When a child or teenager is in a mental health crisis, the situation calls for calm, clear action. Here is what that looks like.
If there is immediate danger
Call 911 if they are actively harming themselves or if there is immediate physical danger.
Take them to the nearest emergency room if they are willing to go and the situation is serious but not immediately life-threatening in this exact moment.
Call 988 for immediate guidance if you are not sure what to do. They will walk you through it.
If the situation is serious but not immediately dangerous right now
Stay calm. Your calm is regulating for them, even if it does not feel like it is doing anything.
Stay with them. Do not leave a child or teenager alone if you are worried about their safety.
Listen without arguing with what they are telling you they feel. “I hear you. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
Ask directly if they are thinking about hurting themselves. If yes, treat it as an emergency.
Contact their pediatrician and ask for an urgent same-day or next-day evaluation.
If you cannot reach their doctor, go to urgent care or an emergency room today.
What not to do
Do not threaten consequences for the behavior they are showing. A child in crisis is not misbehaving. They are struggling.
Do not minimize what they are saying to try to reassure them. “It’s not that bad” communicates that you do not understand what they are feeling.
Do not leave them alone if you are worried about their safety.
After the crisis
Make sure there is a follow-up appointment scheduled. Crisis does not end when the acute moment passes.
Talk to their school if there are concerns about safety or support in that environment.
Take care of yourself. What you have been through is hard. You deserve support too.