Crisis Resources: Immediate Mental Health and Addiction Help Available 24/7

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, use the emergency resources below before continuing.

Call 911 Now Call or Text 988
SAMHSA: 1-800-662-HELP Recovery Navigator

Life-threatening emergency?
Call 911 immediately. If you are thinking about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 now.

Call 911 If

Overdose, active suicide attempt, alcohol poisoning, severe withdrawal, violence, or unconsciousness.

Call 911
Call or Text 988 If

Suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, panic, depression crisis, PTSD crisis, or concern for a loved one.

Call or Text 988
Call Treatment Help

Emergency detox, rehab placement, relapse support, family navigation, treatment referral.

888-510-3898

When To Seek Immediate Help

EmergencyActionWhile Waiting
Suicide attempt or active planCall 911 immediatelyStay with the person; remove means of harm
Overdose (opioid, fentanyl, mixed)Call 911; administer naloxone if availableBegin rescue breathing; place in recovery position
Alcohol poisoningCall 911Do not leave the person alone; keep upright
Severe withdrawal (seizures, DTs)Call 911 or go to ERAlcohol/benzo withdrawal can be fatal
Acute psychosisCall 911 or local mobile crisisStay calm; reduce stimulation
Self-injury requiring medical careCall 911 or go to ERApply pressure to wounds
Violent behavior toward self/othersCall 911Move to safety; do not engage physically
UnconsciousnessCall 911 immediatelyCheck breathing; recovery position

Call or Text 988 If:

  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges
  • Emotional distress or hopelessness
  • Severe panic or anxiety crisis
  • Depression crisis or feeling unsafe
  • PTSD or trauma flashback
  • Concern for a loved one in crisis

Recognizing a Crisis Before It Escalates

  • Talking about wanting to die or end pain
  • Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
  • Researching methods or acquiring means
  • Blue lips or fingertips
  • Saying goodbye or giving away possessions
  • Pinpoint pupils (opioids)
  • Sudden calm after deep depression
  • Unresponsive to voice or touch
  • Increased substance use
  • Gurgling or choking sounds
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Cold, clammy skin

Emergency Mental Health Resources

Use these condition-specific guides to recognize warning signs, take immediate action, and decide when to call 988 or 911.

Warning signs
Talk of death, hopelessness, giving away possessions, acquiring means.

Call 988 if
Any active suicidal ideation, even without a plan.

Learn more about Depression

What to do now
Stay with the person, remove access to lethal means, listen without judgment.

Call 911 if
Active attempt, plan with means available, or immediate danger.

Warning signs
Racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, derealization, fear of dying.

Call 988 if
Recurrent attacks paired with suicidal thoughts or hopelessness.

Learn more about Panic Disorder

What to do now
Slow breathing, ground with senses, remind that the attack will pass.

Call 911 if
Chest pain that may be cardiac, fainting, or first-time symptoms.

Warning signs
Inability to function, persistent dread, dissociation, sleep collapse

Call 988 if
Anxiety with thoughts of self-harm or escape through suicide.

Learn more about Anxiety

What to do now
Reduce stimulation, contact a clinician, use coping skills.

Call 911 if
Medical symptoms that mimic cardiac or neurological emergencies.

Warning signs
Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, paranoia, agitation.

Call 988 if
Distress with psychotic features but no immediate danger.

Learn more about Depression

What to do now
Reduce stimuli, avoid argument, contact mobile crisis team.

Call 911 if
Risk of harm to self or others, severe agitation.

Warning signs
Severe hopelessness, inability to care for self, suicidal ideation.

Call 988 if
Any suicidal thoughts or worsening crisis.

Learn more about Depression

What to do now
Connect with a trusted person, remove means, schedule urgent care.

Call 911 if
Active suicide attempt or immediate plan.

Warning signs
Severe mania, psychotic features, dangerous impulsivity, or deep depression.

Call 988 if
Distress without immediate physical danger.

Learn more about Bipolar Disorder

What to do now
Contact prescribing psychiatrist, mobile crisis, or urgent care.

Call 911 if
Risk of harm, severe agitation, or psychosis.

Warning signs
Flashbacks, dissociation, severe nightmares, hyperarousal, suicidality.

Call 988 if
Flashbacks paired with suicidal thoughts or escape ideation.

Learn more about PTSD

What to do now
Grounding techniques, safe environment, contact trauma clinician.

Call 911 if
Active self-harm or violent dissociative episode.

Emergency Addiction Resources

Opioid Overdose

Signs: Unresponsive, slow/stopped breathing, blue lips, pinpoint pupils.

Action: Call 911. Administer naloxone (Narcan). Begin rescue breathing.

Call 911 if symptoms are present

Opioid Addiction →

Fentanyl Emergencies

Signs: Rapid onset overdose, may require multiple naloxone doses.

Action: Call 911. Administer naloxone. Stay until EMS arrives — fentanyl can re-sedate.

Call 911 if symptoms are present

Fentanyl →

Alcohol Poisoning

Signs: Vomiting while unconscious, slow breathing, hypothermia, seizures.

Action: Call 911. Keep upright or on side. Do not give coffee or food.

Call 911 if symptoms are present

Alcohol Addiction →

Cocaine Emergencies

Signs: Chest pain, seizures, hyperthermia, stroke symptoms, severe agitation.

Action: Call 911. Keep cool, calm environment. Do not restrain.

Call 911 if symptoms are present

Cocaine →

Methamphetamine Emergencies

Signs: Psychosis, hyperthermia, cardiac symptoms, severe paranoia or violence.

Action: Call 911. Reduce stimulation. Avoid confrontation.

Call 911 if symptoms are present

Meth →

Prescription Drug Emergencies

Signs: Sedation, respiratory depression, seizures, mixed-drug overdose.

Action: Call 911. Bring medication bottles. Administer naloxone if opioids suspected.

Call 911 if symptoms are present

Prescription Drugs →

Table of Contents

When To Seek Immediate Help
Emergency Mental Health
Emergency Addiction
Overdose Response
Dangerous Withdrawal
Help For Families
Crisis Hotlines
Mobile Crisis Teams
Harm Reduction
Crisis Assessment
Emergency Treatment
FAQ
After the Crisis

Need Help Now?

(888) 510-3898

Call Now

What To Do During An Opioid or Fentanyl Overdose

1

Call 911 immediately

2

Administer naloxone (Narcan)

3

Begin rescue breathing or CPR

4

Place the person in the recovery position

5

Stay with the person until help arrives

Do not wait.

Naloxone can wear off in 30–90 minutes. The person can overdose again — especially with fentanyl. Always call 911 and stay until EMS arrives.

Call 911

Dangerous Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal can be life-threatening
Alcohol, benzodiazepine, barbiturate, and GHB withdrawal can be fatal. Medical detox is strongly recommended.

Tremors, seizures, hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs). Untreated alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. Medical detox is required.

Seizures, severe anxiety, psychosis, autonomic instability. Always taper under medical supervision — abrupt cessation can be fatal.

Severe pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration. Not typically fatal in healthy adults, but dangerous in pregnancy or with medical conditions.

Severe depression, suicidal ideation, extreme fatigue. Suicide risk is the primary danger.

Learn About Medical Detox

Help For Families During A Crisis

Watching a loved one in crisis is frightening. Your role is to keep them safe, connect them with professionals, and protect your own well-being. You don’t have to navigate this alone — trained specialists can guide you through every step, from the first call to long-term recovery planning.

Need help finding emergency treatment?

Speak with a Recovery Navigator now — confidential, 24/7.

888-510-3898

Verify Insurance

Stay with them, remove access to lethal means, call/text 988 together, and seek immediate professional support. If there is an active plan or attempt, call 911.

You cannot force most adults into treatment, but you can call a mobile crisis team, provide resources, and prepare for involuntary commitment if there is imminent danger to self or others.

Involuntary holds (often 72 hours) exist in every state when a person poses imminent danger. Laws vary; mobile crisis or 911 can initiate evaluation.

Call 911, administer naloxone if opioids are suspected, begin rescue breathing, and place the person in the recovery position. Stay until help arrives.

Call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-HELP or our Recovery Navigator at 888-510-3898 for same-day placement support.

National Crisis Hotlines

HotlineContactAvailableBest For
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 98824/7Suicide, mental health crisis, emotional distress
SAMHSA National Helpline1-800-662-HELP (4357)24/7Treatment referral, mental health & substance use
Crisis Text LineText HOME to 74174124/7Any crisis, text-based support
Veterans Crisis LineDial 988, press 1 — or text 83825524/7Veterans, service members, families
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)1-866-488-7386 — text START to 67867824/7LGBTQ+ youth in crisis
National Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-799-723324/7Domestic violence, abuse
RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline1-800-656-HOPE (4673)24/7Sexual assault survivors
Recovery Navigator888-510-389824/7Treatment placement, family navigation, relapse

Mobile Crisis Teams

Someone To Call

988 crisis support — confidential, 24/7, trained counselors.

Someone To Respond

Mobile crisis teams come to the community for in-person help.

Somewhere To Go

Crisis receiving centers and stabilization units instead of ER or jail.

Harm Reduction Resources

Naloxone (Narcan)

Free opioid-overdose reversal kits at pharmacies and harm-reduction programs.

Fentanyl Test Strips

Detect fentanyl in drug supply before use; widely available.

Syringe Services

Sterile equipment, testing, and connection to treatment.

Never Use Alone

Call 1-800-484-3731 for overdose monitoring while using.

Drug Checking

Independent labs and harm-reduction sites test substances.

Safer-Use Education

Reduce risk: avoid mixing, start low, never use alone.

Harm reduction is not the opposite of recovery — it often keeps people alive long enough to reach recovery.

What Happens During A Behavioral
Health Crisis Assessment

1

Risk Screening

Immediate triage for safety and acuity.

2

Suicide Assessment

Validated tools (C-SSRS) measure ideation, plan, intent, means.

3

Substance Use Assessment

Substances, amounts, last use, withdrawal risk.

4

Medical Evaluation

Rule out medical causes, assess intoxication and injury.

5

Safety Planning

Concrete plan: warning signs, coping, supports, professional contacts.

6

Level-of-Care Decision

Outpatient, crisis stabilization, PHP/IOP, or inpatient.

Level-of-Care Options

Outpatient Follow-up

For lower-acuity stabilization with ongoing therapy and psychiatry.

Crisis Stabilization

Short-term (23-hour or 5-day) intensive support outside the hospital.

Psychiatric Hospitalization

Inpatient care for imminent danger or severe symptoms.

PHP / IOP

Step-down structured day or evening programs after stabilization.

Finding Emergency Treatment

Detox Programs

Who it helps: Safe medical withdrawal
When appropriate: Alcohol, benzo, opioid dependence

Learn more →

Residential Treatment

Who it helps: 24/7 structured care
When appropriate: Severe SUD or co-occurring crisis

Learn more →

Psychiatric Hospitals

Who it helps: Inpatient mental health
When appropriate: Imminent danger, severe symptoms

Learn more →

Crisis Stabilization

Who it helps: Short-term intensive support
When appropriate: Acute crisis without hospitalization

Learn more →

PHP & IOP

Who it helps: Step-down day/evening care
When appropriate: Post-crisis stabilization

Learn more →

Virtual Crisis Resources

Who it helps: Telehealth crisis & therapy
When appropriate: Access barriers, rural areas

Learn more →

Teen Treatment

Who it helps: Adolescent-specific care
When appropriate: Teens in mental health or SUD crisis

Learn more →

Dual Diagnosis

Who it helps: Integrated MH + SUD treatment
When appropriate: Co-occurring disorders

Learn more →

Sober Living

Who it helps: Structured recovery housing
When appropriate: Post-treatment continued support

Learn more →

Relapse Prevention

Who it helps: Ongoing recovery support
When appropriate: After detox or residential care

Learn more →

Crisis Resources FAQ

Common questions about co-occurring disorders and integrated treatment.

Yes. 988 calls are confidential. Information is only shared with emergency services if there is imminent danger to life.

Yes. Text 988 from any U.S. mobile phone to reach a trained crisis counselor 24/7.

Call 911 for medical emergencies, active suicide attempts, overdoses, or violence. Call 988 for mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress without immediate medical danger.

Yes. ERs evaluate for medical causes and can refer to behavioral health. If symptoms are new, severe, or unclear, seek evaluation.

Active suicidal or homicidal intent, psychosis with safety risk, severe agitation, or inability to care for self due to mental illness.

Yes. Naloxone has no effect on someone without opioids in their system and cannot be abused. It is safe to administer when overdose is suspected.

Most U.S. pharmacies without a prescription, harm-reduction programs, public health departments, and community organizations. Often free.

Yes. Most commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare plans cover emergency psychiatric care, detox, and crisis stabilization.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) can refer to free, low-cost, and sliding-scale programs. Many crisis services are free regardless of insurance.

Trained mental health professionals who respond in person to crises in the community, often as an alternative to police or emergency rooms.

If a person is in imminent danger to self or others, emergency services can initiate involuntary evaluation. Laws vary by state.

Typically 72 hours for initial evaluation. Longer holds require court review and ongoing clinical justification.

After The Crisis

Recovery from a crisis requires consistent follow-through. These pillars protect long-term stability.

  • Continuity of care with a primary therapist and psychiatrist
  • Step-down treatment (PHP, IOP, outpatient)
  • Medication continuity — confirm prescriptions and refills
  • Family and peer support engagement
  • Return to work or school with accommodations as needed
  • Ongoing safety plan and crisis contact list

Before discharge, confirm:

  • Follow-up appointment scheduled within 7 days
  • Therapy appointment booked
  • Medications filled and reviewed
  • Written safety plan in hand
  • Specific next steps and emergency contacts

Medical Review & Editorial Standards

Reviewed by a licensed psychiatrist

Reviewed by a licensed clinical psychologist

Reviewed by a licensed addiction counselor

Periodic content review for accuracy

Educational resource — not a substitute for care

Sources: SAMHSA, NIMH, NIDA, CDC, ASAM, WHO, 988 Lifeline, AFSP

Last reviewed: June 2026. This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or emergency care.

You Are Not Alone

The next few hours matter. You do not have to navigate them alone.

Emergency: Call 911 Call/Text 988 SAMHSA: 1-800-662-HELP

In crisis? Call or text 988 (US, 24/7) or call 911 for emergencies. This page is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.