Ways to Reach Out When You're in a Behavioral Health Crisis
Post Date: May 17, 2023
Behavioral Health
Behavioral health crises can vary a lot. They can be different from person to person, as well as from situation to situation. According to the American Medical Association, behavioral health crises might include mental health crises, substance use disorders, a crisis resulting from physical symptoms of stress, and others.
You might be considering self-harm or suicide, in which case 911 or a 24/7 lifeline are your first and fastest options for help. Or you might find that your behavioral health impacts your ability to function, making day-to-day tasks difficult, and it’s time to seek a long-term solution quickly. Here are some ways to reach out for help during a behavioral health crisis.
Call the 988 lifeline
For immediate crisis counseling, available for free 24/7, the 988 lifeline is an easier way to get on the phone with crisis counselors with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Just dial 988 to speak with trained counselors in English or Spanish.
Use the crisis text line
If calling isn’t an option, or texting is more accessible, you can text HOME to 741741. The 24-hour crisis text line allows you to get help from a volunteer counselor who can aid you with de-escalating your situation. Once you’re safe, they can connect you with local resources to help you take the next steps to better behavioral health.
Reach out to your provider
If you’re experiencing a behavioral health crisis during open hours, you can also reach out to your primary care provider’s office to see if they can offer assistance. Whether you need emergency help or you can make an appointment for later, your provider can be an excellent resource for further care. CHP provides crisis support to medical providers at CHP clinics.
Use Montana211 to find services
If you’re unsure where the nearest crisis services are, you can use the Montana 211 directory by dialing 211 or going to the website. It can feel overwhelming in a crisis if you don’t know who to call in your area. This way, you can access all the information you need in one place without feeling swamped by Google search results.
Take advantage of virtual options
Virtual counseling can be an important tool when your immediate safety is secure, but you want to make a long-term plan to improve your behavioral health. Clinicians on CHP’s behavioral health team offer phone and Zoom sessions for individuals and a dialectical behavioral therapy group via Zoom that is open to the community.
Talk to a loved one
Talking to someone you trust about what you’re going through can help you get the help you need faster. While a kind and supportive listener can provide support, a friend or family member can also drive you to the doctor, help you research resources, help you get treatment, or stay with you to keep you safe. You are important, and your health matters. If you have someone in your life who can aid you, share what you’re dealing with and ask for support.
When you need support from your community, Community Health Partners clinics across Southwest Montana offer affordable care, no matter what you’re going through. Take advantage of behavioral health services at clinics in Belgrade, Bozeman, and Livingston, with services in West Yellowstone too.
