Crisis support
You don't have to face this alone.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available right now — free, confidential, and 24/7.
In immediate danger? Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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.
What happens when you call or text 988
Most people who hesitate to call aren't missing the number — they're worried about what it sets in motion. Here's what to actually expect.
Who picks up?
A trained crisis counselor at a local call center. They'll ask what's going on and whether you're safe right now. You don't have to be suicidal to call — any mental health crisis counts, including panic, grief, substance use, or just not being able to cope today.
Will the police come?
Almost always no. The great majority of 988 conversations are resolved on the call itself. Counselors are trained to talk things through and connect you with local support; emergency services are involved only when someone's life is in immediate danger and there's no other way to keep them safe.
Do I have to give my name?
No. You can stay anonymous. 988 is free, it isn't billed to your insurance, and nothing about the call goes into your record here at Northwest Psychiatry unless you choose to tell us about it.
What if I can't talk out loud?
Text 988, or use the chat at 988lifeline.org. You'll reach the same kind of counselor. Texting is a good option if you're not alone, if speaking feels impossible, or if you just find it easier.
Other ways to reach 988
- En español
- Call 988 and press 2 for Spanish-language counselors. Spanish text and chat are also available.
- Deaf and hard of hearing
- ASL support is available through 988 — dial 988 from a videophone, or use the ASL option at 988lifeline.org.
- Veterans and service members
- Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255, to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
Crisis resources for Maine residents
All of these 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 text 988 →Crisis Text Line
24/7Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis counseling by text, anytime.
Text HOME to 741741 →Northern Light Health — Crisis Services
MaineNorthern Light provides mental health crisis services across Maine, including mobile crisis teams and emergency psychiatric evaluation.
Visit website →Maine Crisis Line
MaineMaine's statewide crisis line: 1-888-568-1112. Free and confidential support for adults and youth.
Call 1-888-568-1112 →NAMI Maine Helpline
SupportNAMI Maine provides information, referrals, and support for individuals and families.
Call 1-800-464-5767 →SAMHSA Treatment Locator
NationalFind mental health treatment facilities near you — including inpatient, outpatient, and crisis stabilization programs.
Find treatment →Recognizing a mental health crisis
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, and don't wait to be sure. What to do next is below.
If you're worried about someone else
You don't need training to be the person who helps. These are the things that make the most difference.
- 1
Ask directly
“Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Say the words. Asking does not plant the idea — people are usually relieved that someone finally named it, and a direct question gets you a real answer instead of a guess.
- 2
Listen before you fix
You don't have to have the right thing to say, and you don't need to argue them out of it. Being taken seriously by one person is often what gets someone through the next hour.
- 3
Put distance between them and the means
If it's safe to do so, lock up or move firearms, store medications somewhere else, hold onto car keys. Suicidal crises are usually short-lived and specific to a method — time and distance save lives.
- 4
Don't leave them alone, and make the call together
Sit with them while they call or text 988, or drive them to the nearest emergency room. Going with someone is far more effective than handing them a number.
- 5
Check in tomorrow
A follow-up the next day is not a small thing — knowing someone is going to call again is protective. Keep checking in past the point where the emergency feels over.
You can call 988 yourself for advice about someone you're worried about — you don't have to be the person in crisis to use it.
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 client with a non-emergency concern, reach out through the client portal or call us at (360) 342-6445. We'll respond as quickly as possible during business hours.