
- Call for life-threatening emergencies
- If someone is in immediate danger
- When medical attention is needed
- Request a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) officer when available
Emergency Room
- Go directly if experiencing a psychiatric emergency
- Can provide immediate stabilization
- Available 24/7
- Have someone drive you if possible
Additional Resources
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357
- Free, confidential, 24/7 support
- Information and treatment referrals
- Mental health and substance use
- Available in English and Spanish
NAMI Helpline
1-800-950-6264
- Monday-Friday, 10am-10pm ET
- Information and support
- Local resource referrals
- Text "NAMI" to 741741 for crisis text
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
1-866-488-7386
- 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people
- Text START to 678-678
- Online chat available
Veterans Crisis Line
988, Press 1
- 24/7 support for veterans and their families
- Text 838255
- Online chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net
Creating a Crisis Plan
Prepare before a crisis happens:
Know Your Warning Signs
- What symptoms indicate you're getting worse?
- What behaviors show you're in danger?
- What thoughts precede a crisis?
List Your Coping Strategies
- What helps you feel calmer?
- What activities distract you safely?
- Who can you call?
Identify Support People
- Friends or family who can help
- Their phone numbers
- What they can do to help
List Professional Contacts
- Your psychiatrist's number
- Your therapist's number
- Local crisis services
- Nearest emergency room
Safety Measures
- Remove or secure dangerous items
- Limit access to medications
- Know where to go if you need to leave
Helping Someone Else in Crisis
- Stay calm and listen
- Take them seriously
- Don't leave them alone if they're suicidal
- Help them contact crisis resources
- Take them to the ER if necessary
- Call 911 if there's immediate danger
After a Crisis
- Follow up with your treatment team
- Review and update your crisis plan
- Practice self-care
- Consider what triggered the crisis
- Adjust your treatment if needed
Crisis Support at Next Step Psychiatry
While we cannot provide 24/7 crisis services, we work with our patients to develop comprehensive crisis plans and coordinate with emergency services when needed. If you're experiencing a crisis, please use the resources above or go to your nearest emergency room.