FAQs

When I take my youth to the Emergency Room for a mental health crisis, will they be admitted to the hospital? 

Not always. Decisions on what happens next are made by medical professionals based on their assessment of medical necessity.

Many youth who go to the Emergency Room for mental health care are not admitted to a psychiatric hospital bed or to psychiatric residential treatment. This is because the medical team does not assess them to have medical necessity for a higher level of care. This can be frustrating and upsetting for parents and caregivers.

The Emergency Room team will:

  • Check for medical emergencies.
  • Ask about safety and thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.
  • Decide if your youth can go home safely with support, or if a higher level of care is needed.

In Oregon, admission usually happens only if  there is an immediate danger and no safe plan for going home. Long waits for psychiatric beds are common and not your fault.

Is there anything I should bring to the Emergency Room for a mental health crisis? 

If you can, bring:

  • A list of medications.
  • Your child’s insurance card.
  • Comfort items for your child or youth.
  • A phone charger.
  • Notes about recent behaviors or concerns.

If you forget things, that is okay. Your child can still be seen. Ask a trusted friend or family member to bring you the items you need.

If they keep my youth overnight in the Emergency Room, do I have to stay?

Many hospitals insist that a parent or caregiver stay, but this depends on the hospital and situation.

If you cannot stay:

  • Ask what options are available.
  • Ask how your youth will be supervised.
  • Ask who to contact overnight if there are concerns.

If staying is unsafe or not possible for you, say so.

Will insurance cover a mental health emergency?

In Oregon, most insurance plans, including Oregon Health Plan (OHP), cover emergency mental health care.

Coverage can vary, but emergency evaluations are generally covered. You can ask the hospital billing office or social worker for help understanding costs.

What can I do to stay calm while we’re in the Emergency Room?

Being in the Emergency Room with your youth is very hard. To help yourself stay calm, try:

  • Slow breathing, such as breathing in for four seconds and out for six seconds.
  • Stepping outside for a moment, if allowed.
  • Asking staff to explain what will happen next in clear, and simple language.
  • Calling a trusted person or 988 for support.
  • Calling the Reach Out Oregon Parent Warmline (1-833-732-2467), Monday through Friday between 10am and 4pm

You deserve care and support too.

The hospital gave us a safety plan, but I know it won’t work. What if I feel I can’t enforce parts of the plan? How do I get help?

A safety plan only works if it is realistic.

Speak up if you don’t agree or can’t enforce it:

  • Say what parts will not work and why. This might include that it:
    • Relies only on you when you are overwhelmed.
    • Asks you to do things that are not safe of possible.
    • Ignores your concerns.
  • Ask to change it before you leave.
  • Ask for added supports, like follow-up calls, mobile crisis, or peer support.
  • If you are overwhelmed talk to the team.

Don’t be afraid to say “I am worried this plan will not keep my youth safe. I need more help before we leave.”

What do I do if I think my child is in withdrawal from drug or alcohol use? Emergency Room or your doctor?

If your youth may be in withdrawal, go to the Emergency Room.

Withdrawal can be dangerous and needs medical care. Primary care is best for follow-up, but go to the emergency room first if symptoms are severe, come on quickly, or feel unsafe to manage at home.

We refused to take our youth home because it wasn’t safe. We were told we could be investigated for neglect. What should we do? 

Refusing an unsafe discharge is not neglect.

You can:

  • Calmly explain that safety is your concern.
  • Ask for concerns to be written in the record.
  • Ask to speak with a supervisor or patient advocate.
  • Call the Oregon Health Authority ombuds team as soon as possible (1-877-642-0450) – This is a message line only.
  • File a complaint that clearly explains your concerns.
  • Call the Reach Out Oregon Parent Warmline (1-833-732-2467), Monday through Friday between 10am and 4pm and ask the Family Support Specialist to help you think through next steps.
Can I get in trouble if my child took pills or hurt themselves in my home?

Parents are not automatically in trouble when a youth self-harms.

What matters most is that you asked for help, are working to keep your youth safe, and are honest about what happened.

Getting emergency care is the right thing to do.

What if I don’t feel safe with my youth? I feel embarrassed and like a “bad parent,” but they hurt me and I don’t know what else to do.

You are not a bad parent.

Feeling unsafe is a real and valid concern. You can:

  • Ask for immediate help.
  • Call 988 for guidance.
  • Ask about respite or higher levels of care.

You can say: “I love my youth, and I am not safe right now.”

Asking for help is an act of care.

Is self-harm, like cutting, a suicide attempt?

Not always.

Some youth use self-harm as a way to cope with big feelings, not because they want to die. That said, self-harm is still serious and deserves care and support.

Always tell a provider if self-harm is happening, even if suicide is denied.