What to do in a mental health emergency
A mental health emergency is any situation where someone's safety is at immediate risk. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide.
Call 911 or go to your nearest ER
If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others — or has already done so — call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room. Tell them it's a mental health emergency.
Call or text 988
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Trained counselors are ready to talk. You don't have to be suicidal to call — any mental health crisis qualifies.
Text HOME to 741741
The Crisis Text Line connects you with a trained crisis counselor over text — free and confidential, 24/7. Useful when you're in a situation where you can't speak out loud.
Reach out to someone you trust
A friend, family member, or neighbor can sit with you, help you stay safe, or drive you to get help. You don't have to be alone in a crisis — asking for support is a sign of strength.
Crisis resources for Maine residents
All of the following resources are free and confidential. You do not need insurance to access crisis support.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24/7Free, confidential support 24/7. Call or text 988 from anywhere in the U.S.
Call or TextCrisis Text Line
24/7Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis counseling by text, anytime.
Text HOME to 741741Northern Light Health — Crisis Services
MaineNorthern Light provides mental health crisis services across Maine, including mobile crisis teams and emergency psychiatric evaluation.
Visit WebsiteMaine Crisis Line
MaineMaine's statewide crisis line: 1-888-568-1112. Free and confidential support for adults and youth.
Call 1-888-568-1112NAMI Maine Helpline
SupportNAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) provides information, referrals, and support for individuals and families. Call 1-800-464-5767.
Visit NAMISAMHSA Treatment Locator
NationalFind mental health treatment facilities near you — including inpatient, outpatient, and crisis stabilization programs.
Find TreatmentKnow the warning signs
If you notice these signs in someone you care about, take them seriously and reach out for help.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Feeling like a burden to others
- Increasing alcohol or substance use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
- Extreme mood swings or sudden calmness after a period of distress
- Giving away meaningful possessions
- Saying goodbye as if they won't see you again
- Expressing hopelessness about the future
If you notice these signs: Don't leave the person alone. Remove access to lethal means if safe to do so. Call 988 together, or take them to the nearest emergency room.
A note from Northwest Psychiatry
Northwest Psychiatry is an outpatient telepsychiatry practice. We are not equipped to provide emergency crisis intervention, and we do not staff a 24/7 crisis line. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please use the resources above.
If you are a current patient and experiencing a non-emergency mental health concern, please reach out through the patient portal or call us at (360) 342-6445. We will respond as quickly as possible during business hours.