How to respond if your teen is in crisis

Sometimes, it’s clear that someone is experiencing a crisis and they need immediate help. For example, the situation is an emergency and immediate action is needed if any of these signs are present:

  • in the act of hurting or killing themselves, has a weapon or other lethal means
  • threatening to hurt or kill themselves
  • looking for ways to hurt or kill themselves, talking about a plan to do so
  • talking about death or suicide and is acting anxious or agitated
  • talking about death or suicide and is intoxicated or “high” on drugs

In any of these instances you should call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8355 (TALK) immediately.

Additional Bay Area crisis lines include:

  • San Francisco Suicide Prevention: (415) 781-0500
  • San Mateo Psychiatric Emergency Services: (650) 573-2662
  • Star Vista Crisis Line (San Mateo County): (650) 579-0350
  • Crisis Support Services of Alameda County: (800) 309-2131
  • Suicide Prevention and Community Counseling of Marin: (415) 499-1100
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