Who to call for mental health crisis instead of police?

By HotBotUpdated: September 11, 2024

During a mental health crisis, the immediate reaction might be to call the police. However, this can sometimes escalate the situation, especially if the responding officers are not adequately trained in mental health issues. Fortunately, there are alternative resources designed to provide more appropriate assistance. This guide outlines who to call during a mental health crisis, focusing on specialized services and support systems available.

Emergency Mental Health Hotlines

There are several hotlines specifically designed to handle mental health emergencies. These hotlines are staffed by trained professionals who can offer immediate support and guidance.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 or 1-800-273-8255. This hotline provides free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
• Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741. This service offers free, 24/7 support via text message. Trained crisis counselors are available to assist you.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline offers confidential, free, 24/7 information and treatment referral for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Local Mental Health Crisis Teams

Many communities have mobile crisis teams or crisis intervention teams (CIT) designed to respond to mental health emergencies. These teams often include mental health professionals, social workers, and peer support specialists.

• Mobile Crisis Teams: These teams can come to your location to provide immediate support and stabilization. They offer assessments, crisis intervention, and connection to ongoing care.
• Community Crisis Centers: Local mental health crisis centers provide walk-in services for those experiencing a mental health crisis. They offer immediate support and can help connect individuals to longer-term services.
• Peer Support Services: Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience of mental health issues who are trained to provide support. They can offer a unique perspective and emotional support during a crisis.

Behavioral Health Urgent Care

Behavioral health urgent care centers are a relatively new development in mental health crisis care. These centers provide immediate, walk-in care for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

• 24/7 Access: Similar to medical urgent care centers, behavioral health urgent care centers are often open 24/7, allowing individuals to receive care at any time.
• Comprehensive Services: These centers offer a range of services, including crisis intervention, medication management, and referrals to ongoing care.
• Trained Staff: Staff at these centers are trained to handle mental health crises and can provide a safe and supportive environment for those in need.

Telehealth Services

Telehealth services have become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These services allow individuals to connect with mental health professionals from the comfort of their own home.

• Online Therapy Platforms: Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and others offer virtual therapy sessions with licensed mental health professionals. These services can provide immediate support and ongoing care.
• Virtual Crisis Intervention: Some telehealth services offer virtual crisis intervention, allowing individuals to receive immediate support via video or phone call.
• Access to Specialists: Telehealth services can connect individuals with specialized mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.

Community Support Services

In addition to formal mental health services, community support services can play a crucial role in providing assistance during a mental health crisis.

• Local Nonprofits: Many local nonprofits offer mental health support services, including crisis intervention, counseling, and support groups.
• Faith-Based Organizations: Some faith-based organizations provide mental health support and crisis intervention services. These organizations can offer a sense of community and spiritual support during difficult times.
• Community Support Groups: Support groups for mental health issues, such as those offered by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), provide peer support and a sense of community. These groups can be a valuable resource during a crisis.

Utilizing Social Networks

Sometimes, reaching out to trusted friends or family members can provide immediate support during a mental health crisis. While this may not replace professional help, it can offer emotional support and help mitigate the crisis.

• Trusted Contacts: Having a list of trusted contacts who are aware of your mental health needs can be beneficial. These individuals can provide immediate support and help you navigate through the crisis.
• Community Networks: Online communities and social networks can offer support and resources. Platforms like Reddit have mental health support communities where individuals share experiences and provide support.

Specialized Crisis Services

Some situations may require specialized crisis services tailored to specific populations or needs.

• Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans can call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255 to receive specialized support. This service is dedicated to helping veterans and their families.
• LGBTQ+ Support Services: Organizations like The Trevor Project offer crisis intervention and suicide prevention services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. They can be reached at 1-866-488-7386 or via text.
• Child and Adolescent Services: Specialized hotlines and services exist for children and adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis. The National Youth Crisis Hotline, 1-800-448-4663, provides support for young people.

Training and Preparedness

Preparation and education can be crucial in effectively managing a mental health crisis. Knowing the resources available and having a plan in place can make all the difference.

• Mental Health First Aid Training: Programs like Mental Health First Aid offer training on how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
• Personal Crisis Plan: Having a personal crisis plan that includes emergency contacts, preferred interventions, and coping strategies can provide a sense of control during a crisis.
• Community Education: Educating communities about mental health and crisis intervention can reduce stigma and improve the overall response to mental health emergencies.

Access to the right resources during a mental health crisis can significantly impact the outcome. Knowing who to call and what services are available can provide the necessary support to navigate these challenging situations effectively. The availability of specialized crisis services, community support, and telehealth options ensures that there are alternatives to calling the police, offering safer and more appropriate assistance for those in need.

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