What can I do if my loved one has a mental health crisis?

Being prepared for a crisis by learning about resources and support services allows you to act fast and make good decisions.  You may find the information contained in the section of NAMI’s website on Getting Treatment During a Crisis to be particularly helpful.  You may also find our NAMI Guide, Navigating a Mental Health Crisis to be extremely informative.

Calling the Police

Involving the police in a crisis can be an extremely stressful situation for all concerned.  Should your loved one need emergency assistance during a mental health crisis –  before dialing 911 – contact the non-emergency phone number for your local police department and ask if they have a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).  Explain that your loved one is experiencing a psychiatric emergency and that you need assistance.  

CITs are emergency-response police officers who are trained to de-escalate a situation for those experiencing a mental health crisis. To learn more, please consult the Calling 911 and speaking with the police page on NAMI’s website. You may also wish to visit the CIT database to determine if there is a CIT service provided in your community.

Alternative Option – Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU)

An alternative option to consider: a Mobile Crisis (MCU), or Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team, is an emergency mental health service offered by many (but not all) counties across the nation to provide on-scene evaluation, treatment and crisis interventions in the community.  The teams specialize in providing these services to individuals who are experiencing a mental health emergency and who need, but are unwilling or unable to seek, mental health treatment.

While the goal of the MCU is to enlist the individual’s cooperation and develop the least restrictive treatment options, the MCU is authorized to recommend and facilitate involuntary hospitalization and treatment when necessary.

The criteria for requesting an MCU varies depending upon the county or city mental health agency.  However, a person experiencing a crisis that presents a danger of harm to self or others - and is unwilling or unable to accept emergency services - would qualify for mobile crisis services.  If about you are unsure about the availability of mobile crisis services in your area or when it’s appropriate to call, contact the emergency mental health services in your county for more information by dialing 211.

Finally, the Treatment Advocacy Center's "Get Help" section of its website provides extensive information on how to respond in a crisis. 

Urgent Psychiatric Treatment

Local Emergency Mental Health/Walk-in Psychiatric Service Resources and services vary by County/local jurisdiction. These services often can be found through the County or local jurisdiction’s Department of Health and Human Services. Once on the website, conduct a search for the term “crisis” or search for “Emergency Mental Health Services” in your area. Services may include:

• 7 Cups is a fee-for-service online therapy with a licensed mental health professional. Also offers a free online text chat with a trained listener for emotional support, support groups and counseling. 
• Doctor on Demand is an online telehealth service including behavioral health treatment. Individuals should verify participation in their health plan. For psychotherapeutic services: cost is @$130 for 25 min consultation; @$180 for a 50-min consultation. For psychiatric services: cost is @$300 for initial 45-min consultation; @$130 for a 15-min follow-up.
• National Network of Depression Centers provides a Resources page containing links to each State’s Department of Behavioral Services.