We’re here to support you when you’re concerned about a child or teen in your life. They can experience mental or behavioral health concerns and often don’t have the ability to clearly communicate what they’re feeling. We can help support them and you through a crisis.
Supporting a child in crisis
Supporting a child in crisis
Warning Signs
Signs that a child or teen may be experiencing a crisis can include:
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- Avoiding friends or social activities
- Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired or low energy
- Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems
- Confused thinking or problems concentrating
- Excessive worry or anxiety
- Feeling chronically overwhelmed or stressed
- Chronic issues with school performance or attendance
Risk Factors
Risk factors that can increase the chance that a child or teen may experience a crisis can include:
- Family history of mental illness
- Experiencing as trauma or abuse, or witnessing violence
- Chronic medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes
- Drug and alcohol use
- Significant life changes, such as loss of a loved one, divorce, or relocation
Learn more about available services
Phone, Text & Chat
Free, confidential crisis support is available by phone, text and chat. Our compassionate, nonjudgmental counselors are available 24/7.
Mobile Crisis Outreach
Mobile Crisis Outreach provides in person crisis support at home, work or other community location. Available in select counties.
School-Based Services
In select areas, our dedicated case managers can help students and their families achieve and maintain stability.
Violence Prevention Program
Intervention and prevention for those who have experienced gun violence or are at-risk of experiencing gun violence.
Emergency Youth Shelter
Short-term shelter for youth ages 11-17 experience homelessness, human trafficking or an out-of-home placement.
J-FAST
Youth centered, community-based services for youth and their families experiencing crisis, including mental health and substance use concerns.
Caring for yourself while helping others
It’s important to take care of yourself while you’re supporting someone experiencing a crisis. Our counselors can help you learn to manage your emotions and stress during tough situations.
How you can help
You can be a trusted support for a loved one experiencing a crisis. We can help.
Ask
Checking in with a loved one can help start a conversation about mental health. Studies show that asking about thoughts of suicide does not increase the risk that someone will attempt suicide. It can provide relief and an opportunity to get help.
Listen
If someone shares that they are having a hard time, it’s important to listen. Give them time to express themselves without trying to fix things.
Show Empathy
Acknowledge what they’ve said and show empathy. You likely can’t fix the issue right away. But you can listen and show you care.
Encourage
Encourage them to seek supportive resources. this can include our crisis services or other community programs. Offer support that you’re able to provide.
Check in
Assure them they’re not alone. Make a plan to connect again soon to talk, go on a walk or do another activity they enjoy.