5 Steps How to Access State Mental Health Resources When Crisis Hits (Easy Guide for Families)

When mental health crises strike, families often feel lost and overwhelmed. I've been there myself: struggling with depression and not knowing where to turn for help. That experience shaped not just my personal recovery, but my commitment to making mental health resources more accessible for everyone in our state.

As someone who has navigated both personal mental health challenges and the complex web of state resources, I want to share a practical roadmap that can help families get the support they need when every minute counts.

Step 1: Call 988 - Your First Line of Defense

The most important number every family should know is 988. This isn't just another hotline: it's your direct connection to trained crisis counselors who are available 24/7, completely free of charge.

When you call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org, you're not just getting someone to talk to. These counselors are specifically trained to:

• De-escalate immediate crisis situations

• Assess the level of risk and urgency

• Connect you with local resources in your specific area

• Provide follow-up support and check-ins

I've heard too many stories from families who didn't know about 988 until it was almost too late. Don't wait until you're in crisis to save this number. Put it in your phone right now, share it with your teenagers, and make sure elderly family members know about it too.

If 988 is busy or you need additional support, SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 provides 24-hour treatment referrals and information services for individuals and families facing mental and substance use disorders.

Step 2: Connect with Local Community Mental Health Centers

Here's what many families don't realize: every state has a network of community mental health centers designed specifically to help during crises. These aren't just therapy offices: they're comprehensive support systems that can mobilize quickly when you need them most.

Community mental health centers offer:

• Crisis intervention services

• Emergency counseling sessions

• Psychiatric evaluations and medication management

• Sliding-scale fees based on your income

• Mobile crisis teams that can come to your home

To find your local center, visit FindTreatment.gov or ask the 988 counselor for referrals in your area. Many of these centers accept insurance, Medicaid, or work with families who are uninsured to ensure cost isn't a barrier to getting help.

Mobile crisis teams are particularly valuable because they bring mental health professionals directly to where the crisis is happening. Instead of forcing someone in emotional distress to navigate a hospital emergency room, these teams can provide assessment and intervention in familiar surroundings.

Step 3: Know When and How to Involve Emergency Services

This is the step that scares many families, but it's crucial to understand when emergency services become necessary. If there is immediate danger to the person or others: including threats of suicide or violence: call 911 without hesitation.

However, how you communicate with emergency responders can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here's what to do:

When calling 911:

• Clearly state this is a mental health emergency

• Request that responders arrive without lights or sirens if possible

• Provide the person's name, exact location, and any de-escalation strategies that work

• Mention any topics of interest or calming techniques that might help first responders connect

Be prepared to share:

• Current medications the person is taking

• Any previous mental health diagnoses

• Recent triggers or stressful events

• Whether the person has expressed specific plans to harm themselves or others

Remember, emergency departments are equipped to conduct mental health assessments and provide psychiatric emergency care. While it might feel overwhelming, emergency intervention can literally save lives.

Step 4: Implement Your Family Crisis Plan

This step only works if you've prepared in advance, which is why I'm passionate about helping families create crisis plans before they need them. A family safety plan isn't just a piece of paper: it's your roadmap through chaos.

Your crisis plan should include:

Warning Signs: Document the specific behaviors, mood changes, or situations that typically precede a mental health crisis for your family member. This might include sleep disruption, social withdrawal, increased irritability, or stopping medications.

Coping Strategies: List proven techniques that help your family member during distress. This could include breathing exercises, listening to specific music, calling a trusted friend, or engaging in physical activity.

Support Network: Create a contact list of family members, friends, mental health professionals, and crisis resources. Include phone numbers, addresses, and any special instructions for each contact.

Important Documents: Keep copies of insurance cards, medication lists, treatment provider information, and any legal documents like mental health directives in an easily accessible crisis binder.

Comfort Items: Prepare a crisis kit with snacks, water, comfort objects, phone chargers, and any items that provide emotional comfort during difficult times.

Having this information organized and easily accessible can cut response time in half and provide crucial information to professionals who are trying to help.

Step 5: Establish Ongoing Mental Health Support

Crisis intervention is just the beginning. The real work happens in the days, weeks, and months that follow. This is where many families struggle because they think the crisis is "over" and don't prioritize continued care.

If your family member already has a therapist or psychiatrist: Contact them immediately, even if the crisis happens after hours. Most mental health professionals have emergency contact procedures and can provide crucial guidance during and after a crisis.

If there's no existing mental health care: Start with your primary care physician, who can conduct initial mental health screenings and provide referrals to specialists. Don't underestimate the role of your family doctor in coordinating mental health care.

Long-term support options include:

• Individual therapy or counseling

• Group therapy sessions

• Peer support groups

• Family therapy to address relationship dynamics

• Medication management with a psychiatrist

• Community support programs

Check your local library and municipal government websites for support groups and peer support resources. Sometimes the most powerful healing comes from connecting with others who truly understand what you're going through.

Special Considerations for Different Family Situations

For families with children: Pediatric mental health crises require specialized approaches. Contact your child's existing mental health provider first, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for crisis intervention services specifically designed for young people.

For families dealing with substance use: Many mental health crises involve co-occurring substance use disorders. Specialized agencies provide comprehensive treatment that addresses both issues simultaneously, which is crucial for effective recovery.

For families experiencing domestic violence: If mental health issues are complicated by domestic violence, contact specialized organizations that understand the intersection of these challenges and can provide safe, comprehensive support.

Resources to Save Right Now

Before you close this page, take five minutes to save these contacts:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

• FindTreatment.gov: Locate treatment facilities

• Your local community mental health center (search for it now)

• Your insurance company's mental health crisis line

• Your primary care physician's after-hours number

Why This Matters to Me: and to Our State

Mental health crises don't discriminate. They affect families from every background, every income level, every community in our state. My own journey through depression taught me that having resources isn't enough: families need to know how to access them when they're scared, overwhelmed, and running out of time.

That's why expanding and improving our state's mental health infrastructure isn't just policy for me: it's personal. Every family deserves to know they have support when they need it most, and every person struggling with mental health challenges deserves accessible, affordable, high-quality care.

Mental health crises are medical emergencies that require immediate, professional intervention. But with the right knowledge and preparation, families can navigate these challenging times and find the support they need to heal and rebuild.

Remember: seeking help during a mental health crisis isn't a sign of weakness; it's an act of courage and love for yourself and your family.