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 2025.
Emergency and Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 | Chat at 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 | www.oregonyouth.org
Peer-to-peer help for teens every day, 4-10 pm (calls answered by adults at other times).
Reach Out Oregon Help Line
833-732-2467 | www.reachoutoregon.org
Parent and caregiver support line offering guidance and resources statewide.
OHA Behavioral Health Ombuds Office
503-945-5763 | Toll-Free 877-642-0450 | oregon.gov/oha
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 | www,ohsu.edu/oregon-poison-center
Free, confidential advice for poison or overdose emergencies.
Lines for Life
800-273-8255 | 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.
Governor’s Advocacy Office (DHS/OHA)
800-442-5238 | oregon.gov
Helps individuals resolve concerns with Oregon Department of Human Services or OHA programs.
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 – A federal law that protects the privacy of personal health information.
FERPA – 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.