What to do in a Mental Health Crisis

If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away

• Call your doctor’s office.
• Call 911 for emergency services.
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
• Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.
• Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (ayuda en Español) 1-888-628-9454
• Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ) 1-866-488-7386 
• TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255
• Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255

Ask a family member or friend to help you make these calls or take you to the hospital.

If You Have a Family Member or Friend in a Crisis

If you have a family member or friend who is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get the person to seek help immediately from an emergency room, physician, or mental health professional. Take seriously any comments about suicide or wishing to die. Even if you do not believe your family member or friend will actually attempt suicide, the person is clearly in distress and can benefit from your help in receiving mental health treatment.

If you are not in imminent danger but need immediate crisis support call
(800) 952-2335 24-hours a day for Santa Cruz County residents to assess for hospitalization in a psychiatric crisis.

Behavioral Health Crisis Services

Acute Inpatient Mental Health Services are provided
at the Santa Cruz County Psychiatric Health Facility*.

*Acute Inpatient Mental Health Services and Crisis Stabilization Programs are located within a locked facility and are operated by Telecare Corporation, a private health care company.