Quick Links: Troubled Teens
If you are dealing with a suicidal teen know that you are not alone. Professional help is available to provide assistance in getting through this crisis.
Who to Call for Help When a Teen is Suicidal
When the risk is imminent:
- Call your local police department or 911 right away. Describe clearly the seriousness of the situation. Examples of a teen in imminent danger include a teen in possession of a weapon, pills or other means to carry through on their threat.
When the threat is serious but not imminent:
Call a crisis hotline.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- This confidential crisis intervention hotline is available 24 hours daily and staffed by trained counselors. The counselor answering the call can talk to you, and directly to your teen as well, to identify mental health resources in your area and help figure out what next steps to take to keep your teen safe.
Call your teens’ health care provider.
- State the seriousness of the situation and request an urgent appointment, as well as assistance over the phone if needed.
- This is a health-care emergency. Your provider can help in evaluating the extent of the risk and their knowledge about your teen will be helpful in determining next steps. They can also make a referral for hospitalization, if needed.
Call a psychiatric hospital or the emergency room of the hospital closest to you.
- Hospitals are designed to deal with emergency situations and can advise you on how to get your teen the help they need. In some communities a mobile evaluation unit can be dispatched by a psychiatric hospital or community crisis center.
- See our article: How to Hospitalize a Teen in Crisis
Call your teens’ therapist, if they are currently participating in therapy.
- Contact the therapist on an emergency basis and request assistance.
- A therapist who knows your teen will be in a good position to help determine what steps to take to ensure your teens’ safety and can recommend crisis resources in your area.
Important: Always take a suicide threat made by a teen seriously and take action to get professional help in evaluating your teens’ risk - it could save their life.
Quick Links: Troubled Teens