Options in a Crisis

Understanding when and how to get immediate support.

When your child is experiencing a mental-health crisis or after a suicide attempt, families are often faced with difficult decisions under stress. This resource is to help you understand when to seek immediate help, what options are available.

The goal is safety, stabilization, and support—for your youth and for you.

When Immediate Support is Needed

You know your child best. Trust your instincts.
Seek immediate help if your child:

  • Talks about wanting to die or not wanting to live.

  • Has a plan or access to means for self-harm.

  • Has attempted suicide or engaged in self-harm.

  • Is using substances in a way that feels unsafe.

  • Seems unable to stay safe, even with support.

  • Is experiencing extreme emotional distress, confusion, or agitation.

If you feel unsure or overwhelmed, reaching out right away can help you decide the next step.

Crisis Lines and Immediate Support

These options can be used before, instead of, or alongside going to the Emergency Room.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – (24/7)

  • Call or text 988.

  • Free, confidential, available 24/7.

  • Trained counselors will help you with de-escalation, safety planning, and potential next steps.

Reach Out Oregon Parent Warmline

  • Call or text 1-833-732-2467.

  • www.reachoutoregon.org

  • Family Support Specialists (trained parents with lived experience), will provide you emotional support, help with local resources, and guidance for families across Oregon. This warmline is available Monday – Friday, 10am to 4pm. 

You do not need to be in immediate danger to call these lines. They are here to help you think through options and reduce risk.

Community Crisis and Urgent Care

In some areas, additional supports may be available and can help avoid an Emergency Room visit when it is safe to do so. These options are not available in all communities. 

Community-based options may include:

  • Mobile Crisis Teams
    Teams that can respond in person to assess safety and help stabilize a situation.

  • Behavioral Health Urgent Care or Crisis Walk-in Clinics
    This is short-term support for urgent mental-health needs that do not require an Emergency Room visit.

  • County Mental Health Crisis Services
    Local programs that provide crisis response, coordination, and referrals.

  • Family Support Specialists (FSS)
    Family Support Specialists are trained parents or caregivers who have lived experience navigating mental-health systems. They will:

    • Listen without judgment and offer emotional support.

    • Help you and your family understand options and next steps.

    • Support safety planning and follow-up care.

    • Assist with communication between families, providers, and schools.

Availability varies by county and time of day. If you are unsure what is available where you live, crisis lines can help you identify local options quickly.

When Community Support Is Not Enough

If your youth cannot stay safe, has attempted suicide, or needs immediate medical care, the Emergency Room may still be the safest option.

If you are ever unsure, calling 988 or the Reach Out Oregon Parent Warmline
(833-732-2467) can help you decide what to do next.