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For immediate support, call the National suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

• Ask the youth whether they have a plan to commit suicide, and what that plan is. Try to determine whether it is a plan they could reasonably carry out. If they have a plan, the resources to follow through, and they are not able to agree to be safe, call 9-1-1 or take them to the Emergency Room.

• Try to find out what they are getting out of hurting themselves and what need they are trying to fill.

• See if you can make a safety plan with the youth. Ask what support they need from you and others in their life to be safe.

• Remove access to sharp or dangerous items as much as possible.

• Make sure the youth is supervised at all times and you are checking in with them about how they are feeling. Let them know you are there for them and your priority is keeping them safe.

• There are several different ways to seek counseling or treatment. This includes a private therapist, a school counselor, mental health center services, and/or substance abuse treatment. Private therapists can be a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), or a psychologist. This is usually covered by insurance and occurs weekly or every other week. Most therapists will individualize treatment and may offer more frequent sessions if needed.  

• Youth may also be able to receive counseling at school. This may be in the form of a school counselor who is accessible to all youth.  The school counselor can give you more information about services available in the school.

• Youth in crisis may need more intensive support than outpatient therapy or school counseling.

• Take the youth to the Emergency Room if you feel it is safe for you to transport them.

• Youth can be evaluated in the Emergency Room for mental health issues and possible placement in the hospital. They can arrive with parents, or with the support of law enforcement and/or other professionals. Youth must go through the process of medical screening, which can take several hours. The doctor then determines whether to call in the on-call mental health professional. This is most common when considering a placement in acute inpatient hospitalization.

• Law enforcement and other professionals are unlikely to stay through this process. Parents and professionals can call the on-call mental health professional before going to the Emergency Room. The on-call mental health professional will ask for a description of what is occurring and what the concerns are. They may be able to suggest an alternative, or at the least have some information ahead of time. If a youth needs a hospital placement or more intensive services, the Emergency Room staff can help explore options.

• Parents should attempt to transport youth, but can access an ambulance under certain circumstances. Parents must be present through the intake/admission process. If the youth does not need a hospital placement, Emergency Room staff will explore other options with the family. This may include shelter care, partial hospitalization, a safety plan, and information for follow up services.

• Under some circumstances, parents may decide against the recommendation to hospitalize their child. This is a parent’s right, and other community based options are available. It is important to know that not following this recommendation may result in a report to Child and Family Services from the mental health or medical provider.

• Call 9-1-1 if you are concerned about serious harm and need medical assistance or support from police in getting youth to Emergency Room.

• When calling 9-1-1, be ready to give the dispatcher name, phone number, address, date of birth, people involved, a description of the situation, and what kind of help you need. It may be helpful to inform the dispatcher of the child’s mental health issues so that the responding officer is aware.

• Remember that 9-1-1 is an emergency response, and the goal of the responding officer will be to ensure safety and move on to the next call.

• There are several possible responses by law enforcement. Law enforcement may provide support to stabilize, transport youth to the Emergency Room for evaluation, and/or place a youth in detention.

• Once law enforcement arrives, the outcome is up to their discretion.

If you would like assistance getting help for yourself or you would like to refer your child, student or friend for professional services, click the button below.

All information shared is confidential and will only be used to help the person you care about, get the help they need.