Resources and Glossary Terms
Below are trusted resources and plain-language definitions to help you understand key terms used throughout this guide. All phone numbers and websites are current as of 2026.
Emergency and Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 | Chat at https://988lifeline.org/
Free, 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress—youth, adults, and families.
Oregon YouthLine (Teen-to-Teen Support)
877-968-8491 | Text “teen2teen” to 839863 | theyouthline.org
Peer-to-peer help for teens every day, 4-10 pm (calls answered by adults at other times).
Reach Out Oregon Parent Warmline
833-732-2467 | www.reachoutoregon.org
Parent and caregiver support line offering guidance and resources statewide.
OHA Behavioral Health Ombuds Office
Toll-Free 877-642-0450 | www.oregon.gov/oha/erd/pages/ombuds-program.aspx
Helps resolve complaints or access problems with behavioral-health services.
Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN)
503-945-5763 | www.ofsn.org
Family-run nonprofit offering peer support, advocacy, and training for parents and caregivers.
The Dougy Center
866-775-5683 | www.dougy.org
Resources and groups for children, teens and adults grieving a loss.
Oregon Poison Center
800-222-1222 | https://www.ohsu.edu/oregon-poison-center
Free, confidential advice for poison or overdose emergencies.
Lines for Life
877-968-8491 | https://www.linesforlife.org/
24-hour support for mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention.
State and National Mental-Health Resources
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) – Behavioral Health Division
oregon.gov/oha/BH
Information on mental-health programs, crisis systems, and youth services.
Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA)
easacommunity.org
Programs for young people ages 12-25 experiencing early signs of psychosis.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
800-622-HELP (4357) | www.samhsa.gov
National resource locator for treatment and recovery programs.
Oregon Health Authority Ombuds Office
877-642-0450 | www.oregon.gov/oha/erd/pages/ombuds-program.aspx
Helps individuals resolve concerns with OHP or other OHA programs.
Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DCBS)
888-877-4894 | https://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx
Helps individuals with questions about their insurance.
Glossary of Terms (Plain Language)
Behavioral Health – A broad term that includes mental health and substance-use services.
Care Coordinator – A person who helps organize treatment, appointments, and communication between providers.
Crisis – A time when someone feels unable to cope or stay safe because of strong emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act)- A federal law that protects the privacy of personal health information.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act) – A federal law that protects the privacy of students educational records.
Safety Plan – A written list of steps and supports to help someone stay safe when suicidal thoughts
or strong emotions arise.
ROI (Release of Information) – A form that gives permission for providers to share health information
with specific people or agencies.
Peer Support Specialist – A trained person with lived experience who helps others through similar challenges.
Trauma – An emotional response to a distressing or life-threatening event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope.
Wraparound Services – Intensive, team-based support for youth and families with complex needs, focused
on keeping them in their home and community.
If You Need Help Right Now
Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24 hours a day).
If there is immediate danger, call 911 and tell responders it is a mental-health crisis.
You are not alone. Help is always available in Oregon.